From Mysterious Symptoms to a Life-Threatening Emergency
For nearly two months, Carrie had been dealing with persistent gastrointestinal issues that disrupted her life and brought mounting concern. “I had been having GI issues for about eight weeks and had been working with my primary care provider to try to get to the root of the issue,” she recalls. Though she was referred to a GI specialist, the wait time proved to be too long. Her condition worsened rapidly.
“My issues became so severe that I ended up in the emergency room in Devils Lake, where they diagnosed me with sepsis and sent me to Altru Hospital.”
For someone who had always been healthy, this was completely unfamiliar territory. “I had never spent even a night in the hospital before,” Carrie shares. “So, I had no idea what to expect.”
Finding Comfort and Care at Altru
Upon arriving at Altru’s Progressive Care Unit (PCU), the tone was set for a different kind of hospital experience—one rooted in compassion and attentiveness. Carrie’s sister was greeted by the charge nurse, Mel, who had already reviewed Carrie’s chart and was ready to act. “She told my sister that she had been digging into my chart to see what was going on with me and they were going to do everything they could to help me get better.”
That wasn’t just comforting—it was a promise that echoed throughout Carrie’s entire stay.
“From that early interaction and throughout the rest of my stay, I could really see and feel how much the staff was working to figure out what was causing my issues while taking care of me. They also treated my family with so much respect and compassion, like they were their own family.”
A Diagnosis—and a Setback
Once Carrie’s sepsis was brought under control, a colonoscopy provided long-awaited answers: she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It was a moment of clarity amid the chaos, and it came with a deep appreciation for those caring for her. “I was impressed once again by the professionalism and bedside manner of my surgeons.”
Soon after, Carrie was transferred to the women’s care floor and was told she would likely be discharged in a couple of days. But then came another setback—a serious GI bleed that required her to be moved to the ICU. It was another frightening moment, but she never felt alone.
“Once again, I appreciated the superb care of the nurses on that floor. I was grateful to be able to have the same nurse for several days in a row, which eliminated the need to explain to a new nurse each day what had happened to me.”
Gratitude for a Healing Journey
Eventually, Carrie returned to the PCU and, in time, was discharged. But her experience left a lasting impression—not just of a hospital, but of a community of caregivers who made all the difference.
“Throughout my stay, the professionalism and care of the employees that took care of me was very obvious,” she says. “From the nurse that placed my PICC line in IV resources, to the nurses, surgeons, phlebotomists, doctors, occupational therapists, laboratory scientists, and even janitorial, maintenance and kitchen staff, I was treated with kindness, care, and compassion.”
Her journey through illness was unexpected and at times terrifying—but in the midst of it, Carrie found strength, support, and healing.
“I am grateful I was transferred to Altru.”
If you are experiencing gastrointestinal issues, learn more about Altru's Gastroenterology Clinic »