When I was diagnosed with Lupus, I was admitted to the hospital for urgent treatment for IV medication, it all happened so fast. I was scared, frightened and very anxious. I was given contact details for the Lupus Specialist Nurse and left a message for her. Samantha rang me back that day, as soon as she learned I was at Chapel Allerton as an inpatient Samantha came down the ward to see me. She spent nearly 2 hours with me talking through the diagnosis, treatment options, how to manage flares, plus coping with the psychological elements of being newly diagnosed. Samantha also made a separate appointment to help my partner support and understand what living with Lupus could be like. Samantha was very positive that with treatment, time, and support from physiotherapy and occupational health that I would get my life back, I was not so optimistic at this time.
After I was discharged from the hospital, Samantha took it upon herself to give me a weekly call for a catch up until my initial appointment in Rheumatology Clinic. Her positive, caring, and supportive guidance made such a difference in my mental and psychological wellbeing in the first few months of diagnosis, she is an incredibly compassionate nurse, who has helped me, be me again.