I was hospitalized with a perforated bowel and diverticulitis in early June. I had never been in a hospital before and to be frank, was a scared 41-year-old when I was admitted. I was facing the prospect of immediate bowel resection and had to spend 8 nights alone, away from my family thanks to COVID-19. I ended up not needing the surgery on an immediate basis, but I was not quickly discharged as an abscess had formed requiring a drain being put in, and then I had to endure night after night of antibiotics and daily blood draws. I had mixed emotions of fear, frustration, and outright boredom, but more than anything I wanted to see my family. I have twin boys, and one has mild autism. I also have an older child diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Being away from them strained everyone. This nurse was a Godsend. Not only was she pleasant to work with on my end, but she also talked at length with my spouse and calmed her concerns. Then when yet another day passed without a realistic prospect of coming home, after 7 long nights I broke down in tears on the phone. This nurse conspired to help and managed to bring me to the discharge area to see my family for a few short minutes. I got to hug and kiss my family and it brought me tears of happiness.
Thankfully, I was able to be discharged a few days later, but I wanted to bring to your attention her compassion for my situation. I had never spent more than 2 nights away from my family prior to this, and 8 days was an ordeal. Unfortunately, I will have to come back for a scheduled voluntary bowel resection this fall. But I will be emotionally prepared for having to come back to the hospital to spend 4-5 days. I sincerely hope she will be on staff when I return as she made a difficult and emotionally taxing experience manageable. Thanks again for having people like her on your staff during these awful times.