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Heartfelt Stories – A Journey of Healing: Lorraine’s COVID-19 Experience at MCH

A close-up portrait of Lorraine Stenersen standing outdoors, smiling warmly. She is dressed in a white blouse, with her short, gray hair styled simply. The background features blurred columns and greenery
Heartfelt Stories - A Journey of Healing: Lorraine's COVID-19 Experience at MCH
How Monadnock Community Hospital's Compassionate Care Made All the Difference

Heartfelt Stories

At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are proud to share our Heartfelt Stories featuring inspiring testimonials from our patients, employees, volunteers, donors, and community members. Each story reflects the exceptional care, support, and compassion that define our commitment to our community. Join us in celebrating these remarkable journeys and the difference compassionate care can make.

When Lorraine Stenersen began experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue in November 2021, her family insisted she go to the Emergency Department at Monadnock Community Hospital. There she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and given oxygen. Hoping she could recover at home, Lorraine was discharged, but soon was back, feeling weaker than ever with her oxygen levels dropping quickly. This time, she was admitted to the Hospital’s Medical-Surgical Unit, where she was placed on high-flow oxygen to assist her breathing.

“I felt like I was suffocating,” recalls Lorraine. “The medical team talked about putting me on a ventilator, but instead, they wanted to try high-flow oxygen first and luckily that worked. I started improving a little bit each day.”

Due to the severity of her symptoms, Lorraine spent 11 days at MCH. “Friends asked me if I felt lonely there,” says Lorraine, “but I never did. There was always a friendly face at my door. The nurses went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable. Even the food was excellent!”

“Being hospitalized with COVID was scary. But I was blown away by the care and compassion of the MCH staff.”

Above all, Lorraine remembers the warmth and professionalism of her caregivers. “I was blown away by the care and compassion of the MCH staff,” she says. “I don’t think people realize the sacrifices that hospital workers make to care for patients with COVID. The stress is tremendous and so are the risks. But my care team was always there for me, ready to listen, answer questions, give comfort, and monitor my progress.”

For Lorraine, the biggest takeaway from her COVID experience was the realization that a vaccine might have saved her from hospitalization. “I never believed I’d get COVID,” she says. “I was so healthy, and I’d heard there were unknowns about the vaccine, so I never got it. My husband did because he’s medically compromised and, as a result, he never got sick even though he was exposed to the virus through me. His vaccine protected him.”

Today Lorraine looks back on her vaccine hesitancy from a different perspective. “You do NOT want to get COVID,” she says. “Yes, I know you can still get COVID even after vaccination, but it’s usually milder with less risk of hospitalization.”

Lorraine has always been grateful for the Hospital. “Our family grew up with MCH caregivers,” she notes, “and I still rely on them for my healthcare today. Whether you need emergency care or just a check-up, MCH has the expertise and compassion you’re looking for. Right here in our community, too! It doesn’t get much better than that.”

“Like a lot of people, I didn’t think I’d ever get COVID.” — Lorraine Stenersen, Rindge, NH

A group of seven healthcare professionals, dressed in various professional attire, standing in front of Monadnock Community Hospital. The group is positioned outdoors with the hospital building visible in the background. The text above them reads, 'We Are All In This Together.' At the bottom of the image, the Monadnock Community Hospital logo is displayed along with the caption, '2022 Report to Our Community

MCH 2022 Annual Report

emergency department