My sister was admitted for continued treatment of calciphylaxis. Most people have never heard of this, but it is a very painful condition. It is a rare but serious kidney complication. The condition causes calcium to build up inside the blood vessels of the fat and skin. It results in the formation of very painful skin lesions. We were fortunate that my sister's lesions were contained to her legs, but the pain was still severe.
We met Shana when she came into my sister's room to do morning vitals. From the moment she walked in, she was so kind, loving, and attentive to my sister, not just medically but emotionally as well. She talked to her with the kindest heart and treated our family the same way. I stayed with my sister during this visit, so I was able to see this on a daily basis. Shana instantly became a part of our family. My sister had good moments and bad with her pain, but Shana was there to comfort her and take care of her. I was sad when 7 pm came each day because I knew Shana would be getting off but had an ease of mind knowing she would be back the next morning. My prayer was that we could get my sister stabilized and moved to LTAC before Shana's shift ended on Sunday. I believe with my whole heart that Shana went above and beyond to learn more about my sister's condition to better know how to take care of her, like I said, not just medically but emotionally. She always seemed to have the right words to calm my sister down and make her feel at ease, even when she was in severe pain.
Unfortunately, on Saturday, around 10 pm, my sister passed away. As odd as this may sound, not only did my heart hurt for our family, but my heart also hurt for Shana. Before leaving the hospital that night, I wrote her a letter and left it with the night nurse. The next morning, I knew I couldn't leave town without telling Shana just how I felt in person. I went by the hospital to thank her and tell her how grateful I was that she treated us like family and treated my sister with the most loving care.
God put this amazing angel of a nurse and person in our lives when he knew we would need her the most, and I will forever be grateful. I hope you know how very fortunate your hospital is to have Shana Lovell as one of the nurses. Shana is truly a DAISY Nurse.