From Pain to Purpose: Transforming Healthcare After My Hysterectomy Nightmare
In the summer of 2023, I underwent a hysterectomy that turned my world upside down. What was supposed to be a standard procedure quickly spiraled into a nightmare when complications arose, leaving me hospitalized for a week and immobile for two months. The physical pain was immense, but the emotional and psychological strain was even more overwhelming, largely due to the treatment I received—or rather, the lack thereof.
One particularly jarring moment was when I was awoken by an unfamiliar doctor who insisted I be discharged just 12 hours post-surgery without pain or hormonal medication nor regaining the ability to eat food, drink water, or walk more than a few steps unaided. The idea of leaving the hospital in such a fragile state, without adequate pain management or the ability to care for myself, was terrifying. Thankfully, my primary physician and surgeon intervened, recognizing the severity of my surgery and overruling the previous doctor's instructions before the discharge paperwork was completed.
During my hospitalization, the treatment I received changed like the wind before a tornado. Many of the nurses and administrators were kind and understanding, but the few rotten apples within the hospital (doctors, nurses, and administration staff) made my time there much harder both mentally and emotionally. The utter contempt they felt having to care for me on their shift or coming into my room for rounds could be felt the moment they entered. But my experiences highlighted glaring issues in our healthcare system: the inconsistent and sometimes downright negligent care that many patients receive.
A few weeks later as I laid in my bed at home grappling with pain and frustration, I made a promise to myself: I would use this ordeal as a catalyst for change. My professional background provided me with the tools and knowledge to understand where the system failed me, and I became determined to prevent others from enduring similar experiences.Trauma-informed care is not just about treating the physical symptoms but understanding the emotional and psychological impact of medical trauma on patients. It emphasizes empathy, compassion, and holistic care. In this training series. I wanted to focus the following topics that have an immense tangible impact on patient’s satisfaction level:
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact: Training healthcare professionals to recognize the signs of trauma and understand its profound impact on patients' overall well-being. This includes not only the immediate physical pain but also the lasting emotional and psychological scars.
Effective Communication: Teaching staff to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients. This involves active listening, validating patients' experiences, and ensuring they feel heard and understood.
Cultural Competency and Sensitivity: Addressing the specific needs of diverse patient populations who often face implicit biases and discrimination in medical settings. This component aims to dismantle stereotypes and promote equitable care.
Patient Advocacy and Empowerment: Encouraging healthcare professionals to advocate for their patients' needs and empower patients to be active participants in their care. This includes understanding patients' rights and ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and support.
By improving trauma-informed care and implementing anti-discriminatory practices, we can ensure that patients are seen and treated as whole individuals, not just as medical charts. This training series is just the beginning. My experience with a complicated hysterectomy and the subsequent challenges in receiving appropriate care have profoundly shaped my perspective and purpose. Through this healthcare training series, I aim to turn my pain into a force for positive change, ensuring that no patient has to endure what I went through. Together, we can create a healthcare system that truly heals, supports, and uplifts every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances.
If you work in the healthcare field, I encourage you to join our training, register here today!
