A Special Place in my Heart

No one enjoys being in the hospital, but having compassionate medical providers can honestly make the stay more pleasant.  In my lifetime of being in and out of hospitals and doctor's offices, many medical professionals have made a lasting impression on me.

The first medical provider that touched my heart was my pediatric neurosurgeon.  The man was by no means perfect but who is?  Everyone makes mistakes, even medical professionals.  But he comforted me in the scariest moments of my life.  He always checked on me just before I went to sleep for surgery and assured me that everything was going to be all right. 

He also educated me on my condition and gave me material to read about it.  Whenever I got frustrated he sat me down in his office and reminded me that he had shunt patients with 90+ surgeries.  Lastly, he told me that I could be whatever I wanted in life except a flight attendant because of the elevation and pressure.  He even said I could be a neurosurgeon just like him.  That kind man took care of me for 18 years.

I can honestly say that I felt the same way about my regular pediatrician.  He was very caring and went above and beyond when treating me.

In 2003 I had a shunt revision due to over-drainage.  I had just been transferred to a new neurosurgeon because mine left the practice.  I was transferred to a surgeon who was pediatric and adult.  I just loved him because he kind of treated me like a child.  I had a really hard time transitioning from pediatric to adult neurosurgery.  (I will be talking about that in a future post.)  He made me feel so calm and took my concerns seriously.  He trusted me immediately because I had been shunted all my life.  Did I mention that he was easy on the eyes?  Just ask my mom...

In October I was assigned to a man with the same name as my husband in the recovery room.  He was so soft spoken and seemed to genuinely feel empathy for what I was going through.  I was assigned to him again when I had a shunt infection in December.  He remembered me and said that he was glad to be taking care of me again.  When he told me that the shunt was infected and had to be removed completely I started bawling because that meant another surgery once the infection in my head cleared.  That man stood by my gurney, told me how sorry he was and acknowledged how horrible the situation was.  Then he held my hand while I cried.  I may have short term memory loss but he is already stored in my long term.  I will never forget him.

I could go on and on about all the wonderful people that have taken care of me over the years.  SO MANY nurses, physician's assistants, X-ray technicians and let's not forget my current neurosurgeon.  I hope these people know how grateful I am that they all crossed my path.  Thank you all so much.

Not every medical professional will treat you kindly.  I've had a fair share of that experience as well.  But I try to keep in mind that they are people that have bad days just like you or me.  As I said before no one is perfect.

If you find yourself at the doctor's office or in the hospital be respectful to the medical professionals taking care of you.  They work so very hard and have to deal with so many obstacles on a daily basis. If you come across one that took great care of you, take the time to call the doctor's office and/or hospital to let their supervisor know what a good job they are doing.  They deserve to be recognized for their exceptional care.  Also it wouldn't hurt to bring them some baked goods to brighten up their busy, hectic day.