Maxine Johnson - my post-surgery guardian angel! The first day after surgery was pretty much a blur in my memory, and then, Maxine became my nurse. She was exactly what I needed. I loved, loved, loved her no-nonsense and constant positive attitude. She made me feel that my recovery was her personal crusade and her level of commitment to my healing was amazing.
Maxine was always there when I needed her. My comfort was always her concern, especially because I wanted nothing to do with the opioid painkillers. What I loved most of all during my hospital days was the constant sense of normalcy she brought with her into my room. Nothing in my world was normal at this point, but she made me feel that everything I was experiencing was within normal parameters and I was well on the way to healing. She gave me a great sense of optimism and belief in myself that I would successfully get through my first few days after surgery. Her confidence in me gave me the ability to have confidence in myself and get over the very embarrassing part of my process that I could not control.
Maxine was also my personal drill sergeant, between her and my Air Force son, they were determined to get me up and walking as much as was possible. Maxine took a very active approach to my recovery. When she came into the room, she would always talk to me, not just at me. She explained everything when I had questions, and I wanted answers to everything.
Maxine also talked to me about my life and she talked about her life, her kids, and grandkids. I loved that! It took my mind off the non-normal process I was going through. When she came into the room, she called me "Toots"; That always made me laugh.
Most of all, on Saturday before discharge, my son and I were having a lot of trouble deciding between me going to a rehab facility for approximately a week, because my weight would make it difficult for me to recover at his house, or go directly to his house and begin my recovery there. Maxine sat down, really listened to us and then talked about her observation of my recovery progress. She talked about the pros and cons of going to a rehab center versus going to my son's and her opinion of how my recovery might/would go in both situations. I cannot even begin to tell her how valuable that discussion was to my son and me, because we were very conflicted about which way would be best. When I was discharged on Sunday and she walked me to the car, I totally felt I was being sent off by a really, good friend, not just my nurse.
Maxine deserves the DAISY Award! She took my hand and guided me through that totally unknown territory of my post-operative days. I knew she was determined that I would succeed. I loved her optimism, her consistency, and her humor. I kept thinking, "I think I can, I think I can," and Maxine kept telling me "I know you can, I know you can." That attitude is as equally important as all the procedures and medicines. She is a very rare individual who can bring that into a patient's room every time he or she enters.
Maxine, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you did for me, while I was in the hospital and what you continued to do for me after I left. Every time it got hard, and I felt I would never get my strength or stamina back, I would remember your words of encouragement and your attitude of get-up and get-going and I would smile, buck up and get on with remembering that Maxine had said "I know you can, I know you can." Thank you beyond what words can express!