I was in the pain clinic for SI joint injections that I received every once in a while to help manage pain and increase mobility so that I can remain at least partially in the workforce and be able to provide for my children. Since I chronically am prone to vagaling, it is recommended that I be put under sedation to ease the stress on my system and on the workings of the department, avoiding a changeover to emergency care.

Sometimes there will be a miscommunication and those orders will not be documented. Each time, my heart sinks and I ready myself to do my part in trying to stay conscious. I do not argue with the staff or make an attempt to convince them to add sedation because I don't like to be looked at as difficult/high maintenance patient, or worse, a drug seeker. Instead, I tell them the ins and outs of what to expect and how to make me comfortable if I do lose consciousness. While I was doing this, Katy spoke up. She'd remembered me from a past vagal episode. Not only did she but she'd remembered EVERYTHING I told her about how to best revive me. Katy placed me on oxygen in an attempt to help me maintain consciousness before the procedure began and I focused on trying to stay calm and steady breaths. Katy immediately asked for cold cloths to cool me as she kept my airway open and kept me from aspirating by moving my face away from my vomit. Addressing me personally she said, "We're right here for you D, you're safe".

Some people stand out in your mind, and she is one of them. Vagaling is an excruciatingly uncomfortable experience even for those that know it well, but Katy advocated for me during this episode as I would have for myself if I could have. Simply knowing she was there the whole time gave me great peace as I was locked inside myself and for the first time in my life, I didn't feel alone in it. Katy was not only an outstanding nurse but she was the kind of advocate any patient would love and be blessed to have.