Neuro Nursing / AN experience really hitting home :)

[superrmaren]

Hey all! 

I haven't posted on this forum for quiiiiite some time, but have been stalking in the wings here and there. 

I just wanted to share an awesome experience...

I have been working as a neuroscience nurse for about 1 year now, and had yet another AN patient today.  I get them all the time, same doc as me and everything.  (Working with him is a little strange and cool at the same time.  The guy has seen the inside of my head for cryin out loud!!)  But my interactions with this patient were different.

So, anyway, I worked with a patient, we'll call her "Jane" (HIPPA would approve), who had an AN resected about 4 days before I got her as a patient.  Everyone who has had surgery can probably identify with the 5th day (or so) mark...the point where you think "uh-oh, I just had a really serious, possibly life-changing surgery!  what now??"  Well, Jane had reached that point, too.  She expressed lots of fears (and tears) to me about the possible need to change her life, maybe never being able to do the activities she loves again, how things are going to be handled at home/work without her being at the helm, etc.  It was a real shocker to hear these things come out of her mouth because they were the exact same thoughts going through my head (and I'm sure everyone's head after surgery) when I had surgery about 4 years ago. 

I can't even express this correctly in words...

I was able to talk with Jane and (hopefully) allay some of her fears.  She seemed more confident, expressed her gratitude, and wheeled on out of the hospital with her husband.  I spent the rest of the day beaming.  I not only helped her as I was living, breathing proof that you CAN and WILL get better, but helped myself, too.  It was such a cathartic experience.  I don't think I was ever so into believing that "things would work out" as I was today.  I couldn't believe the words I was saying - that it was really me as the experienced veteran, offering words of encouragement - words that I have been living by for 4 years.  I don't need those words to get by anymore.  I am healed 100%, in my mind, of any emotional scars that were lingering.  I feel fabulous.     

I encouraged Jane to check out the ANA site and this forum.  I hope she does as there are soooo many wonderful and supportive people out there from whom she could benefit hearing. 

And I hope she reads this and knows that she helped me, too

xox
maren, RN

[GramaSuby]

Maren, thanks for the post, its always wonderful when one has such an experience.  It changes ones perspective and rejuvenates ones spirit as well.  Anytime we can help lift another person even if only for a moment its like a drop of water in a pond that sets ripples in motion.
My surgery is on 9/30/10, you don't happen to work at Emory? 

[CHD63]

Maren .....

What a beautiful telling of your experience.  It warmed my heart ..... and I feel like I have healed completely, as well.  There is life after an AN!

Thanks for sharing this "upper" for the rest of us.

Clarice

[Kaybo]

Maren~
That is EXACTLY why I (& many others) stick around on here...I definitely think that there is life after an AN (even when you have all the worst side effects!)!  Thank you for taking time to reassure a newbie!!

K   

[Jim Scott]

Maren ~

Thanks for sharing your positive experience with another AN patient.  It really is exhilarating to see your positive effect on another AN patient that you were able to relate to. 

As Kay stated, this is what anchors some of us to this website and, specifically, the discussion forums.  Occasionally, I read a post or receive a PM thanking me for some piece of information or encouragement I've posted and it tends to make my day.  Of course, none of us remain diligent about helping AN patients just for an occasional pat on the back but because, as AN 'veterans', we understand the physical and emotional issues involved with the AN 'journey' and we want to do what we can to help those walking the same path we were once on and show them that there is plenty of reason to be optimistic.  Our members prove that every day. 

Like some other AN 'veterans', I believe that my 'internet time' is best spent here, rather than on some other site, blathering about politics or hobbies.  Here, I can blather about ANs and, perhaps, do someone some good.  I hope your new friend does seek out the ANA website, read, register and post.  She'll be warmly welcomed, that I can assure you. 

[leapyrtwins]

Hey, supermaren!

Great to see you on the Forum 

You are a wonderful advocator for AN patients - and an inspiration to us all.

How did your last fundraiser go?  After I donated, I kind of lost track 

Thanks for all you do,

Jan

[skamper]

That is so awesome to hear!  It really makes look forward to a year or two from now.  It's only been 5 months for me so I'm still not all with it some days.  It's nice to hear the future looks good.
You did a great thing by talking with her, I would have loved to have heard that before I left the hospital.  You are truely an angel sent from above
Susan