By Katy Baker
We often hear stories of negative experiences with medical professionals but I have been lucky enough to have some standout moments too. This is what makes patients trust medical professionals. I will always be grateful to these doctors and nurses.
The Professor who I was under, from when I was diagnosed with Scimitar Syndrome, until I was 17 years old. He helped my parents to understand a lot about the condition and provided me with a great deal of care when I was younger.
The doctor who diagnosed me with a pulmonary embolism in May 2022. She assessed me when I was in A&E and asked me questions about Scimitar Syndrome. She allowed me to show her a diagram of what a heart looks like for someone with Scimitar Syndrome and took the time to listen about the condition, along with the symptoms I was experiencing that night. I was then transferred to another unit and had a CT scan. I wasn’t expecting to see her again but she personally came to tell me the results of my CT scan which showed a pulmonary embolism. She shared the results in such a kind and gentle way. She knew that I was shocked and how serious it was but she could not have delivered the news in a nicer way.
My nurse who has such an important job, I think more important than she realises. I spent a lot of time with her between February - June this year having numerous blood tests to check my INR, having finger pricks and she taught me how to test myself which gives me huge independence and responsibility for my own care. She also taught me about INR and emphasised the importance of regular monitoring. A huge amount of trust was needed between the two of us. She also knew that having near enough daily blood tests was not what I wanted to do, she took interest in my life and tried to make the process as smooth as possible. I will forever be grateful for her support.
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