Over the past year, I have had many illnesses. Often, I grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of a definitive diagnosis. My symptoms are always vague but have impacted my professional and personal life as a wife and mother of seven. After an ER visit, and a fruitless follow-up with neurology, who quickly referred me to psychiatry for anxiety, I was beside myself. Was I doing this to myself? Were my symptoms medical at all? I was losing faith in medicine.
That day at my lowest, Patricia called me to follow-up, "Something is concerning to me about all your recent symptoms," Patricia took the time to acknowledge my symptoms and clearly, she reviewed my chart in detail before we spoke. She listened, truly listened. She was compassionate and empathetic. I may have given up my quest for answers, but she researched providers to lead me on a course of action-and even gave me referrals to MDs that she thought might be a good fit for my concerns. She expressed genuine concern and I never felt rushed. She even tapped into extra resources she had which she did not need to do.
Patricia went above and beyond to find me the resources I needed. She became very familiar with the "many moving parts" as I saw several specialists. Eventually, a Rheumatologist diagnosed me with an autoimmune disease. I am still symptomatic, but it's easier to manage, now that I know what I am dealing with. I truly feel this would not have been possible without the validation, persistence, and resources Patricia provided.
She still calls on occasion to follow-up. I am back to work and have a six-year-old who approached me and told me she missed me while I was sick. Transition nurses are never face-to-face, but their role is priceless and under-appreciated by patients. I thank God Patricia came into my life when I needed her most. Aurora is blessed to have such a professional and compassionate individual! I think of her every day and am so grateful!