“No! I don’t use drugs nor alcohol. I’m having chest pain, I tell you!!!” an angry female inmate told my coworker who was trying to ask her questions and take her vital signs. She was wheeled on a guerney by their unit deputy, as she complained that she was too weak to even walk. Prior to coming down to the Infirmary, we looked at her records. She was arrested for forging documents to obtain narcotics.
“Listen!” with a higher tone and firmer voice, I spoke as I got in front of her. “You don’t need to talk to her like that. The reason why she was asking you all those, they were all important so we could figure out why you are feeling awful. When we find out the real cause, it’s easier for us to treat you. Why don‘t you let us do our jobs? Let us have control of this probing so we can get to the bottom of your discomfort…” She remained disrespectful to the other nurse. I grabbed her medical chart and continued to deal with her.
“But I told her! I was having chest pains since last night,” as she yelled again. I motioned for the deputy not to say anything and I would take care of it as it was more verbal disrespect she was showing at that time. He sensed my request and remained quiet while he stood nearby.
After asking many important questions, with her showing her on and off disgust with the way I was asking her about her medical and mental history, I ended with, “Do you have a history of being scared of tight spaces or even panic attacks?”
Pause…She looked at me and was about to yell in exasperation. But I looked at her eye to eye and determined for her not to yell at me. Softly, she answered, “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Okay! There you go! I want you to try to relax! You’re not dying, though I know it feels that way for you. Take a couple of deep breaths for me. Don’t you think that if I saw anything abnormal like with your blood pressure, I wouldn’t be wasting my time talking with you? See this? [as I pointed at the oxygen monitor]…Your oxygen in your blood is 99%. That’s a great number,” I explained. “But to make sure that there is nothing going on in your heart, I will do an EKG anyway, okay?”
“Thank you, Ma’am,” as a more mellowed demeanor was displayed now by her. On the exam table, she appeared more calm. Her 2 EKG readings both returned with normal results. I showed it to her. I told her I would still refer her to our mental health services so she could be treated for her panic attacks. She stopped whining, got up and stated that she felt better then.
We get emotional, too. But if not saturated with His truths, we get so panicky and just won’t let Him take control of our lives. Paul said in Romans 12:1,2 - “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable, or well pleasing and perfect.”
Presenting our bodies mean we have to give all of ourselves to God. Our hearts, minds, thoughts, attitudes…Let us give up control of these and offer it to God. Let Him be the One to control. How? By the renewing of our minds. A daily cleansing from His Word will remove all those worldly wisdom and be replaced by His true wisdom. Where the mind goes, the will and emotions follow.
True worship is not just about the things we do in church and open praise. It is the acknowledgement of God and all His power and glory in everything that we do. The highest form is obedience to Him and His Word. We must know Him and not remain ignorant.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope I can get some sleep later today. I don't think it's a coinsidence that your post was about panic attacks. I have only had a few in my life, but they are very scary. I turn to God when I start to feel anxious and place all my problems at His feet. I like the new look of your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosel! GOD has been reminding me time and time again, how I must surrender my eating to HIM. Over the last couple of weeks I have given this area of sin over to HIM. I am feeling better doing things HIS way (organic and NO binge eating). I am NO longer feeding my heart with food! I am feeding my heart with the love of my Heavenly Father through prayer and HIS word. Thank you for your continued prayers, love, and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteBless you, sweet friend!
Hugs and prayers,
andrea
I haven't had any panic attacks yet, but I assisted someone once who thought he was having a heart attack but it proved to be panic. Scary moment. I like your gentle way in dealing with this woman. Prayerfully the light of your Christian influence will work into her heart.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true that worship takes on many definitions. Love you, my friend. Thank you for sharing wisdom with us.
ReplyDeleteIt took me along time to learn this, that true worship means with my very being. Surrendering to God who created us...it can't get any better!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the verses I live by or at least I try.
Panic attacks are no laughing matter, my nephew living in Florida and his Mother living in Gorgia, would call at 2 in the morning with panic attacks and tell her he no longer wanted to live. I thank God that she convinced him to moved closer to the family and he is now doing much better. God hears our prayers. Thank you for visiting me and leaving such nice comments for me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jean
Thanks for the Romans 12:1&2 reminder.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Ron
Thanks for this Post Rosel.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy for me to know that true worship is obedience, but difficult for me to do in those very areas of my life where I most need it. I'm grateful for God's continual mercy on me. I'm grateful that He gives me the Holy Spirit who can provide me His strength to obey Him.
I experienced panic attacks in the past. Not fun. It was only when I learned to completely trust in God that I could break free from that bondage. God is all about freedom, I love that!
ReplyDeleteYou know ... I've come to believe the believer can live a lifestyle of worship. It's a form of offering God one's heart, mind, body & soul in every fact - time, talents/gifts, finances, family, etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat a worthy God is He!
Blessings,
Kathleen
Panic attacks are horrible...I used to have them all the time. Like Debby...when God touched me, helped me to face what happened....I got free. Sarah
ReplyDeleteBless you for sharing this sweetie, love you.
ReplyDeleteRosel, You are such a blessing to so many. Thank you for stopping by and leaving sweet words. My grandchildren are one of my greatest earthly loves. Not to worry her mother knows I Lovingly spoil her and she stills brings her back to see me.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your blog. It really is pretty! Carol
You are anointed to be a correctional nurse like the world has never seen! That facility is blessed by God....simply because you are there! As always you are such an encouragment. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your real life stories Rosel. I can picture you talking to this lady. Too often we confuse fluff for love. Love can still be displayed when we stand firm with the truth even when the other person doesn't like it, as you prove time and time again.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's hard for this living sacrifice to stay on the alter but I will keep at it.
Much love to you!
Rosel have not really suffered from panic attacks, but have been extremely fearful though in my life! Thank you for this wonderful post, and yes worship is so very important! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteYour post was a blessing to me. Keep up the good work. God bless, Doylene
ReplyDelete