My experience as a patient

Lucy Grace. T*

Nurse Educator, Kauvery Hospital, Tennur, Trichy*

Correspondence: Tel: +91 93613 88804; Email ID: [email protected]

Occasionally, life presents us with unexpected situations some of which may be favorable, while others may be unfavorable. While pleasant experiences are gratifying it is typically adverse encounters or occurrences that allow individuals to develop and gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of existence. If these experiences are examined thoroughly, they can offer new insights, comprehension, belief and gratitude towards one’s environment and support network.

Being a patient was an experience unlike any other and unfortunately it turned out to be a terrible one in my life.

I am Lucy Grace, working as a Nurse Educator at Kauvery Hospital, Tennur. I was involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) on 03.02.2023 at approximately 8.50am, despite always wearing a helmet while driving. The incident occurred while I was proceeding on a green signal when another driver suddenly entered from a red signal and our two vehicles collided horribly. All I remember hearing is the sound of the crash and I don’t recall anything after that. As soon as I fell down, I experienced severe dizziness and vomiting.

The people at the scene found my ID card and informed Kauvery Hospital immediately. The ambulance arrived on time and the only thing that stuck in my mind was when the employee said “We have arrived and we will take care.” Even though I couldn’t speak those words gave me a tremendous sense of hope that I would be taken care of from that point on.

I was brought in with a suspected history of vomiting, giddiness and headache. Upon evaluation, my Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was E3V5M6 and my pupils were equal and reacting to light. A CT scan of my brain revealed a fracture in the left occipital bone that extended to involve the base of my skull along with a small focal hemorrhagic contusion and anterior subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). I was immediately admitted to the ICU and started on anti-convulsant, analgesics and antacids.

An MRI of my brain with whole spine screening was conducted which revealed a fracture in the left occipital bone near the midline that extended to the base of my skull along with resolving hemorrhagic contusions in the bilateral basifrontal regions and the right temporal region. I received conservative treatment and gradually recovered over time.

Patients have the ability to hear, comprehend and emotionally respond to their external environment even when they appear unconscious. Similarly, during my time in the ICU, I had some sense of what was being discussed and happening around me and I slowly recovered. Despite usually preferring someone to be with me when I have a headache I didn’t feel alone in the ICU. The visits from my family members, friends and colleagues were comforting and soothing and provided me with the greatest energy. Eventually, I became neurologically stable, voided well and was able to tolerate oral intake which led to my transfer to the ward. Four days later I discovered that I had lost my sense of smell which had affected my ability to fully taste food. However gradually I began to regain my sense of taste and I owe a debt of gratitude to our GMD, Dr.Venkita.S.Suresh sir for his efforts in helping me recover my sense of smell. Additionally, I am thankful for the unwavering support provided by our Tennur nursing team in every possible manner.

Nursing care played a major role in my quick recovery and my nursing team was a huge source of strength and energy for me. The entire nursing staff was excellent and dedicated to their work and they did an outstanding job. As a patient I was extremely grateful and appreciative of their hard work and I feel obligated to thank each of them individually. Words cannot express my gratitude and it was a wonderful feeling to know how much they cared about me. They provide the same level of care and dedication to all patients, 24/7.

I am sincerely grateful to our medical administrator Dr. Senthilvelmurugan for his immense support and guidance as well as to the nursing superintendent Ms.Mahalakshmi for her motivation and guidance. A special thanks to my consultant Dr. Srihari sir for his treatment and my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues and my lovely staff for their unwavering support that contributed to my quick recovery. This entire experience taught me to be a more caring, understanding and compassionate person.

Based on my personal experience, I want to convey a message to nurses. It is essential to communicate with patients regardless of whether they are conscious or not as they can perceive and appreciate your touch even if they are unable to respond. This act of kindness and care can be a significant source of hope and encouragement for patients and it can significantly contribute to their rapid recovery in conjunction with medical treatment and attention. As nurses spend 24 hours with patients, they are best positioned to carry out this essential task.

Ms. T. Lucy Grace,

Nurse Educator

My experience as a patient

My experience as a patient

Ms. T. Lucy Grace,

Nightingale Journals