I'm a 47-year-old mom and wife with 3 children. We recently became UC Davis members. I was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension and congestive heart failure, it's hereditary, unfortunately.
It was January of 2016 when I was told that my entire lifestyle was going to change. I was taken to the ER and was told that I was being admitted for having severe fluid overload. I had gained 27 pounds in 9 days and wasn't able to breathe and my face was swollen to where my left eye was shut. Even though I was on Lasix at home my body was not absorbing it so it stopped working.
After being moved to East 4 my entire attitude changed. I just knew I was going to get the help I needed and the amazing staff had everything to do with that. Eric was my pm nurse and was absolutely the right nurse for me. He was extremely attentive and actually listened to my questions and concerns that I had. He also understood that I was going through depression and anxiety but I didn't want to be on any major medication to lean on unless all other options were tried. Eric talked to me about how meditation has helped him and I should look into it. I loved the idea that a nurse totally understood my position about using drugs instead of trying other ideas. I'm also a very hard stick for blood draws and IVs, yet the first if not the second time trying, he got it every time. He is completely, without any doubt, the best nurse I've ever had.