Emergency care is just that – the care you need when you have a medical emergency – and emergency care was exactly what I needed in mid-April of this year.

I woke with a bit of discomfort in my right side, but with a full day ahead of me, I opted to get ready for a meeting, and I drove from Lewes to Georgetown. By the time I arrived, I was feeling much worse. The discomfort had intensified, and the pain was beginning to radiate to my back.

My colleagues told me I didn’t look well at all, and one even offered to drive me back home. I explained that I was feeling pain in my side, but I insisted on driving myself home. And that was the longest drive ever!

When I arrived back home, I tried resting, but that did not help. Finally, I called a friend and asked her to take me to Beebe Healthcare’s Emergency Department in Lewes. I was still in pain and rather apprehensive about what could be wrong.

I have been treated at Beebe before, and I have always received great care, but from the moment I arrived on this particular day, the service was simply excellent. The registration process was quick and easy. I was seen promptly, and nurse Katelyn O’Neil, RN, could not have been nicer.

Paul Cowan, DO, was my physician, and he immediately ordered a few tests. He was very caring and thorough. After the test results came back, he advised me that I had a kidney stone that was too large to pass. He said I would need a lithotripsy procedure, but I was not in any immediate danger. He gave me clear instructions to drink lots of water until the date of the procedure. He also prescribed medication for the pain and patiently answered my questions. I cannot thank Dr. Cowan enough for his kindness that day. What a terrific doctor!

Delbert Kwan, MD, performed my lithotripsy procedure May 5, and now I’m kidney stone free! Big thank you to Dr. Kwan as well as to the rest of my same-day-surgery team of Eileen Hardy, RN; Eileen Regina Bevenour, RN; Wendi Rhodes, RN; Loretta Hodges, RN; Brian Bonzo, SRNA; William Doherty, MD; and Casey Thran Savage, DO.

Beebe Healthcare is such a special part of our Sussex County community. I am proud to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who cared for me during my recent kidney stone diagnosis and procedure. Thanks to all who provided excellent service and care!

As a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe Healthcare depends on the generous support of the community it serves. To make a gift to celebrate the excellent care you or a loved one has received, visit Beebe Medical Foundation at beebemedicalfoundation.org or call 302-644-2900. Want to share your story? Contact Amanda Neal at aneal@beebehealthcare.org.