"Ed Doctor"

I am writing to express my gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful Dr Brendan in ED. Over the past two years, I have faced numerous health challenges, including brain surgery, the development of POTS, scrub typhus, and two bowel perforations. As a result of these experiences, I have developed a certain level of PTSD or anxiety disorder, particularly when dealing with Albany Health Campus due to previous failings.

Recently, I visited your facility due to persistent stomach pain that had been troubling me for over a year...my file is too large for an average person. It's depressing and horrible. I must commend Dr. Brendon for his outstanding professionalism and compassion. Unlike many other healthcare professionals I have encountered, Dr. Brendan treated me with respect and listened attentively. He read the room, knew I wasn't exaggerating or there for a fun little trip unlike some drs seem to...It was a relief to be able to share my concerns without feeling the need to prove myself or advocate for my own health, as I have had to do in the past. Dr. Brendon left no stone unturned in his examination and took my worries seriously. Instead of simply prescribing antibiotics and sending me on my way, he provided me with a comprehensive plan and assurance that I was not imagining any of it, my pain was real and he even threw in a joke or two.

Living with chronic illness and undiagnosed conditions that cause constant pain is an ongoing challenge. It is difficult to determine when to seek help and what distinguishes one episode from the next and ive been on this carousel for far too long now. The fact that Dr. Brendon made me feel like I wasn't wasting his time meant a great deal to me. Infact, I think doing this for someone when they have hit a wall in their chronic illness journey and are exhausted by it to have someone show empathy is the biggest thing you can do for someone even when you can't physically fix their pain. Whats happening to my body isn't normal, there has to be answers. To have someone agree with that is... a breath of fresh air. To have someone point me in a new direction and to support that with the right MRI etc... is even more supportive and what should have probably been done a very long time ago. I went to bed and didn't cry myself to sleep that night feeling hopeless and unsure of who to go to for help next. I wish you could know and understand that feeling on a personal level. Because it's horrible. To just go around in constant circles. It's exhausting.

Dr. Brendon's kindness, thoroughness, and genuine care went above and beyond my expectations. I really regret not expressing my gratitude more clearly before leaving. While I understand that it is part of his job, I want Dr. Brendon to know that his approach and demeanour made a significant impact on me. I appreciate the exceptional care he provided, and it is doctors like him who might restore my faith in the health system one day.

Kind regards,

The girl who lives with constant pain, a broken brain, a broken nervous system, and a troubled stomach, but who deeply appreciates doctors who treat her with humanity.