I have had a multiple health issues over the years and because of that I have anxiety whenever I have to go into the hospital. Last year I found out that I may have to have my entire colon removed; I was devastated. I had had a prior colon resection but got a horrible MRSA infection at another hospital. Because of that infection, I had to have multiple other procedures done including more surgery. When the physician here at MUSC said that they may have to remove my entire colon I was inconsolable. The old fears came back and I couldn't even consider the thought; but I was so sick that I was going to have to do something, and soon.
I spoke to the Chief Nursing Officer at MUSC and discussed my fears with her and she recommended that I speak to Karen Weaver and let her coordinate my care in the OR holding, OR and PACU. I have to say that Karen was the most incredible nurse. She came and met with me, held my hand and let me cry. She could see the fear and worked hard to disseminate that fear. Karen organized an all-women’s team for the OR to alleviate my fears of exposure and she also helped coordinate my care with the anesthesiologist. We met regularly and talked about the procedure and she listened and calmed my fears. I would not have been able to complete the surgery if it had not been for her. She came to see me in the hospital almost every day to check on my progress and to reassure me.
She will never know how much this all meant to me. She is a deserving and caring nurse. Thank you Karen for making a difference in my life; I will never be able to thank you enough.....