Darci's Story
Darci Colsch is from Monona, Iowa. As an instructor for the Nursing - Associate Degree at Southwest Tech in Fennimore, Darci is very familiar with the importance of providing exceptional patient care.
Darci's Journey: Part 1
In the middle of the evening on October 2, 2018, Darci began experiencing pain in her left side and asked her daughter-in-law to bring her to the Crossing Rivers Health Emergency Room.
After undergoing multiple lab tests, an adnexal mass was detected on her right ovary. Darci was referred to Dana Benden, Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist, at Crossing Rivers Health Center for Specialty Care. Darci went into surgery that very same day.
"Just to watch the surgical crew was remarkable. My husband and daughter were with me for support. Dr. Benden came in and explained everything to them - and in laymans terms, so they understood. The communication and empathy that was displayed to them was outstanding. It was just fantastic. It made me feel comfortable and it made them feel comfortable. It kept all of us at ease during a time of unknown, when we didn't know what we were dealing with yet."
After two weeks awaiting the pathology report, Darci was able to breathe a sigh of relief after receiving a full release from Dr. Benden.
"I'm very happy and proud where I bring my nursing students for clinicals, but this was a remarkable time for me see first-hand, as a patient, how it felt to experience such a high level of care. It made me and my family comfortable that I can't explain the gratitude that I have for Crossing Rivers Health."
Darci's Journey: Part 2
In the early morning hours of the next Saturday, Darci began experiencing pain and had her husband bring her to the Emergency Room once again.
"Dr. Jordan was just the kindest emergency room doctor. He explained in laymans terms to me and my husband."
This time, Darci's gallbladder had gone out and she developed pancreatitis. Darci knew that this diagnosis would mean that she would be on a weight lifting restriction again, which meant that she would not be able to hold her grandbabies.
"As a nurse, I knew that I would not be able to hold those babies - and it had already been a month that I wasn't able to hold them. I love those kids, so I was emotional. I broke down. My husband teared up. Angie, the emergency room nurse, just held my hand and asked if there was anything she can do. Just that calmness, calmed us. She just let me share my emotions and it helped to make us feel comfortable."
Darci knew she would be on a difficult journey, again. She also knew that meant she would have to have surgery again.
"They asked if I wanted to be transferred. With my prior experience here and for my family, I wanted to stay at Crossing Rivers Health. I know the staff. I know the compassion they display. It makes me very proud that I can bring students here to see that - because it is something that we can't teach. You either have it or you don't. There is a pure display of it here at Crossing Rivers Health - every person was accommodating and kept me going. It was just such a blessing and an honor. I can't stress enough how grateful we are to Crossing Rivers Health, how honored I am to bring students here so they can see what it's like to truly care for patients - and Crossing Rivers Health truly cared."
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or any symptoms that concern you, the compassionate experts at Crossing Rivers Health can help. If you feel you need immediate assistance, our Emergency Room is available 24/7. To establish primary care with a member of our Clinic team, please call 608.357.2500 or complete the short form at the link below.