I had undergone a very extensive surgery which resulted in an 8-day hospital stay, followed by a very difficult recovery period at home. I developed complications and was hospitalized again a month later. I was very sick, having lost 30 pounds over 5 weeks. I was suffering from severe malnutrition, having to deal with pain, constant nausea and vomiting. It truly was the worst time I had physically gone through.
Because I was so sick, I was in the hospital for 22 days. During that time, I also had to deal with the anniversary of my daughters' death, which is a very hard date for me each year. I was also dealing with the stress of not being at home with my orphaned 12-year-old granddaughter I'm raising, and the overall depression of such a long hospital stay. I had lots of moments of tears and discouragement.
All my nurses on five east were so kind and amazing to me, but Renee truly made my days so much better because she always had a joyful and positive spirit about her. She listened to me vent on the days I was feeling particularly sad. She listened without judgment as if she had nothing else to do at that time. Whenever I was nauseated or in pain, she was so prompt to provide my medications. Because of her smiles and laughter, I could smile and laugh when I wanted to cry. She made the most unbearable situation bearable and even enjoyable.