Life is full of experiences. The past few years I have not had the energy or opportunity to live an adventurous life. My health journey has left me reflecting upon time taken for granted. Now as years and moments pass by, I realize that I dream to return to being adventurous. I want to enjoy life. I want to live in the moment. I'm tired of being told that I CAN'T do things. I'm tired of passively watching time disappear. I'm tired of being discouraged or constantly reminded of my limitations. In these thoughts, I've decided to share my TOP 3 BUCKET LIST. I believe that all of them are in my realm of possibilities, or at least not completely impossible, IF I could just find someone that's willing to help me LIVE and of coarse have some improvements in my health. I accept that I would probably be required to spend weeks recovering from any one of these adventures and that the amount of time and energy devoted to any of the activities may be extremely limited. But wouldn't it be so worth it? Isn't that what life is about? So what does my bucket list look like? Just take a look. Nascar It would be an absolute dream come true and an unexplainable experience if I had the opportunity to spend time with Martin Truex Jr and Sherry Pollex. I admit that I am a huge fan for them on the racetrack, have been huge fan of his for many years beginning when he used to drive in the Busch series for Dale Jr. However, I have become inspired by them as people even more. Since Sherry's cancer diagnosis, their love for one another, their love for making a difference in the lives of others (especially children), as well as their NEVER GIVE UP mentality is so inspiring. Like my friends and me, Sherry and Martin Truex, Jr did not just sit back, grieve, and give up on life when times became difficult. They used the opportunity to raise awareness. They found strength in sharing their story. Whether it be on the track with near wins or the stress of chemo, they stood strong, never gave up, and are now able to bask in the glory of their rewards. Cancer free and a Coca-Cola 600 win! Yeah baby! I would love the opportunity to spend time with this amazing couple. Riding shotgun for a few laps, full speed, would without a doubt be a memorable and exhilarating addition as well! Horseback Riding at Beach I envision a nice relaxing time exploring the beach on horseback. Calm strolls along the shoreline and sprints across the sand. I would love to steal a small glimpse into Heaven while taking in the breathtaking beauty of a gorgeous sunset. Being one with nature. How romantic and awe inspiring it would be! Water Sport Adventure day This one is quite a stretch, I know. Health wise, this one would be the hardest to meet. But we never know what the future holds, right? Regardless it still finds it's way on my bucket list. I honestly don't have a preference of where, but while there I would like to enjoy a sunset in a Hot Air Balloon floating over the majestic sea. Reliving my teenage memories of Jet Skiing would be awesome. But my number 1 action packed adventure would include FLY BOARDING! I don't know why I am so intrigued to try Flyboarding, but it definitely peaks my curiosity and captures the adventurous side that's hidden inside me.
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I am more than a robot!
I am more than a machine! I'm not a superhero. I may be surrounded with beeps and tubes, but I still possess the ability to be something special. I will FIGHT for LIFE. I can no longer sit back and passively watch life pass me by. I can no longer wait for others to solve my problems. I have made so many sacrifices through the years. Now it's time for ME. It's time to grab hold to my strengths and use them to improve my outlook for life. It's time to stand up for what I NEED and WANT in LIFE. Sometimes there's just not much you can say. Times get tough, body and mind become exhausted, circumstances that you may or may not be able to control start to overwhelm your spirit. So what can you do? JUST BREATHE! At least that is my current goal! I'm fighting to regain my positivity. I'm holding on tightly to my faith and belief that there is something more. It's hard! Living with chronic illness is chaotic. Life becomes crazy. Quite honestly, it wears me down. Horrible symptoms sometimes send me in a whirlwind, plummeting me into dark shadows. I become saddened as I watch friends and peers that are literally starving to death because the medical field can't figure out how to help us. I become frustrated when we can't gain the support we need for more research and awareness. (Something as simple as signing a petition for Congress to support Bill HR 2311, which would provide more funding for digestive motility disorders.) I am heartbroken when I learn of deaths that could have been prevented if families, friends, and medical teams could have just shown empathy, believed their struggles, and cared enough to try and help. I become angry when I learn of more deaths in our health community as a result of being unable to receive proper healthcare, nutrition, or intervention due to the lack of knowledge or desire to understand our health needs. The emotions can become a tangled mess that drags me down, tears at my heart, and even holds me prisoner. Leaving me with the only things, most likely the most important things I can do. JUST BREATHE and TRUST that GOD has control and a plan that will make all of my struggles meaningful and worthwhile! I feel certain that God has his reasons. I have learned so much more about myself and the world as a result of my health journey. My relationships with God and family have become much deeper. I have witnessed times of strength behind my feeding tube and ileostomy. But I have also discovered some of my weaknesses. I know that here are still lessons on Earth here for me to learn. There is love for me to share and experience. I can't give up now! Instead I have to press forward and JUST BREATHE while I attempt to JUST BE whatever God intends for me to be. "Breathe" by Jonny Diaz
I'm not sure where to begin today. My goal is to write a letter to myself. Specifically a letter from my victorious warrior to the me that feels completely defeated. This task seems so impossible at the current time, as my inner warrior is currently missing, hidden, or being held captive. In order to discover what positive message my warrior would say in response to me feeling defeated, I need to first see why I feel the way I do. What's causing me to feel defeated? Why now? Presently, I am aware that I have fears of dismissal, fears of losing medical support, and fears of being incorrectly labeled. Though for the most part I have no reason based on the care I've received thus far, I hear about these situations ALL THE TIME from others. I don't want to be looked down upon. I don't want to be considered emotionally weak, even if I may be at times, because I don't want to lose respect from my medical team or family. I don't want to be referred to as a "robot" or "artificial", even if I am currently dependent on a feeding tube, PORT, and ileostomy. I don't want to be given up on or have no more explanations or options available that can help me feel better, even if I feel like giving up myself. I'm scared of being hospitalized again, which leaves me walking on eggshells about when or even if I should reach out for help. If I do, how much should I actually say to inform them of my reality without hindering my healthcare or landing me back in the hospital? I'm fearful of having no medical support, fearful that eventually they will no longer be willing to help me improve my health. To be perfectly honest, avoidance of these situations and fears are so much easier, even if they do carry consequences along with them. I am defeated because my energy is so depleted, sleep and rest no longer leaving me feeling refreshed. I have lack of control for my nausea and fatigue, though IV fluids are helping. I honestly do want to give up, or at least not fight, when I am treading water during my most difficult times, exhausted, weak, & fatigued physically and mentally. During these trying times I change from being strong, positive, hopeful and encouraged to passive, discouraged, and even hopeless. Crawling or escaping out of these trenches seem so impossible. Sometimes I feel as though I am stuck or hidden in a foreign body. I am broken and embarrassed. I feel like I have fought so long and so hard, trying with all I have, pushing myself to various levels of discomfort and suffering, just to give my body a chance. I do my absolute best to follow all medical advice in hopes that things may change or improve, at least a little. But I still have doubters, damn I'm not going to lie, I have begun doubting my own self. These "exercises" , these attempts of trying, seem to do more harm than good sometimes. So what's the point of bothering with any of it anymore? Yes, I do want to quit, give up, or disappear during these hardships. I've truly considered when & how to quit in a way that is not too harsh on my family or myself. Deep down, I know that is not what I need to do. Deep down, I do not believe that I would ever do anything to intentionally harm myself. Most likely I would just completely let things be, quit communicating about my illness, and give up trying to find answers or relief. I know it's not healthy, but I do sometimes wonder why has everything I worked so hard for disappeared? Where has the powerful and positive me gone? How can I or will I ever get any of it back? Will I gain enough strength, patience, and better health to be able to successfully return to teaching one day? I can't possibly be the teacher that I pride myself in under these current conditions. So yes, that adds to my defeat. The planning would be tiring enough, but the actual teaching that I love so much would also be unsuccessful if I continue to remain so lethargic - not to mention all my other symptoms. Taking on the responsibility to return to teaching is a very tall order - as I don't have the energy, spunk, patience, or mindset to teach a class of 30 students right now. It would be unfair to my students and colleagues when I get unexpectedly sick or need numerous medical treatments/appointments - requiring me take off of work numerous times each week/month, sometimes without warning or an advance notice. As much as I LOVE teaching, the reality tells me that I may never return to a career I cherished so much. Teaching has always been one of my passions, but if I can't give 100% I would just be a failure to my students and myself. I don't have an option of being a part-time teacher. I could possibly substitute - but even that is too much at the present time. Can you understand how frustrated and defeated this makes me feel? I'm defeated because even though I have been attempting everything I can possibly do to improve, I keep hitting roadblocks. I am so confused and lost about what is in my personal best interest. I don't know the right words to describe exactly what I'm feeling, as there's a mixture of emotions (good and bad), so I'll just leave it at I'm defeated and am having trouble allowing my "warrior" side to be heard, especially during moments when I need her the most. So how would my "warrior" self handle things? As a warrior, I would expect to be able to recognize my willingness to be transparent in order to help others in similar battles. Writing and sharing my personal health journey on various platforms, including my blog, takes a lot of courage. In an attempt to spread awareness and let others know that they are not alone, I've opened up my heart and soul for anyone and everyone that wants to better understand my life with illness. This has proven to be therapeutically awakening for me. I have taken risks in allowing others to see my inner thoughts and personal struggles. Writing has helped me in so many ways, yet sharing it, has admittedly been empowering and hopefully inspirational for some. The warrior in me would see how far I've come in creating a medical team that consists of compassionate doctors and a Home Health nurse, all of whom have great communication skills, display empathy, and truly appear to be concerned and care about my well-being. Wow, that's a victory for sure! The warrior in me would emphasize the amazing family support I have and my advocacy efforts. It would question why I'm so disappointed in myself, why I'm so critical of myself, and why I'm letting a couple of bad medical experiences haunt me and hinder me from reaching out to the medical field. If I trust my doctors, then why do I still hesitate to ask them for help when I need it? My warrior self would remind me of my determined and competitive side, which seems to be harder and harder to fine. The side of me that would never give up or quit, the side of me that still wants to make a difference, the side of me that believes in possibilities and chases after her dreams. The side of me that was tough and would never let someone else's judgements or actions deter me from what's important or hinder me from pressing forward. My warrior spirit would voice how it's perfectly OK to ask for help from my family, friends, or medical team. It would suggest asking for help earlier, instead of waiting until I become helpless and hopeless. My warrior would attempt to improve my perspective during rough times & provide encouragement to continue as better days are ahead. It would remind me of how much I love my family and how much my family, especially my kids, need me. It would suggest that I search for laughter daily and when I get knocked down to simply breathe and get back up again. My warrior would admit that I may be struggling or even defeated sometimes, but that I have a 100% success rate of surviving intensely awful moments and obstacles in the past. So what makes the next obstacle or circumstance any different? It would say that acceptance is alright and remind me to be open to trusting others, as many more people and doctors are on my side than against me. Finally, the warrior in me would repeat that I am never alone and that I am strong enough to overcome any challenge that crosses my path. Reminding me of how I've been able to hold onto faith and have trust that GOD's always here by my side. I have always said that he has his reasons and that one day it will all make sense. God has promised me that! I am too blessed to just give up or quit. I may not understand it now, I may never completely understand, but God has His reasons and He does not make mistakes. I serve a purpose for being alive. So regardless of how defeated or exhausted I may feel, my inner warrior says "You've got this! Stay strong, stay faithful and Never Ever Give Up!" Ever hidden behind a mask of smiles? Trying to hide the feelings deep inside Protecting others from your harshest trials, while internally you feel like should have died? Daily life with chronic illness is hard, Plans become difficult to make and keep. Somehow you learn how to put up your guard, Learning to smile, when you just want to weep. Your smiles can also be trained to conceal Pain, anger, hunger, nausea, and defeat Protecting your loved ones from the real deal Fighting rough battles while being discreet. These very smiles may not tell the whole truth But share emotions you want to display. Since honest expression may seem uncouth and strength's perceived when a smile lights your way. A mask of smiles may succeed to hide pain Yet sadly creates emotional strain. Dear Patient Relations,
I received and gladly completed the short survey about my most recent visit to the Emergency Department. However, I did not feel as if I was able to accurately review or comment on the care that I received. Today, I wanted to take the time to do just that. You see, in the past few years I have been a rather frequent visitor to your hospital. As a result of having a chronic illness, I've had numerous ED visits, hospital admissions, procedures, surgeries, outpatient clinical visits, and diagnostic tests. I have become very familiar with the quality of care that I expect and usually receive under your hospital's care. Personally, I despise having to visit the Emergency Department. Part of this is due to past experiences at other ED's, no fault of your own. Another part is due to the experiences that I hear so often in the Gastroparesis and Chronic Illness online communities. In fear of being mocked, misunderstood, dismissed, ignored, and "labeled" I've become stubborn. I do my absolute best to "tough" things out and not turn to the ED for assistance until my health has reached dangerous levels. I'm not sure how to explain why, except fear. I fear being turned away without help. I fear exhausting energy that I do not have and coming away feeling worse than I did before going. So I fight at home until my family and body no longer give me a choice, until I can barely stand or move safely on my own. Last week, my fears came into play once again. I had been struggling with my current health issues, specifically hydration. (My main culprits are Gastroparesis, resulting in GJ feeding tube since 2013, and colonic inertia, resulting in colectomy with ileostomy this past Jan.) My oral and enteral nutrition intake are still very low due to continuous symptoms consisting of nausea, bloating, and when I attempt oral intake, pain. I realized that I was becoming dehydrated once again, but was determined that I would be able to work it out from home. Each day I became weaker, more pale, and more dehydrated. My nausea was intensely out of control, thanks to my insurance company denying my nausea medication. I knew that I needed help, but I didn't want to admit it, and I didn't want to take the chance of being looked down upon. After a few near black out episodes, I had no choice. April 28 my mom drove the 1 1/2 hr drive to your hospital, as there was no way I was going to my local ED (I've lost trust in them.) and because I am a loyal patient to your hospital system. As I walked in the ED, I was pleasantly greeted by the security officer and clerk. The triage nurse took my vitals, asked a few questions, and let me know that I would need to have a seat in the waiting room as there were no rooms available at the moment. As time slowly ticked by, more and more people began entering the ED waiting room. Exhausted and energy depleted, I tried to relax and rest, while in the back of my mind all I could hear was that this was going to be a mistake. I couldn't help but think that I would be refused fluids, made to wait for hours at end, or ridiculed. But I was completely wrong! When my turn arrived, approximately 2 hours after arrival which wasn't too bad considering, I slowly made my way to the back. Lying on the stretcher, a nurse immediately arrived at my bedside. In a matter of moments, I had an IV line started (took a few tries to find a viable vein, but that's to be expected) with fluids and nausea meds soon follow. Both my assigned MD and her supervising MD were amazing. They both completed a thorough exam of possible infection sites to be safe and agreed that I was definitely dehydrated based on labs, symptoms, and appearance. They showed compassion and empathy, as well as respect. They made it clear that I made the right choice in deciding to come in, what a burden that relieved from my shoulders. After 2 bags of fluid and nausea meds when available, my MD returned to discuss the options I had before me. She wanted my input on whether I felt like I needed 1 more bag or if I thought I would be able to manage for 5 more days at home until my home infusions began. I honestly did not know, so I completely left the decision up to her, but appreciated her involving me in the decision making process. The decision to administer one more bag of fluid was based on the urine specimen that I was finally able to produce (It had been approximately 30 hours since the last time I had urinated.) and my continued dehydration symptoms. The nurses that were treating me during this visit were exceptional as well. They were very pleasant, kind, and dependable. After the seven o'clock pm shift change, Johnny came to introduce himself. I appreciated the way that he asked questions and discussed my prior health conditions that led me to becoming dehydrated. He truly appeared genuinely interested and concerned. Shortly afterwards, he came to tell me that my discharge papers were available after I finished my 3rd bag of fluids. Around the same time, I gained a new neighbor. The patient, now located at my feet on the other side of my hallway curtain, was drunk and very offensive. He was screaming ugly profanities to his female nurse, whom I can honestly say was handling the situation very politely and calmly. Johnny was apologetic for what was occurring and promised to get me discharged as soon as possible. He also checked on his fellow nurse to ensure that she was alright. I am aware that nurses (and doctors) have to deal with a variety of patients, but witnessing how well Johnny and the neighboring nurse appropriately handled the situation was truly admirable and allowed me to remain as comfortable as possible. In short, though I despise visits to the ED, this visit as well as many others within your hospital system, was a positive experience. The doctor's and nurses were on the ball, they coordinated and cooperated very well together, were concise, and definitely patient-centered. I received the absolute best care that could be expected in a timely manner and with a positive attitude. Thank you for assisting me along my health journey by providing exceptional care with a compassionate and empathetic staff. Health issues will arise, symptoms will sometimes need help being managed, but knowing that I have an amazing hospital to depend on makes all the difference in the world. With much appreciation, Trish April 27 Fighting ER visit after another blackout Wed. night with blood pressure drop and HR jumping. Heavy head, weak, lightheaded, no urine for almost 24 hrs. Mom’s words resonating in my mind. Fear and concern on her face. “Are you giving up? You are playing with your life! You are too strong & have too much to live for! Are you just going to sit there & wait until it's too late! You’re so pale, look at the color of your skin. We need to get you some fluids, now! Why are you being so stubborn? Please let's go get some fluids! Don’t give up! Think about your kids, they need you.” Part of me wants to keep fighting, keep moving forward, the other part of me is just too discouraged and tired. But what did I have to lose? I didn't want her or rest of my family to be upset or scared. Just so exhausted. Was scared that I would be dismissed or even turned away because we all know how ERs can be. I wouldn't be able to emotionally or physically handle hours of waiting just to be denied help or mocked. I knew that I didn't have the energy to fight my case. I just wanted and needed help without friction. I needed to feel better. Thurs morning I caved, they won. Luckily everything worked in my favor. Excellent ER visit overall after getting out of waiting room. Great care, friendly, nausea control and 3 bags of fluid. Antibiotic (macrobid) for bladder infection. Accidentally learned, by mom’s slip up, that husband was concerned that I'm going to give up and stop fighting, he's worried of how weak and frail I appeared physically and how down I was emotionally. Apparently he called my mom for backup, because he knew she'd successfully convince me to seek care from ER. Glen, Mike (my amazing home nurse), & my GI worked in the background to put plan for home fluids in action by Tues. Will I make it until then without more fluids? ER team is not so sure. But we shall see. Insurance is still denying my nausea medicine. Still feeling weak & miserable. Sun night/Mon similar symptoms of light-headed & near blackouts have begun to repeat again. Hoping fluids tomorrow at home via PORT will turn things around. If not I'll have to seriously reconsider what in the world to do. How can I survive if I can't regain some control or relief from these symptoms? My mood improves until symptoms get difficult and more severe, when I'm unable to stop or even just decrease the severity of the symptoms, that's when my mood plummets. If I could just find a way to keep myself away from the edge with effective symptom management, I would be safer and less likely to fall off the dangerous cliff. Thankfully not in physical pain. Just completely drained and beyond exhausted. Nausea out of control when without patch but side effects with it are horrible as well. Lightheaded spells bad once again today (Mon) Though tired I decided to help family by warming up dinner. Nothing extravagant. However while standing over stove I became weak and everything went blurry heart racing, requiring me to sit down before fainting. Kids had to finish fixing it for me. Tried again to help daughter by scraping spaghetti squash but once again had to sit due to weakness and near fainting. Nausea horrendous. Escaped to bedroom and collapsed on the floor to cry. Wishing all the tears hidden inside me would just flow and provide me with some sort of relief. Crying escaped, few tears shed. I needed more time alone, to cry it out, regain some sense of self. Dad’s unexpected but welcomed visit interrupted so of course I had to attempt, which proved to be unsuccessful, to regain composure of my emotions. Geez I am so worn and weary! I try to keep positive, I try to stay strong but my body is failing me again and again. I honestly don't think I can survive much longer like this. I'm broken and literally don't have the energy to hold everything together anymore. My family saw me break and even they don't know what to say. I don't know what to do about it but it's killing me to be so useless and witness my family feel so helpless. I am so blessed and thankful to have an amazing support team including family and medical providers to fight for me when I can't, I just don't know what they see anymore. I see a stranger that's weak frail discouraged exhausted & losing. I’m unable to see me. What do they see? I love that they care so much, but why? What do I offer or provide them with in return? Am I worthy of their assistance & efforts, or am I just a lost cause that should let it all just be? No more fighting, no more pushing, no more trying, just let whatever's gonna be, be. Is that what I want? Do I want to give up and risk it all? When I'm down in the trenches due to unresolved symptoms sometimes I wonder should we all just throw our hands up in the air, cover me up, and say done. But then there’s the little light that shines within, regardless of how dim. God placed it there, that I am for sure, to help me now and then. It brightens as I see the faces of my kids, nephews, and nieces as well as the rest of my family. This glimmering light somehow keeps me inching forward until eventually I find my way out of the darkness. I get what I need to do, what I want to do and what I feel like doing and well those thoughts do not always agree. And though they may waiver, I'm not sure I have or will ever have the most favorable answer. One thing I’ve noticed - dark life ending thoughts enter my mind when I am physically down, completely dehydrated and physically exhausted for days after days. However, when fluids are replaced and hydration improves even though physically tired and exhausted I feel more hopeful and positive. My family and Mike remind me that everytime I get so dehydrated that it takes a week or longer to rebound. They emphasize how these spells of dehydration take a lot from my body, become dangerous, and take time to resolve which is why we need to stay on top of keeping them managed. With this I agree. Upon improvements, even very slight ones, I become embarrassed that I would allow myself to become so weak and so lost. It’s a back and forth battle, seemingly based on my symptoms and most recently fluids. This battle is wearing me down, I openly tell my family that I’m tired of fighting it, I want to feel better but feel that the more I try the further away I am, but sitting back and just letting it be isn’t helping either (For instance, the ER hesitation last week). I just don’t know what to do, think, or say anymore. I can’t truly explain to my GI how bad things get when symptoms and hydration issues rear their ugliest sides. When symptoms/hydration are controlled, my mind is at ease. My scary thoughts are nowhere near when I’m hydrated, having decent days, low symptom days, or just tired - they only appear when I’m struggling to survive on fumes day after day with no improvements or in this case no fluids and debilitating nausea. I am not depressed about my illness. I become depressed and feel worthless when my body gets to the point that it literally can no longer function, can’t stand without feeling faint, can’t lift my head or arms due to fatigue, and can’t do anything to help myself. May 6, Finally feeling better hydrated! Dad invited me to go sit with him for lunch, at first I hesitated not sure if I felt energized enough, but then decided I would. Enjoyed time with him, even though I ended up sick from trying to drink something orally. Definitely worthwhile time & ok knowing that eventually the physical discomfort would pass since it was a result of my trying, that I can accept. Exhaustion from attending movie with family for Mother’s Day, exhaustion acceptable and manageable because it was a meaningful day with fatigue simply a result of enjoying the day. Tomorrow will require extra rest, which I’m totally okay with, and fluids coming Tuesday which should help the once again appearance of light-headed spells. Tired but still attended Carmen's softball game last night. Exhaustion hit while there but I survived.. Sleepless night due to exhaustion and pain which kept me in bed “recovering” until 11 am but I’m ok. --------------------------------- After thought: Is doing nothing when broken, miserably sick & exhausted the same as giving up? I have not gotten to the point of intentionally hurting myself, thoughts about life ending may be considered, but absolutely no action or plan. However, looking back on the harsh ride recently and wanting to do nothing at all, just wanted to wait it out even though I knew I needed medical help, was that behavior a reflection of my weak state, fear of rejection, lack of energy to think rationally, or me just so exhausted physically & mentally that I was actually giving up? Mixture possibly? It bewilders me how much brighter the days seem, how much more meaningful life is, when I'm hydrated and having decent moments. Able to accept lifestyle changes, even pain & nausea when related to my attempts/actions. Able to brace through the storm with patience & hope. But when the fluids have escaped, dehydration manifest, nausea constant & severe, body too drained nutritionally to lift my head - I've become inclined to quit. To give up. No longer caring if I survive. Relying entirely on my faith, family, and even medical team to step in and carry me. Willing to disappear entirely just to end the suffering. Unable to see the purpose of waiting to see if tomorrow is better. Hoping, after a positive weekend (with manageable downfalls but lovely memories) that I can remember these special and meaningful moments to avoid future cliff dives. As today, I hold high value for my life. A life that I ultimately WANT TO LIVE with love, gratitude, purpose, and appreciation for all that I am and all the people I'm blessed to have as part of my life. We've all had experiences of our own experience with nurses, some good, some bad. For me, I have had my fair share, especially in the past 3 years. In honor of Nurse Day, I wanted to let nurses know how much you are appreciated. Nurse's have a unique job of helping us, the patients, at many different levels of our personal health journey. As a result of my experiences, I have learned to never underestimate the power and impact of having a compassionate, empathetic, and kind nurse. Whether you are a nurse in the physician's clinic, inpatient at a hospital, scurrying around the Emergency Department, or a part of my medical team as a Home Health nurse, you are an essential part of my #patientexperience. The past 3 years have been difficult for me. Learning to live with my health issues and life style changes would be impossible without the wonderful nurses that I have met along the way. So what makes a wonderful nurse? To me, having a nurse that listens, respects, and sees me as a person instead of a case is very important. When embarrassing events occur, they do not make me feel any worse than I already am. Some of my most memorable nurses, in various settings, have thoroughly explained procedures and treatments that I was about to face. If they were unfamiliar with the procedure, treatment, or even my diagnosis they asked questions and sometimes even completed their own research. Excellent nurses listen to my ailments and concerns, without judging. Sometimes they may ask questions or even offer suggestions that the physician and I may not have thought about or considered. Caring nurses have assisted me by relaying important messages to my physician, helping advocate for my health needs with my doctor and insurance company, and even calming me when fears and symptoms are heightened. Thank you nurses for all that you do, day in and day out, to help patients receive the best possible healthcare. I admire you for all that you endure. You honestly make a difference in the lives of so many! Nurses can be a true lifesaver! Hope you enjoy the video from ZDoggMD! |
Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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