I experienced a heart attack and then found out I had Type 2 Diabetes as well while in the hospital. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and anxious trying to grasp all the life changes that needed to be made. I met my nurse, Aaron, on 5 Crescent and he asked how I was feeling if I had any pain or any questions. I told him of my overwhelmed, anxious and frustrated feelings plus the fact that I want to go home. Aaron didn't just listen to my concerns and how I was feeling, he listened and then explained that everything I was feeling was natural and that I had been through a lot even though I was physically feeling pretty good. My body is trying to handle the heart attack and trying to control my blood sugar was not going to happen overnight. The medications would help a lot and I would need to give it time, more than a few days, for my body to repair and recover. Not only did he listen and explain, but he also took a personal interest in me and my situation and told me that I had the ability and the greatness to turn this all around and live a long life. He encouraged questions, positive thinking and new ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. It was just what I needed to help me get back to being a positive person, which I usually am but, had fallen down and really needed a lift. That is just what Aaron did, he gave me that lift I needed to change my overwhelmed and frustrated feeling around to "let's work this out one day at a time and make life better for me and my family."
For 2 days I had Aaron as my nurse and enjoyed seeing and talking with him. Always uplifting, positive and showed he truly cared about me and my medical, emotional, mental needs. I asked him each day as he asked if there was anything he could do for me if I could go home. Each day he said he couldn't tell me I could go home, with regret. Going home became a joke between us. On Wednesday, he said he was going to have Thursday off but they would probably let me go home if everything went well. I told him that Thursday was my birthday and he said he would see me again before I leave, even though he had the day off. I did get to go home on my birthday and as I had just gotten released, Aaron came into my room with a birthday card and flowers. His card read "Never forget the greatness you hold and never stop believing in yourself". He walked me and my family out and gave words of encouragement along the way.
Aaron, you truly made a difference in my life and how I was going to handle the obstacles going forward. For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have shown that nurses don't just give medical care as needed but also emotional strength, compassion and encouragement that at times can and does make a difference in their patient's wellbeing long after they leave your care. Aaron, again thank you from the bottom of my heart.