"She left me feeling understood and seen"

I attended ED recently in extreme pain with gall bladder issues, having been referred by my GP. These pains have been ongoing since July last year and this is my third visit to ED with same. This most recent flare up has been going on for two months with a vast escalation in the past 10 days.

I had spoken to the booking centre last week to ascertain where I was on the waiting list for gallbladder removal, however the conversation left me very confused and feeling quite hopeless. The pain is so extreme that it is impacting my quality of life, my ability to look after my family and my attendance at work, however to-date I feel like I have been left to simply suffer. It seems gallbladder pain is something we just have to ‘suck up’.

When I presented at ED I was in extreme pain and discomfort, however for the first time ever I found a doctor looking after me who actually seemed to empathise with my condition. Not only did she seem sympathetic to the pain and arranged immediate pain relief, she also listened to my story so far and processed everything I said about my frustration and confusion regarding the waiting list. Not only did she look after my physical symptoms but she went to a surgeon and sought explanation regarding the waiting list. She was able to relay to me that I’m on a wait list and am on the correct list which will lead to surgery for removal of the gallbladder. She reassured me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Without disregarding previous treatment by other ED staff, she is the first who saw me as a person. She left me feeling understood and seen. At times I have considered overdose as the pain levels are so high, I have regular thoughts of life not worth living, however this lady has given me hope. I believe her name is Nell and I would really appreciate if this compliment makes its way to her. Thanks.