I know. Not the usual post on Yelp. But I think it's essential to highlight not just the places we…read morewant to go,like our favorite diner, coffee shop or pizzeria - but the essential places that care for us when we are at our worst. When we are in pain, sick, and vulnerable. When we are where we don't want to be, but need to be to receave the care and treatment for us to live and get well.
This was the case for me on April 13th-19th when I found myself in a serious medical situation that could have, if not for the timely intervention of the doctors, techs, PA's, and nurses, seen me lose my foot at best and very likely my life at worst.
My foot was swollen up like a grapefruit, discolored (black, purple, and red), and was agony to the touch - in short, it was severely infected.
From the first moment of my arrival via mercy flight ambulance I was treated with care, compassion, and the quick thinking professionalism that saved me from a very unpleasant set of possible outcomes had the treatment been delayed even a moment longer.
What stands out the most in my memory of this experience was how everyone took the time to not just treat me like a bed number, but as a person - I was made to feel like I mattered and assured every step of the way that they were going to help however they could.
Moreover, as I was stabilized and admitted to the third floor, I was introduced to some of the most caring, compassionate, dedicated, and professional Healthcare professionals I've ever met. They cared about not just getting me better but caring about how I felt, my dignity, my feelings, and my comfort. From the moment I was brought into a room to the moment I was discharged , I felt safe, cared for, and confident in the treatment I received. And I will be forever grateful to every one of them.
Some shoutouts to some amazing people who helped me through a difficult time:
ER Nurse Luanne - she was there for my wife, who couldn't be there with me, keeping her in the loop with updates via phone calls. Moreover, as my ankle was being lanced she got me through it - as the numbing drugs didn't fully kick in in time to spare me some the worst of that experience.
3rd floor nurse John - amazing person, made some of my most uncomfortable moments bearable.
3rd floor Patient care tech Joan - she was the first to great me, and always there with smiles, encouragement, and kindness just when I needed it most. I won't forget those gingerale and ice cream treats that got me through some hard moments and gave me bright spots to look forward to during some nights that were very long and uncomfortable to endure.
3rd floor Nurse Kristen - thank you for the laughs when I didn't think I had it in me.
3rd floor Nurse Carey - always a bright light, great humor, and kept me going through the worst of it.
Dr. Loffrado - no words can express how grateful I am for the surgery that likely saved my foot and possibly my life.