I arrived an hour prior to my scheduled procedure as instructed. I was told they needed to put an oxygen mask on me as a precaution. I told them I couldn't do that because I am claustrophobic and have had anxiety attacks. After some discussion, we agreed on tubes in my nostrils. They then finished the prep and I was wheeled into the Endoscopy Room by Nancy and another nurse.
While waiting for the doctor, I became very anxious and wanted to leave. The room was small and dark and had no windows. Nancy stepped up and began talking to me and asked what she could do to help me. She had me sit up on the edge of the gurney. That helped, but, only for a short time. She kept speaking to me asking me various questions and what she could do to help. She asked if getting up and going for a walk would help and I said it might. She took me off of the Oxygen and disconnected some other things and then walked me into the hallway while she took care of the intravenous pole. We walked for a brief time and then the doctor was ready. It was only a short time from there that I was sedated and the procedure was performed. If it had not been for Nancy I would have gotten dressed and left as fast as possible. She was very comforting and patient. She seemed to know what I needed and how to handle things to keep me going. She was compassionate and totally non-judgmental. She also took the time to explain to all of her colleagues what I was going through and what my needs were. Thanks to her going above and beyond her normal duties I was able to have a very important procedure that I needed. I can't say enough about Nancy's actions. She was willing to do whatever was needed to help me. I'm sure it meant more work for her but that didn't phase her at all.