I was admitted to the ER at My Michigan Health University of Michigan Health, in Clare, Michigan. I was having symptoms of passing a kidney stone. We were from out of town on vacation. Ryan was my nurse in the ER that night. He was one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. He went above and beyond what I would have ever expected from an individual who didn't even know me.

I was frightened, as my last kidney stone put me in septic shock and almost killed me. I was in a lot of pain and vomiting, and he did everything he could do and say to reassure me that I was in good hands and would be okay. He worked as fast as he could to get me hooked up to an IV to give me fluids, pain medicine, and something for my nausea. All the time talking calmly and smiling, reassuring me that I was going to be okay. He kept me informed step by step as to what he was doing and why.

Little things, like taking my temperature and letting me know that I did not have a fever, which was a good sign of no infection. That my heart rate and blood pressure were all normal, another good sign. He explained to me the CT scan they were going to do and what results it would show us. Within a few minutes after getting the IV, I was feeling a whole lot better, and Ryan had me calmed down with his great bedside manner.

The CT scan revealed a 4MM kidney stone just inches from my bladder. Since I had no fever and no signs of infection, they released me from the ER that Monday morning around 2:00 AM. Later that morning, I passed the stone at home.

Ryan, thanks for being so kind and understanding. I hope any future ER experiences that I might have will turn out as good as this one did.