When we become the patient

[Emergent]

I am currently a patient, recovering from a serious accident that required emergency surgery at our regional trauma center. I'm on leave, recovering at home now. This has been a life changing experience.

I have a new perspective on pain, and a new insight into how vulnerable our patients feel. I want to say, the nurses, techs, surgeons, paramedics were all so kind to me, I'm so grateful. I was treated with such tenderness, I'll never forget it.

Don't forget, keep instructions simple for patients on narcotics, and never assume that if your patient is a nurse that they know anything. And don't forget that catheter holder thing for foleys, without it that balloon is really irritating. Fortunately they got that dc'd quickly.

When I return to work I will be a better, more humble and compassionate nurse, for sure.

[FurBabyMom, MSN, RN]

I had emergency surgery in my first year of practice. Let me tell you, that changed everything about how I approach patients. I have never felt so alone or scared before or after that experience. Mine was a simple straightforward procedure (well, working in the OR, I now know nothing is simple or straightforward). Anyhow, best wishes for a speedy recovery! Take care of yourself! :)

[Emergent, RN]

Update here:

I'm continuing to heal. My accident was with a circular saw, almost cutting off the four fingers to my left hand from the palm side. Severed 5 out of 8 tendons, destroyed blood vessels, severed nerves.

Perfusion great without grafting, hand therapist says that I'm coming along very well with my passive flexion therapy, as well as possible. Needless to say, this has been a painful and traumatic experience.

Anyone who knows me in real life will recognize me here, but that's ok.