I had a cerebral angiogram performed. This procedure takes a lot of prep time, with me nervously laying on the cold operating table. Zane Gillette was my anesthetist planned for the procedure. One of the other nurses kept prodding him and joking around. I think he was trying to lighten the mood for me because he could tell how nervous I was. Zane just smiled, with no comebacks of his own. I asked him why he takes that, and he said, "I'll let him know when I've had enough". Zane was focused on me, and my comfort.
I couldn't have anything for anxiety until Dr. K was in the room. As soon as Zane got the OK, he gave me what he could. Dr. K kept saying Versed; I had to have small doses because I had to remain awake and alert for the procedure. Zane was always ready to give me medication when he could. He knew how nervous I was. He went behind the machine, I'm sure to check my vitals. I said with my distressed voice, "I'm freaking out here Zane". He then rushed over and the one thing I really noticed is he put his head right down to mine. My hands were restrained, and my head was immobile, so all I could move was my eyes. He always put his head right in the front of my face, so we were eye to eye. That was so comforting.
As I mentioned previously, in a situation like mine, where it takes 45 minutes of prep time, as they are creating a sterile field, it can't be done without an extremely proficient team player.
Zane is like a chunk of peace in midst of complete chaos. Without him there, I doubt I would have made it through the procedure. Especially when they put some sort of dye or something through the IV; it felt like my face was on fire! Zane knows this is running and is right by my side to calm me. At that point, I realized why they restrain your hands.
Zane is an amazing person and he has nursing in his blood.
Thank you, Zane, for being my Extraordinary Nurse!