I have had for many years a predetermined list of the things in life that I just will not do. Being put to sleep via a needle and a drug, the name of which I can't pronounce, while a stranger explores the inside of my body, and doing this voluntarily.... well, that was definitely on the top of the list!
Then there was one trip to the doctor's office, some unpleasant symptoms, and suddenly I found the list being pried from my sweaty hands, and a number of people encouraging, demanding, and manipulating me into having a Colonoscopy. I have heard for years the health ads which advise us on the age at which we should undergo this test, and I have always done a fine job of ignoring them.
So it was with two distinct fears duking it out in my mind -- fear that if I didn't have the test and just ignored the symptoms, something would really be wrong and they would never know until it was too late vs. fear of being knocked unconscious by drugs and never waking up.... that I finally did the right thing and scheduled the test! I only backed out once, but rescheduled due to others disgust at my cowardice and demands that I follow through with doctors orders.
My husband promised to be by my side during the ordeal, but as providence would have it, my little girl began running a fever the night before my test was scheduled, so she was unable to attend school. Daddy had to stay home with her while I made an emergency call to my 20 year old daughter Amber at 6:30 a.m. asking her to be with me during the testing procedure, and to drive me home from the hospital!
Bless her heart, she never hesitated. "I'll be there in thirty minutes mom," she said. And she was! She stayed at my side the whole time, praying, talking to keep my mind off of the upcoming party, and just being there! I arrived at St. Joseph's Memorial Hospital with much fear and trembling, and as they took me to the prep room, fear began it's ugly chant of what ifs! Enter a truly amazing RN named Ruth.
As Ruth walked into the room, the what ifs' began to spill from my mouth. I fully expected a sharp rebuke, however Ruth took my hand and began to tell me in detail about the procedure I was about to experience. She explained how the medicine worked, gave me my options, and gave me such a detailed description that I felt my whole being begin to relax.
The time and care she took with me completely changed my perspective on the whole experience. She even brought me some wonderfully scented natural hand cream that she makes, and allowed my daughter and I to sample it!
Between Amber's sweet willingness to be by my side, and Ruth's incredible bedside manner, I made it, well almost, through the test. Because of a minor detail, I only got halfway through the first test, and had to be rescheduled for the following day at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
With fear trying to creep back in of the unknown, Ruth smiled at me and said "Trust the process, everything will be okay." The next morning I arrived bright and early at the hospital and was greeted by the receptionist handing me a hand written note. The note said "Good Morning Lisa, - Ruth" Turns out that Ruth also works at the hospital in Carbondale, and she was to be my nurse that day! Oh the relief and joy I felt. Ruth walked me through the procedure with such graciousness and kindness, that if you can believe it, the experience has been added to my favorite memories list.
In this crazy busy world we live in, it is nice to know that there are still caring people like Ruth who are willing to take the time to communicate effectively with people in such a way as to relieve fear, and bring joy! And if you need to have a colonoscopy, allow me to highly recommend Southern Illinois Healthcare, with their staff of caring, professional individuals.
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I have had for many years a predetermined list of the things in life that I just will not do. Being put to sleep via a needle and a drug, the name of which I can't pronounce, while a stranger explores the inside of my body, and doing this voluntarily.... well, that was definitely on the top of the list!
Then there was one trip to the doctor's office, some unpleasant symptoms, and suddenly I found the list being pried from my sweaty hands, and a number of people encouraging, demanding, and manipulating me into having a Colonoscopy. I have heard for years the health ads which advise us on the age at which we should undergo this test, and I have always done a fine job of ignoring them.
So it was with two distinct fears duking it out in my mind -- fear that if I didn't have the test and just ignored the symptoms, something would really be wrong and they would never know until it was too late vs. fear of being knocked unconscious by drugs and never waking up.... that I finally did the right thing and scheduled the test! I only backed out once, but rescheduled due to others disgust at my cowardice and demands that I follow through with doctors orders.
My husband promised to be by my side during the ordeal, but as providence would have it, my little girl began running a fever the night before my test was scheduled, so she was unable to attend school. Daddy had to stay home with her while I made an emergency call to my 20 year old daughter Amber at 6:30 a.m. asking her to be with me during the testing procedure, and to drive me home from the hospital!
Bless her heart, she never hesitated. "I'll be there in thirty minutes mom," she said. And she was! She stayed at my side the whole time, praying, talking to keep my mind off of the upcoming party, and just being there! I arrived at St. Joseph's Memorial Hospital with much fear and trembling, and as they took me to the prep room, fear began it's ugly chant of what ifs! Enter a truly amazing RN named Ruth.
As Ruth walked into the room, the what ifs' began to spill from my mouth. I fully expected a sharp rebuke, however Ruth took my hand and began to tell me in detail about the procedure I was about to experience. She explained how the medicine worked, gave me my options, and gave me such a detailed description that I felt my whole being begin to relax.
The time and care she took with me completely changed my perspective on the whole experience. She even brought me some wonderfully scented natural hand cream that she makes, and allowed my daughter and I to sample it!
Between Amber's sweet willingness to be by my side, and Ruth's incredible bedside manner, I made it, well almost, through the test. Because of a minor detail, I only got halfway through the first test, and had to be rescheduled for the following day at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
With fear trying to creep back in of the unknown, Ruth smiled at me and said "Trust the process, everything will be okay." The next morning I arrived bright and early at the hospital and was greeted by the receptionist handing me a hand written note. The note said "Good Morning Lisa, - Ruth" Turns out that Ruth also works at the hospital in Carbondale, and she was to be my nurse that day! Oh the relief and joy I felt. Ruth walked me through the procedure with such graciousness and kindness, that if you can believe it, the experience has been added to my favorite memories list.
In this crazy busy world we live in, it is nice to know that there are still caring people like Ruth who are willing to take the time to communicate effectively with people in such a way as to relieve fear, and bring joy! And if you need to have a colonoscopy, allow me to highly recommend Southern Illinois Healthcare, with their staff of caring, professional individuals.
