Last year my husband and I were on vacation in Kennebunk, Maine. It was a beautiful day and my husband went fly fishing in the ocean. I was just about to pull away from the cottage and my husband had already returned. Normally he would be gone for hours. He said it was really hot and he was sweating so much it looked like a wave had hit him. Earlier he had his waders on in the ocean and kept going deeper in the ocean trying to cool off, but when it didn't seem to make a difference he thought he better get back to the cottage for a bit. He said he was going to get a drink and change locations. I went on my way to meet up with my mom, and my husband and I were planning on meeting up at dinner time. Long story short, as soon as I left, my husband got very ill and was not able to call me, as his phone was in his truck which was parked quite a distance from the cottage. I arrived back at the cottage hours later but hours sooner than I had planned. An ambulance was called and the EMT was very good at assessing my husband. We were headed to Maine Medical Center and a quick stop on the way to pick up another EMT to help and then we were directed to stop at a different hospital. An hour or so later the doctor agreed with the EMT that my husband had a brain bleed and sent us back on the road to Maine Medical Center.
Once we arrived at Portland Maine Medical Center, everyone was ready to go. I wish I could remember the doctor's name that spoke so nicely to me and my parents. I think he is the head of the ED. He had a great bedside manner, which was so appreciated during such a fragile time.
We eventually ended up in the SCU3. Once they had my husband all set in his room they let me in to be with him. He had one on one nursing for the first few days. Tori Howe was his nurse and I have no doubt she's an angel on earth sent to be with us to watch over and take excellent care of my husband. I can't talk or write about her without filling up. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have her. No one can possibly understand how very important an excellent nurse is until you are in need. The second night I went back to the cottage to pack and thankfully was able to move in with my parents who summer in Maine. I called Tori in the middle of that night and the next night as well to make sure that my husband was stable and didn't need to have a procedure to release the swelling on his brain. She never once made me feel like I was bothering her, instead would let me know how he was and would say so sweetly to try to get some rest. She took care of us both. When she left and wasn't going to be back for many days, it broke my heart. I'm sure she had no idea how wonderful my husband and I both felt she was; although I think we both told her!
My husband was transferred 6 or 7 days later to the regular floor and we missed having Tori as our nurse. She is extremely bright, professional and sweet, she's got it all going on for her. You are so blessed to have her working at your hospital. Let her be the example that other nurses should follow.
We did see Tori last June when we were on vacation. It was so nice for us to thank her in person and to let her see how well my husband has done since he left Maine Medical Center. When my husband was released from the hospital he was expected to be at the rehab facility for approximately 3 weeks and ended up leaving one week later with a cane. He attended physical and occupational therapy for a short period of time and is now in the past couple of months eating a plant-based diet with no dairy or eggs. He has lost 20 pounds and recently has been taken off of his blood pressure medicine. My husband would tell you that his recovery is about 99% almost one year later.
I thank Maine Medical Center for their awesome doctors, nurses, and staff; right down to the staff person that would open the locked doors. Once he called the nurses and got the okay to allow me and other family members to visit with my husband. Also, I'd like to mention the woman who was in charge of the library. She was so helpful and allowed me to use one of their computers and let not forget the gift shop that would occupy my mind while I let my husband rest. So many people had a positive impact on us and were unaware. One night I was in the main lobby and some random employee sat at the piano and played "Love Story". It felt like he was playing for me as I always look at my marriage as a love story. Another nurse that heard me on my cell phone talking and crying came to me with tissues; just randomly. I could go on and on. This says so much for your hospital. Sometimes it's the little things that mean so much.
Note: This is Tori's 2nd DAISY Award!