Our son was admitted to the ICU with end-stage heart failure. He was on two forms of life support that did the work of his heart. He wasn't put to sleep for this because they were afraid intubating him would have been too stressful on his heart and would kill him. My husband and I were en route to Colorado where we had recently retired to. We knew our son was sick and had told him to go to urgent care to be evaluated, but thought he had bronchitis or maybe pneumonia. We were in shock to find out that he was in heart failure with an E.F. of 5-10%. He was only 25 years old! Our family kept us informed and we were there with him. Our oldest son asked so many questions and was documenting everything. That must've been very difficult for the team to handle as they stabilized our son. And that is where we were so blessed to have Katie in the beginning.
She gave not only excellent care (as everyone in the unit did) but had so much compassion and patience. Our son was awake and had to lie flat on his back with large lines in each of his groins for almost two weeks. Very difficult I think for anyone, much less, our son who also suffered from anxiety and bipolar disorder. He was able to do so thanks to Katie being so attentive and connecting with him. Explaining, encouraging, and celebrating each hurdle with him. She was so accommodating and supportive of his very large family and friends. He felt like he was her only patient and loved talking and teasing her. When our son was turning 26 while in the ICU we were allowed to decorate his room and have pizza and cupcakes. Katie wasn't working that day but stopped in and gave him gag gifts and sang to him. This was a very special birthday for him and his twin because it was probably his last as his E.F. was not improving. He was not a candidate for a transplant.
One evening, Katie offered to take my husband and me out to meet and be able to step away from the hospital for a while. We didn't live at the hospital 24/7 because of the confidence we had in Katie and the rest of the staff. She was there to support me when life support was weaned off. So often even when she was not his nurse she still checked in on him and us, hoping for the best, always honest, patient, and listening. Our son did get out of the ICU, but the I.V. medications weren't working and he knew nothing more could be done. He wanted out of the hospital. Since we couldn't bring him to Colorado with us he was moved the Evelyn's House. Our son died less than a week later surrounded by his family.
Our miracle was being able to be with our son and let him know how much he was loved and that could not have happened without the compassion and expert care he received while at MoBap. Katie gave him individualized and thoughtful care.
As a retired critical care nurse and mom, it was very hard being on the other side. I often said I had just enough knowledge to be dangerous. Questions and doubts haunt me even to this date. The holidays were hard as they are for anyone with a loss. Katie was there again for me, messaging me with love and support.
Katie is a true DAISY Nurse. She loves what she does and makes it seem so effortless. Thank you for your wisdom, wit, and care. Also making the most difficult time filled with love and good memories.