"My name is Andrea, and I will be your nurse. I am not certain if you recall, but I was the student shadowing the doctor at your appointment, how are you." It was at this point that a lot of the apprehension and anxiety I had during my hospitalization started to dissipate.

I am functionally a quadriplegic due to a progressive form of muscular dystrophy. I also have severely compromised respiratory function, am a cardiac arrest survivor, and have a dual-chamber pacemaker/ICD. I was admitted for a colonoscopy and endoscopy, and the necessary prep, because handling that at home, with all my complications, would be near-impossible. I have a sophisticated motorized wheelchair, and use a non-invasive ventilator at night, and when I am sick (which I bring with me). Finally, due to my medical conditions, any procedure requiring sedation carries with it increased risk for complications, including the inability to come off the ventilator, requiring a tracheotomy, and certain protocols, which are uncommon in most patients, but very common with muscular dystrophy, must be followed to reduce the risk.

Andrea was outstanding in recognizing the totality of my specific situation, and stellar in keeping communication open. She understood that while my needs may be different, and slightly more complicated, I am still a person, with needs, fears, and even knowledge of how I manage my disability and medical complications on a daily basis. When there was confusion amongst the medical staff about anesthesiology, and my risks and needs, Andrea was extremely supportive and encouraged me to keep advocating and talking to them. She even made certain to be there when I returned to the floor after my procedure. Andrea's compassion and intelligence allowed me, and therefore my physicians to focus on the best way to get me prepped, ventilated, sedated, safely, and effectively, so they can get the testing completed. I am so thankful that Andrea was part of my medical team. She is truly an asset, and an example of best practices.