It’s fitting that DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System because after taking prednisone for multiple autoimmune disorders, I developed AVN of both femoral heads which subsequently resulted in bilateral hip replacements. Because I also have muscular dystrophy it was a very long recovery. In April, and again last night, I managed to dislocate my R hip. Each time I was brought to the LFH ER by ambulance.

A hip dislocation is painful and after the experiences that brought me to this point, there are a lot of unknowns. For each of the times I was there, Lu was my nurse. She’s nice, attentive, has a positive attitude, and makes me laugh even when I just want to cry. All of those things help when you’re worrying about the what-if of one’s condition.

One of my conditions really impacts my skin. Lu was very attentive going so far as to wrap some gauze around my wrist for the id bracelet and finding the hypoallergenic electrodes. I am embarrassed to type all that because it reminds me how high maintenance I am, but Lu just kept telling me it was no big deal and she was happy to do it. I am a former ICU RN and I know how hard it can be to juggle the needs of all of one’s patients, but Lu is a pro and has it going on!!

I would be remiss to not mention the kindness of every single person I came in contact with during both visits. I am glad that the unit will celebrate with cinnamon rolls because I do want them all recognized but wasn’t in the frame of mind to catch everyone’s name. So to the techs, the nurses, the doctors, X-ray, transporters, literally absolutely everyone I interacted with, THANK YOU! And Lu, I know you said you didn’t want me to nominate you, but you really do deserve this. I’m thankful you were there both of those nights, but I do at the same time, hope to never see you again - at least under similar circumstances.! Thank you all, again.