Our 13-year-old daughter went in for a routine eye exam with our family eye doctor. A problem was noticed, and we were immediately referred to a retina specialist in Phoenix. Our fall break plans were canceled and less than 24 hours later our daughter was admitted into Phoenix Children's Hospital. My husband and I were stunned at what was unfolding! We were overwhelmed with the information presented. And we were exhausted from a night with no sleep - and we didn't get much more for the next two nights in the hospital either!
We were sick with worry. We were overwhelmed with the information being presented to us but eventually cobbled-out a plan. It is difficult being the parent, relying on many different doctors saying different things, and then being the one to ultimately decide what to do. Our nurse Linda helped us execute the plan we decided was best for our daughter, and one we arrived at with input from several doctors. Interestingly, as we proceeded with the plan, other doctors would resist and seek to override our decisions. This was frustrating and upsetting for our family. Linda would keep us apprised, be reassuring, stay calm, and keep working our plan. She made it happen and our daughter benefited from the best course of action. This course would not have happened without Linda's involvement.
It is awful being the parent of a child in the hospital. I told my husband I felt like we were in the zombie apocalypse with the other exhausted and overwhelmed parents and guardians in the hospital!
Nurse Linda was our rock during the first day of our stay that reassured our family that our testing plan would proceed as we wanted. We were able to rest easy knowing that we were in good hands with her.