October 2021
Krystal
Cunningham
,
ADN, RN
Ambulatory Practices
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge
Columbia
,
SC
United States
Krystal took the time to pull up examples and refer me to several doctors so I could receive proper management of my condition.
Over the past two years, I have been newly diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and related folliculitis. I have been brushed off by a GI doctor by being told to "just take Zantac" with no education regarding my new diagnosis. I have seen three separate dermatologists who all told me there was "nothing they could do for the skin irritation and scarring" and referred me BACK to GI after telling me I should consider starting an anti-anxiety medication as "it was all most likely mental". After two years of feeling burned out and hopeless while suffering through this unmanaged condition I decided to give it one more shot and ended up at Prisma Plastic Surgery where I met Krystal. Krystal took the time to look through my chart prior to my visit and versed herself in my history although it is slightly complex for a 26-year-old. It was obvious she cared from the time I walked through the door. During the assessment and during our discussion it was revealed she has a loved one with the same condition as me. She went out of her way to properly educate me on my new diagnosis. Risk factors signs and symptoms complications treatment options and more. She took the time to pull up examples and refer me to several doctors so I could receive proper management of my condition. Without this, I would have never known I needed to be seen by an allergist let alone that there are treatments that truly fix the problem at the root instead of just masking the symptoms. My gastroenterologist dermatologist and even PCP all assumed each one was treating their part of my condition when in reality no one was treating any aspect of it and I was suffering. Krystal genuinely cared that I pursued more aggressive and proper care for my conditions instead of choosing to cover it up with an unnecessary medication such as Ativan. She knew how miserable living with this condition is and wanted to make sure I did not suffer anymore. I left my appointment that day with more answers than I ever knew I needed-AND treatment options for the scarring my unmanaged condition left me with. All because she took a true interest in my well-being. Krystal advocated for my health when I did not realize I had anything to advocate for. She made me realize a true medical condition was NOT "all in my head" as I was previously told by healthcare providers who did not understand the condition. Krystal truly embodies what being a nurse is and I am always grateful to have crossed paths with her.