I was hospitalized in Dyer for profuse bleeding of the bladder, resulting in blood clotting so persistent it repeatedly clogged my catheter, super-gorging my bladder, and producing amazingly intense pain.  On this night standard irrigation techniques failed to dislodge a stubborn blockage and I was literally in the worst agony I've ever experienced in my 70 years on Earth.

One nurse, in particular, shined brightly during my darkest hours of suffering, working diligently and innovatively to successfully irrigate my catheter and finally dislodge a massive clot.  At the time I felt like she had saved my life, and who knows, maybe she did.  A severe urine backup would have destroyed what's left of my kidney function, which was compromised by a similar experience six years ago.  I only know this nurse as Shaun, with no last name.  But she was an angel to me, and I will be forever grateful to her.

At one point I heard her say "I can't leave him like this" and she stayed with me- well past her 12-hour shift- for as long as it took to finally get me out of danger and pain.  It is not an overstatement that I will remember her kindness, skill, and compassion for the rest of my life!

All of my nurses were exceptional during my stay. Despite an obviously demanding caseload of patients, they worked tirelessly to make me comfortable as was humanly possible-always reassuring me when I seemed to need it most.  And I want to personally express my deepest gratitude for their diligence and professionalism.  Whether real or imagined, when you feel near death it's the people who help that make the biggest difference.