I'm a 38-year-old male and have been living with Crohn's Disease since I was 14. Over the years, my symptoms have been difficult for me to live with. I need frequent trips to the bathroom and it's enough that people at work comment on it so much that I just don't eat during the day anymore. I can't stand hearing people talk about me, and I'm always afraid of not being able to make it to a bathroom in time.
I just had my third surgery to remove a section of my small intestine and am having a tough time getting used to managing my first ever ileostomy bag. It was filling up so fast I was afraid to fall asleep last night. Eventually, I did fall asleep in a chair and was woken up from the cold wet sensation of a ruptured bag. It's difficult for me to put into words the shame and helplessness I was feeling as I hit my call light to request assistance from basically a perfect stranger to help me get out of my soiled clothes and clean up the most embarrassing mess I'd ever seen.
Krista came into my room and didn't roll her eyes or make me feel ashamed for what I had done. She didn't seem upset that she had other patients to take care of and now had a monumental mess to clean up. She instead looked me in the eyes and said, "It's perfectly okay, B. Let's get these clothes off and we'll get you cleaned up and feeling better right now." She could easily see that I was completely humiliated and made every effort to comfort me and help restore my fragile state. After she cleaned me up and got me comfortable in bed, she took some extra time to just sit and talk to me and help me feel like a whole person again.
Everyone that has had any part in my care since I've been here has been pleasant and professional. I have no complaints about any of them, but Krista went so far beyond what is required to be a nurse and really made me feel valued and cared for. She is very special. The world needs more Kristas and I feel extremely blessed to have met her. I've been in and out of a lot of hospitals over the years dealing with my disease and never once have I been so completely impressed with the care and compassion I see in her.