Even The Manliest Experience Fear

by rantingrn

My pt was this young guy in for diverticulitis, post op day 10 or so, and things were at a standstill. The Docs had been trying to get him to accept and NG for a couple hours now, without avail, because his stomach was so distended he looked about 6 months pregnant. This guy was a tough guy and was determined to just let things try to work themselves out.

I went in to chat with him and realized that no one had really explained to him the procedure, nor had anyone taken the time to try to dispel some of his fears. Him and I watched a youtube video on his phone so he could visualize it. He finally decided to go for it, with the help of some Ativan.

When it was all said and done, with tears in his eyes, he wanted to thank me for simply holding his hand.

Just another day in the life.