I was an inpatient admitted, discharged after four days, and admitted again ten days later. My husband and I are Mayo patients, but I have never been admitted more than 24 hours. The first admission wasn’t very conclusive. I was discharged on meds. Then 2 weeks later to the day, back in emergency much worse.

From admission into emergency through discharge after five days, the care I received was exemplary of what medical care should be and what Mayo stands for. From housekeeping, food services, radiology, residents, fellows, techs, and nurses, all friendly and happy to be a part of Mayo. Very ill and afraid of my outcome, I always felt safe and was made as comfortable as possible. In fact, I never had any alone time (that was meant to be funny).

Having said that, all of this leads up to one special nurse - Lindsay Magown. Don't lose this nurse! I am a nurse from a 4-year college program in the 70’s. Nurses and bedside care are very different in this era. With technology now, nursing is or can be very detached at times. Lindsay exudes nursing care from my era. She is very compassionate, friendly, and caring, and when with you, all her attention is on you. I felt as if I were her only patient no matter how many she had or how much time I needed her. Her insight is spot on! She saw something in me that I needed but wouldn’t accept, and it was contributing to my distress in trying to breathe. I have a very strong personality, and anxiety is not in my vocabulary. Lindsay's gentle approach convinced me to try a very low dose of Xanax. My breathing and my nights improved. She made me feel so safe and special that on her day off I was a little anxious.