Help from an unlikely source

I learned a lesson from my father a long time ago: be nice to all people who serve you—housekeepers, maintenance people and any other job which may be looked down upon by society. My father often exhibited this when he would take a few moments to greet and say a few words to the cleaning company who cleaned his place of employment. The people always seemed appreciative of his words and his recognition of their existence.

Through the years, I have tried to continue this practice. When I am in the hospital, of course you are kind to the physicians, but I try to be extra courteous to the food servers, housekeeping, maintenance and anyone else with a lower status.

Whenever I am admitted to the hospital, I always have a respiratory therapist (RT). They often have good insight into respiratory conditions, my ventilator and other respiratory needs. Although I sometimes get annoyed with their lack of general medical knowledge, I try to remain grateful for their input, smile and be pleasant.

There is one RT in one of the hospitals I frequent, who I do not care for. She does her job, but her demeanor often comes off as cold. Despite this, I do what I can to be respectful and thank her for her services.

Recently, when I was in the emergency department (ED), I was having a severe pain attack. When a medical team came running to my bed because I was struggling to breathe, it was the RT who bravely stepped up and told the nurses and doctors, “The patient is having a pain attack. Her breathing becomes very labored when she is in a lot of pain. Once her pain is controlled, her breathing improves. I have seen this happen to her when she has previously been in the ED.”

I was stunned, simply STUNNED by the RT’s observation. She has been the ONLY person to notice and voice this observation. Yes, when I am in severe pain, my airways swell up, making it nearly impossible for me to breathe. Here, this woman I thought was cold and uncaring is actually very observant. And amazingly, the medical team took her advice, and gave me fentanyl for pain relief. And soon, my breathing was back to a better pace.

As I think about this situation, tears burst from my eyes. The RT could have remained silent. The RT could have ignored her observations and not assited my case. But she decided to speak up and help get me out of extreme pain. After all these years, who knew my father’s words and actions could help me so many years in the future. Praise be to God!