I have been working with the Mayo team over the past year to receive a liver transplant. Last week, I received the call that they found a matching donor and it was my turn for the extensive operation. Naturally, all the emotions of excitement fear and anxiety came rushing through but in the end, the operation was incredibly successful. I was transferred to the 5th floor East Transplant wing for post-op recovery. The entire staff that took care of me did a wonderful job! Everyone was friendly and sympathetic and helpful but there was one that really stood out - Mr. Daniel Geitzenauer.
On my last night before discharge Daniel was my assigned nurse. I hadn't slept for more than maybe a couple of hours each night due to excruciating back and stomach pain (honestly everything hurt). Daniel could tell how tired and distraught I was - anxious to get home - but still unable to sleep. He would just come in check on me or sit down and chat with me throughout the night. I can't tell you how comforting it was to have someone to actually talk to during those long hours. I'd have my visitor during the day but after 6 pm I was alone and in pain and still wide awake. We talked about movies where we grew up pretty much everything just to pass the time. I jokingly said that Mayo should hire professional masseuses for their patients, and they could make a fortune on people like me. Then Daniel told me he studied Sports Medicine in college and knew a few tricks to help with the back pain. As best as he could he got me into a comfortable position where he could apply pressure on my lower back and spine to release the tension. It worked almost immediately. He then put a heating pad on my back and told me to try to get some rest. I didn't think it would be possible, but I was able to drift off to sleep. When I woke up in the morning, I felt so much better. I still felt some slight pain of course but nothing like it was before. I could tell that this was one of the few nurses who really goes above and beyond to take care of his patients.
When I got home, I told my mom about Daniel and what an amazing job he did taking care of me. We both knew that I had to share this with someone so that he could be recognized amongst his peers and know how grateful I am that he was my nurse. In trying times like these it is especially important to let our nurses know how much they mean to us and how much they sacrifice to ensure that we are all safe happy and healthy. I will always remember his kindness to me when I was at my very lowest point. It's nurses like him who make all the difference in the world. Thank you so much.