In October 2015, I had an ablation that ended with serious complications. In knowing that the recommendations for another ablation was needed, I can’t tell you the fear and concern that I had for the upcoming procedure. I will share that from the time that I entered the surgery prep room, the nurses were cognizant of my anxiety and helped me relax.

One nurse, Kathy, the person who took me to the OR, immediately recognized my “fear”, anxiety, and concern. Her words to me were comforting and reassuring. She held my hand, looked me in the eyes, and softly in a reassuring voice, said, “We all know what you have been through before, and we are here to take special care of you. I am going to hold your hand until you go to sleep, and I will be there in recovery to check on you.”

The last thing I remember before the anesthesia took effect was her hand holding mine in a reassuring manner. True to her word, she came to recovery to check in. I regret that I wasn’t quick enough to share with her how much she helped me while in the OR. Her comforting words and reassurance enabled me to relax and know that it was going to be okay.