I went to my local urgent care because my belly button was bleeding. They sent me to the ER because I have a VP shunt, so they were worried about the infection risk.

The doctor who initially saw me was wonderful. He said I was going to be admitted, started IV antibiotics, and made an action plan. The neurosurgical team was fast to see me and said they were sending care to a general surgeon and would be on standby in case my shunt needed to be taken external.

Then, after a whole bunch of craziness and visits from other doctors I had never met before, I had a bit of a breakdown and cried to myself. Priscilla had come to check on me and saw me crying. She stopped what she was doing and held my hand and helped me get it back together.

Then, yet another doctor came by and said she was taking over my care. I was no longer going to be admitted, to stop the antibiotics and that what I had wrong with me was nothing more than an infection similar to athlete's foot and that I would be discharged.

My mother, at this point, was as upset as I was from all the different, conflicting, and confusing information. Priscilla not only calmed us but assured me she would ask the Dr to please come back and talk to us. When she did she again said it was not a bacterial infection, simply a fungal one.

I had requested that the wound at least be swabbed to be tested for what kind of fungus it was, so I could make sure I treated it right at home. The doctor told me there was no need. Priscilla could see that I was getting upset again (I was really not feeling well at this point), and advocated for me. The doctor agreed to order the swab and then discharged me.

Throughout the rest of the time, Priscilla was reassuring and absolutely wonderful. She helped reassure my mom as well that I could always come back if I got worse.

I started to get really sick the next few days. A few days later, a doctor from the ER called me to say the swab came back positive for MRSA. I will never be able to show my gratitude to Priscilla for advocating for me!

She truly listened to me (and to my mom), and believed me when I said something was wrong and I really felt sick. Nurses like her are exactly what this world needs! She trusted a patient and their gut instinct.

I appreciate her helping me to speak to the doctor again and for helping to get the test ordered.

Unfortunately, because of my medical history, I am in the emergency room way more than I'd like to be, but rarely for something outside of neurology issues. This visit, I was terrified because I didn't know what was happening, didn't know any of the doctors, was unfamiliar with the medications, and yet no one was listening to me.

Except for Priscilla.

Thank you for listening to me go on and on. I hope you can see what gem Priscilla is!! I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so!