I had gotten an epidural abscess on my spine which led to a blood infection. I had to stay for 2 months on IV antibiotics. I had a past history of IV drug abuse but have been sober for 5 years. Shala had become one of my nurses after surgery. She is an outstanding nurse and very personable. She came up with a game plan to not go home on narcotics still because of my past history with addiction. She spoke with my mother often and had told her that she goes home every night and thinks of me and worried about my possible relapse. She truly saw me as a person and not just an “addict” the way a lot of healthcare workers do when it comes to pain medications.

Even when Shala wasn’t my nurse for that day she always came by to check on me anyways. It was the first time I have felt cared about by a nurse that much and that she had my best interest at heart. We came up with (together) a tapering plan to be off the pain med narcotics before my return home. I was nervous to go home with any because of the possibility of relapse.

Today I am going home with 24 hours free from any narcotics. If it wasn’t for her and her true care from her heart for me as a person I don’t think I would be safely sober returning home. I owe it all to her. She was my lifeline when I was here and two times I got so frustrated I packed all my bags and was ready to walk out. She took the time both times to come and have heart-to-heart conversations with me and honestly she is the only thing that kept me here to finish my treatment to the end.

I owe my health, sobriety, and life to her! I wouldn’t be as confident and happy, safely returning home today without her. I owe my life to her and she will always hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget her kindness, strength, and love of her job.