Peter Kuhlman
September 2019
Peter
Kuhlman
,
RN
Ambulatory Surgery Center
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
Santa Rosa
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

I had an out-patient back procedure which unfortunately ended with me at an 8/10 pain level when I came out of sedation, as well as some frightening numbness in my arms and hands. I remember being in pain and struggling to communicate with Peter and my family, exactly what was wrong. I have a complicated medical history and he took my medication limitations in stride.
When a dose of a pain killer only led to more numbness, Peter calmly reassured me that they always had something else to try. He was never patronizing or condescending, simply quietly confident in everything he did. He made sure to inform both myself and my family, instead of simply talking over me when I didn't respond. He didn't hesitate to call my pain management specialist in, but also didn't jump the gun and call before he had tried a couple of the usual fixes.
Overall, I think Peter spent about two to three hours with my family and me in the recovery ward. My overwhelming memory of what could have been far more traumatic is one of being cared for and looked after. No matter what happened I had someone looking out for me. Thank you for having the DAISY Award!