A NURSE associate at Colchester Hospital has spoken about her difficult journey after being diagnosed with two brain tumours and deep vein thrombosis simultaneously.
Clare Ruffell, 49, was working on the D'Arcy ward at the hospital when she began experiencing debilitating headaches, leading to an MRI scan in June 2022.
She said: "Within five minutes of the MRI I was taken to the emergency department and was told they'd found two brain tumours.
"They were on opposite sides of my head – one at the front and one at the back."
Planned surgery for one of the tumours in August 2022 was complicated by a lung blood clot.
"I nearly didn't make it. Then they found I also had a deep vein thrombosis," she said.
"The brain tumours were a shock and then I had this too."
Following a ten-month recovery period, during which she suffered seizures and needed additional surgery to treat a brain fluid leak, the healthcare professional from Harwich returned to work.
She is now based at Harwich Hospital's Waverley Rehab Unit, awaiting surgery for the second tumour.
She said: "It's really good to be back at work.
"Some days are tiring and some days I still get headaches. It's changed how I nurse.
"I am caring for patients who are coming in with the same condition as me, so I know what they're going through.
"When I was a patient I know what it’s like to be there buzzing your bell for someone to come and take you to the toilet."
Living alone and with two grown-up sons, Clare makes sure to rest when not working.
Facing the challenges of her health condition with a brave and unwavering spirit, Clare continues to give hope and inspiration to her patients and colleagues alike.
Sarah Wiekamp, interim senior matron for North East Essex Community Services, part of ESNEFT, praised Clare's dedication.
She said: "We are very proud to have Clare working within our division.
"Despite adversity, Clare has remained determined and positive in her working life, having a 'can do' approach.
"She has continually demonstrated the Trust values of being 'optimistic, appreciative and kind'."
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