Earlier this year my dad was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat caused by Atrial Fibrillation. Prior to his diagnosis, he told me that he hadn't been feeling himself for a few days, but could not give additional details about his symptoms. One morning I arrived at his house, as I normally do, and I was surprised to see that he was not waiting on the porch for me as usual. I entered his home and as I approached his kitchen I found him on the floor, covered in his own urine and feces. I called 911 and he was taken to the hospital.
I rode along in the ambulance and even before we arrived at the hospital, it was as though nothing happened. After spending hours in the ER, dad was sent home; I knew no more at that moment than I did the moment I found him. I decided to stay the night with my father, and the next morning when I awoke, I found the same thing upon entrance to the kitchen. This time, I took my father to Baptist South Hospital, in my own car. Like the previous day, before we even arrived, it was as though nothing had taken place. After time in the ER, dad was admitted.
By the time we arrived to his room, I was tired, frustrated and very confused about exactly what was going on; why would an active and healthy adult male urinate and defecate on himself? Moments after our arrival, our angel Nurse Jodie entered the room. Initially, I was very short tempered with Jodie; her questions seemed embarrassing and intrusive. As I broke down in tears, Jodie reached over and grabbed the call light to request someone to come to the room. Suddenly a young man came in and she gave him some instructions and then called for me to take a walk with her. First, we arrived at the vending machines and she gave me a handful of change and encouraged me to take just a moment to regroup.
It's amazing what chocolate, a soda and someone to lean on for just one moment can do. When we returned to the room, my dad looked so neat, clean and peaceful taking a much-needed nap. Jodie explained the importance of every question; she provided an explanation of every procedure, every test conducted and of every medication prescribed. When I could not be there, I felt comfort knowing Jodie would be there. I really felt as though she cared about my dad as much as I do. This woman is absolutely amazing!