It is not unusual for a patient to present in the ED with abdominal pains. The stakes get higher when that pain is caused by a ruptured colon requiring emergency surgery—a surgery the patient may not survive. Worse yet, this patient could not receive opioids based on her history. All of this was concerning, but what Annel noticed mostly while assessing the patient's medication list is that she was all alone. Annel asked her if there was anyone to call and received a muted "no".
What often happens when someone has a long history of drug use is that family has already given all they can give. Understanding that phenomenon, Annel still couldn't let her go into a surgery she may not survive without anyone knowing. She asked if the patient had any friends. There was one. Annel got the phone number, got permission, and made the call. It was a good call. The friend "freaked out" at the thought of losing her friend without knowing.
The friend could not leave work immediately, but Annel told her when the surgery should be over so she could visit later. With no one to advocate for the patient before surgery, Annel came back to her side, removed her jewelry, and said a prayer before the life-saving treatment.
Annel is certainly one who understands what it means to help someone feel safe, valued and involved. The patient was thankful. Her friend was thankful. And Mount Carmel is thankful to have Annel as she can translate a single moment into a meaningful experience for our patients.