I’m a person who suffers from PTSD from a previous medical trauma. I needed to have an EGD for some health issues. Cindy called me the day before the procedure to tell me that she would be my nurse the day of the procedure.

She explained to me, step by step, what would happen when I arrived for my procedure. She then proceeded to explain to me the steps that take place once I am in the room where the EGD is performed, what happens during the procedure, and how it’s performed. We then talked about the things that trigger my PTSD, so we had a plan on how to be prepared for the procedure.

When I arrived the day of the procedure, I was very nervous, but Cindy was super nice and again took the time to explain everything. She took time to make sure nothing was going to trigger my PTSD. She introduced me to anyone who came into the room who was involved in the procedure and made sure everyone was on the same page. Her communication was great with all the staff that was involved in my procedure. She was great when I woke up after the procedure again, making sure I was doing well. She always asked how I was doing.

The best part was that I never had any flashbacks coming out of anesthesia, as I’ve had during past procedures. She was awesome at setting up a plan with me and communicating that plan with the rest of the staff. I had a second encounter with Cindy, and she was also great then. Just seeing her face and knowing how she helped me previously helped calm my nerves. The EGD by far was the best experience I’ve ever had for a procedure/surgery, and all the credit, I believe, goes to Cindy.

I feel she went above and beyond to make sure I had a good experience and that my PTSD didn’t get triggered. She made sure my mental health was just as important as the physical health of the procedure.