I live in Kernersville, NC, about ten minutes from my daughter and two happy, hilarious, curious, so stinking cute granddaughters. My husband and I are owned by two Dalmatians and two cats, who occupy much of our time. We planned on breeding our female Dalmatian in October of this year; however, nature took its course, and we now have seven little one-week-old puppies that we are in love with.
I am currently working for a large university hospital in North Carolina. I primarily work in outpatient clinics. Recently, I helped complete a research project to enhance recovery for ostomy patients with the school of nursing. My Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOCN) certification was earned at Emory University, and my Master’s degree at UNCW. I am a member of the United Ostomy Association of America UOAA ostomy.org. I urge all my patients to become a member. They have a user-friendly site with tons of information for ostomates and caregivers. Throughout this website, you will see direct links to their page. I am also a Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurse Society WOCN wocn.org member (WOCN.org). The WOCN is also a great resource geared more toward clinicians but has many excellent resources for ostomates.
Today, I continue battling Crohn’s disease and have little trouble managing my ostomy. However, my past involves handling my problematic stoma, surgeries, trying new medications, and parastomal hernias; you name it, I’ve probably now have or have had it.
As a WOCN, I have observed a thing or two over the years working with ostomy patients. For example, the most frequently asked questions are: How long does it take to recover? Can I eat the same foods? Will I smell bad? How will I tell people? Can I still wear jeans? What about gas? How do I conceal it? In the following blogs, I will address these questions. As I continue to build this site, please leave comments and or request information on a particular subject.
I have noticed a few commonalities, no matter what type of ostomy or how difficult it is for some people. One significant factor is determination. Zig Ziglar quoted this: No one can teach you if you are unwilling to learn. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you. In my experience, this quote rings true. In the same breath, not all stomas are cooperative. So, if you have a problematic stoma, no matter how hard you try, some ultimately are a problem that requires surgical intervention. Because I work with a population that lives far from the hospital, I have made a few YouTube videos for my patients, and these videos address some common ostomy problems. You can check these out by clicking the YouTube tab on the top of the home page. Remember that I made these videos, which are not “professionally” done. You will periodically see glimpses of my cats and dogs in the footage. Regardless, I hope you find them helpful. Also, remember that I have not seen you or your medical history, so this does not replace your WOCN or Doctor’s advice.
I hope this helps 🙂
This is my best friend 😊. She had this vision to help people with all of this that goes with ostomy and so so much more for 10 years or more before she had to go thru the endless days of school and more schooling that goes with it. She really cares! You are in very good hands.