Credits UCMC emergency room with saving her life

Dear Editor:

Thank goodness for Upstate Carolina Medical Center. Our local hospital sometimes lacks appreciation, but without this hometown facility I would not be writing this letter today.

Last Tuesday I had an acute allergic reaction to a shot I had for, ironically, allergies. I had waited the obligatory time in the doctor's office to make sure everything was all right. But 10 minutes after I left the office, I was battling for breath.

My husband drove me immediately to the emergency room. I don't even remember entering, but was told that Dr. Speight, the attending physician, had saved my life. He knew right away what to do and with a very capable nursing staff, I soon had a tube down my throat, multiple attachments and began to turn from blue to a normal skin color.

After admittance to the intensive care unit I was very well attended and gradually regained a sense of well-being. I had been so frightened that I was dying.

All the nurses, but especially Linda James, were so caring and professional that I felt I had to express my gratitude.

We in Gaffney are fortunate to have such an outstanding institution near when an emergency occurs. Please overlook the times when an overburdened nurse may not have pleased you, or when you had to wait longer than you thought necessary, because we need a medical facility that can offer prompt and professional care. Life is not predictable.

Sincerely, Margretta Roueche,

Gaffney, SC