I had my fourth abdominal surgery since February 2020. I am also a recovering addict from substance abuse. I was supposed to receive a nerve block after surgery so I would not be given any narcotics for pain. However, I did not end up getting the nerve block and was given a variety of narcotics. My family voiced their concern about this with the ultimate fear that I would or could relapse after being discharged.
Kristen advocated to get me a nerve block and succeeded because a couple hours later, I received a nerve block and that stopped most of my pain, making the variety of narcotics not necessary. After Kristen spoke with my family, she went right back to the physician assistant and fought to get the nerve block for me. She succeeded because a couple of hours later, I received a block and that stopped most of my pain, making the variety of narcotics not necessary. I am almost 1 year sober and refused to relapse again, especially because of my history.
Kristen went well above and way beyond to fight for me just to make sure my life and especially my sobriety was not thrown out the window over a very necessary surgery. Kristen definitely shows she truly cares about her patients and everything they have gone through to be where they are today!
In conclusion, thank you, Kristen!