“I can never thank you enough. You saved my life!” This is a common sentiment patients share with members of their care team as they get back on the road to health, but in the case of one PAH patient, these powerful words weren’t spoken after a lifesaving surgery or vital treatment, but after a particularly delicious bowl of cabbage soup.
Orysya Khanas, an Environmental Services service technician, was happy to help when she received a call from a colleague looking for some quick assistance in clarifying care instructions for a patient who spoke only Ukrainian. But when she arrived at the bedside, Khanas — a Ukraine-native herself who also speaks Russian — quickly realized that the language barrier was only the tip of the iceberg.
The patient had undergone four surgeries, including the amputation of his right leg, and he had become increasingly withdrawn during his hospitalization. He had no appetite, no interest in taking his medications, no family or friends nearby who could visit, and no understanding of English, which made even watching TV a useless distraction. After addressing the immediate translation need, Khanas gave the patient her phone number and urged him to call her whenever he needed assistance — or a friend.
Over four months of regular visits, Khanas developed an above-and-beyond connection with the patient that transformed his PAH experience. He eagerly followed up on her offer to make his hospital stay less lonely, and each time she stopped by, Khanas empowered him to play an active role in his own care by taking his pills and eating regularly. To rebuild his appetite and boost his mood, she began preparing his favorite meals, including that perfect bowl of cabbage soup.
“He was so skinny when I first met him. He wasn’t used to American food, so I said I’d bring in something that would be good for his body and soul,” Khanas said. “I would take his requests, bring in fresh food the next day — my husband was so disappointed that all of the cooking wasn’t for him! — and his whole attitude changed.”
Khanas also worked with the Food & Nutrition Services team to build a menu that met the patient’s nutritional needs while still reminding him of home. Her efforts quickly paid off — his health progressed rapidly, and soon enough, he was ready for discharge.
“It was so important to me to be there for him so he knew he wasn’t alone,” Khanas said. “He told me all the time that the food, and especially the cabbage soup, had saved him. Making a patient as comfortable as possible, especially when they’re in a difficult situation or are feeling lost or lonely — it’s all part of the job.”