I wanted to let you know of the great service I received. I fractured my right knee on a Monday. Since this would be the very first time that I would be put out completely and I was already in a ton of pain and nervous, I requested that if I could have a CRNA do my anesthesia. My nurse said she would see what she could do since I would be an add-on for the day and it would be late. I understood that completely.

I came in on Wednesday around 1300. I was greeted by an excellent APC team that got me going and settled in. They got me all settled in with the nerves and pain cooking at a 12 out of 10. They knew ahead of time I was all out of pain meds. This was when it got good and where my excellent care from an outstanding CRNA started. Matthew was my CRNA.

Matthew, I learned, volunteered to stay late for my entire surgery so that I would not be handed off to a resident while my surgery was taking place. This immediately rested my nerves that I already had. He then proceeded to do his assessment. After my IV was placed and they made sure that all my stuff was in order, he gave me some medication to help with the pain, which helped with my relaxation, too. He also got me a patch to place behind my ear to help long-term with relaxation and pain. I learned that Matt stayed with me until I was settled in PACU after some time to make sure there were no complications post-op. He was also nice to use a glide scope to place the tube in my throat so there was no damage to my airway or mouth. The next morning, around 0700, Matt came up to my room to check on me and explain everything that was done. He made me feel like I was the only Veteran in the hospital by going out of his way. I know CRNAs don’t have to stay with their patients when their day is over. I want to say that this made me feel amazing and really appreciate the care that I received at the Milwaukee VA and why I prefer my care to be at the VA.