Today I had a venogram with possible Embolization intervention depending on the findings. I made it known to Kristi that I've been sexually assaulted in the past, and my greatest fear wasn't the surgery itself, but being fully restrained, basically naked, and half-conscious. During the procedure, she consistently made sure I was okay and comfortable, and took great care to ensure she and everyone else kept me as covered as possible. She advocated for me the whole time, and I honestly can't describe how much her help meant to me.

During the procedure, she had me answer questions about my hobbies, work, and hopes for the future, which helped keep me distracted. She was very attentive when I started showing more anxiety, and she helped keep me grounded. I don't have the words to explain just how helpful she was. She is the only reason I didn't have a panic attack while prepping for the procedure. I told her I am autistic, and the crying I was doing was just from being overstimulated and scared, so after I was taken into the OR, she told me to make sure to tell her if I needed people to stop touching me for a moment so I could breathe and feel some control. That is something most people don't even think about. She was kind, attentive, and courageous on my behalf. I hope she is my RN every single time I have the chance. Thank you, Kristi!