I visited the Derby ER on February 20, 2025, with persistent and worsening stomach pain. It wasn't…read moreunbearable but definitely uncomfortable. From the moment I arrived, every single person, receptionist, nurse, doctor, radiology tech, and transport, treated me with incredible kindness and respect. They made me feel comfortable, took my concerns seriously, and never once dismissed my pain.
Special thanks to Gladys, Lacy, Dr. Paxon, and Haley, my care team that day. You were compassionate, thorough, and incredibly professional. You ran every test necessary and ultimately diagnosed me with acute appendicitis, quickly arranging for me to be transferred to Wesley for surgery. If I missed someone that was involved that day, I appreciate you as well!
What I didn't realize at the time was just how life-saving that visit would be. During my appendectomy, a tiny cancerous tumor was found in my appendix, so small it never would've shown up on imaging. Because I'm over 40 (and appendicitis is less common at my age), that finding led my doctors to do further screenings. They found and removed a precancerous polyp, and I later had another preventative surgery for something else -- but never would've been addressed if it wasn't for my care on February 20, 2025.
The proactive, attentive care I received at Derby ER set everything in motion. You very likely saved my life. I will forever be grateful for you. If there were others on my care team whose names I didn't catch, please know this gratitude extends to you as well.