Karen in Washington, DC

Before I took a job out of state, I used caregivers to assist with my mother’s independent living. When she moved to assisted living, I thought “outside” assistance would be unnecessary. I was wrong. While regular meals and on-time meds were no longer a problem, what I did need was a set of local “eyes and ears” who could accompany my mother to medical and dental appointments and who could act as her advocate. Linda has been exceptional in every regard. Linda not only makes appointments and transports my mother to each, she provides timely, detailed reports and provides me with her own observations on each visit; she insures medications are appropriate and updated. I am convinced I would use Linda’s services to some degree, even if I wasn’t 3,000 miles away! Linda’s thoroughness and obvious medical expertise allow her to raise questions and address issues which might otherwise go unnoticed; and her continuing advocacy and vigilance have prevented health crises, and unnecessary hospitalizations from occurring: the neurologist considered a second medication for Alzheimer’s that dramatically improved my mother’s mood; the cardiologist decreased her cardiac medications resulting in a more stable heart rate; a physical therapy referral after observing an unsteady gait, made my mother physically stronger walking with a cane. My mother recently turned 90, is medically stable and has an enhanced quality of life, Thanks to Linda.

BACK STORY: Carol contacted me feeling desperate and stressed at being unable to handle all of her sister-in-law’s multiple chronic and acute diagnoses.  The family could not attend all of the physician appointments, coordinate the needed surgery, get second opinions or understand  the medical questions and decisions they were asked to provide feedback on from various physicians. What also exacerbated the situation, was the sister-in-law’s feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty remembering what she was told from each physician.

#advocacy

Terry, Tiburon, CA

I have rheumatoid arthritis with joint stiffness and soreness throughout my body. Although I had been enrolled in a physical therapy program for 6 weeks, I was not progressing very much. I contacted Linda for wellness coaching and to learn some Pilates mat exercises. Linda helped me develop a highly effective exercise program that I can easily do on my own at home in a reasonable and doable time frame. The result has been less pain and stiffness as well as an increase in range of motion, flexibility and muscle tone. I feel Linda took a genuine interest in my well being and also provided me with lifestyle and nutritional guidance to help reduce inflammation, control pain and joint stiffness as well as to help prevent flare-ups of my arthritis. Her health guidance and supportiveness have been a tremendous benefit to me. I found Linda to be a very knowledgeable nurse advocate and health coach and I would highly recommend her services for health-related problems as well as wellness, exercise and nutrition strategies for optimal health.

#wellness

Helen, San Jose, CA

I have worked with Linda intermittently over the past eight years for three complicated surgeries I have needed on my left knee. Linda’s advocacy on my behalf facilitated my medical treatment, by giving me guidance on the different treatment options available for my orthopedic problems, arranged a second surgical opinion, offered education on my medications & even provided the names of some orthopedic surgeons who accepted my medical insurance. She also provided my physician with the names of some excellent physical therapists near my home, as well as suggesting the type of equipment I would need for home use following my surgeries. Although I needed pain medication after each surgery, I experienced a smoother recovery from Linda’s expert planning & discussions with my physician. She provided me with different options so I could make informed choices about my surgeries, treatment plans & pain medications. I have incorporated many wellness strategies she provided to me & feel I will be able to maintain these changes in my life for years to come. Linda’s nursing expertise & advocacy were invaluable to my recovery. She was extraordinary knowledgeable and resourceful and I will continue to use her services for my health problems in the future.

#advocacy

Carolyn, Alameda, CA

I have had bilateral knee surgeries [3 surgeries on each knee, including a left knee replacement], moderate arthritis, severe degeneration & scoliosis. I hired Linda as a patient advocate to get more information on stretching to slow down my arthritis, nutrition and wellness recommendations. I had been a long distance biker rider and wanted to continue with this activity for as long as possible.

She gave me suggestions on excellent fitness instructors, had some wonderful suggestions on which foods & ingredients that could be contributing to my inflammation, along with those food sources that would be helpful for healing and lower the amount of inflammation in my body. She provided me on what home care products could be harmful to my health, with recommendations on cleaner products, as well as how I can reduce my exposure to unsafe chemicals in my cosmetics & personal care products.

Linda is a great advocate for maintaining one’s health. I experienced positive changes in how I felt physically and emotionally and ended up with more energy and stamina. Her guidance, support and calmness were invaluable.
#advocacy

Cheryl, Alameda, CA

I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months after moving to Alameda from Nova Scotia, Canada. I was unfamiliar with health insurance issues in the US, but luckily I found Nurse Health Advocate, Linda Garvin. Linda helped me navigate the health system and assisted me in making critical decisions about complex treatment recommendations. Linda helped me develop a detailed list of questions for my surgeons and oncologists. Together we reviewed different treatment options specific to my type of cancer. We discussed my diet, cancer fighting food choices prudent for pre-surgery and radiation therapy and prevention of further cancer. Linda encouraged me to develop a personal health record that has proven to be a great tool for physician’s appointments, surgery and emergencies, as well as a post surgical discharge list in preparation for my recovery at home. Her professionalism, knowledge, expertise and compassion were invaluable to me at a time when informed decisions and support were critical to me and my family. Linda is a superb Nurse Health Advocate; definitely someone you want on your team whenever you or a family member is facing threatening or difficult health care situations.

BACK STORY: I received a call from Cheryl who had only lived in the United States a few months before her diagnosis of breast cancer. She was unfamiliar with our health care system,  insurance coverage, treatment protocols and understanding the pro’s and con’s of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and numerous other issues around this new diagnosis.

I was able to help her be organizing information in a manner she could understand, provided questions for her to ask her Oncologist, pre and post surgical tips to avoid infections, as well as discharge preparation after surgery. She made decisions which she was comfortable with and had an excellent recovery. She has been cancer free for several years.

#advocacy #cancer

Dr. Terry Whitten, Santa Rosa, CA

I contacted Linda for wellness coaching and to learn some Pilates mat exercises. Linda helped me develop a highly effective exercise program that I can easily do on my own at home in a reasonable and doable time frame. I have had an increase in range of motion, flexibility and muscle tone. I feel Linda took a genuine interest in my well being and also provided me with lifestyle and nutritional guidance. Her support has been a tremendous benefit to me. I found Linda to be a very knowledgeable nurse advocate and health coach and I would highly recommend her services for health-related problems as well as wellness, exercise and nutrition strategies for optimal health.

#wellness

Debbie Ryan, Alameda, CA

I sought Linda out because I have chronic rheumatoid arthritis and was looking for the expertise of a nurse. Her health guidance & couching have been a tremendous benefit to me. She provided me with food and beverage recommendation that I believe have decreased the amount of inflammation in my body, as well as educating me about how to avoid the toxins & chemicals in my personal care products. Linda helped me initiate a gentle home exercise program that I can perform independently in my house. These exercises have increased my strength and flexibility, which have helped decrease the stiffness & pain in my body. She assisted me with the types of questions I need for my follow-up appointments with my physician & provided me with some wellness strategies to prevent exacerbation of my health condition in the future. Linda’s health coaching and strategies she provided me have improved my communication and decision making with my physician and I now feel that I have more control over my health problems. I would highly recommend using Linda as a patient advocate and health coach.

#chronic