In May of 2024, after going to the VA hospital in Syracuse NY, I was admitted to the 6th floor because I had an intestinal blockage. After doctors informed me that I would need a three-and-a-half-hour surgery, I was admitted to the 6th floor ICU. While I was in the ICU, I met nurse practitioner, Corinn Morris, from the specialty clinic ostomy wound clinic, because my colon was redirected. I now have a stoma outside of my belly, where this will be the new norm, attached to a two-piece ostomy drainage pouch with a barrier.

Corrin was there to show me how it was to be attached to my belly. Corrin asked me if I have support at home. I answered yes, I have my husband and my sisters. She asked if my sister could come in for a class on how to apply the ostomy and barrier pouch. I said yes. As Corinn continued, she gave step-by-step instructions on what to do so that I would not get an infection.

This would be the norm for the next 6 to 10 months before we could talk about a reversal. I thought to myself, this was a serious and life-changing surgery I just had. Corinne said to me, "Any questions, D?" To which I responded with "How am I going to do this? I'm scared, Corinn". Corrin said "You got this D, with the support of your husband and sisters." Corinn was confident we would be able to do it. She said, "D, just as you trust me, you will trust your support team when you go home."

A couple of days later, my husband and sisters were given the second class, which went perfectly. I was so happy! After spending about 16 days on the unit, I went home. Corinn was available to me whenever I felt I needed some guidance. For instance, when I called Corrin and she made herself available. My pouch was leaking, and I called her, and immediately she saw me.

Corrin removed the ostomy and the barrier, and she asked my husband to show her how to put the ostomy and barrier on my belly. A few adjustments were made, and she addressed the situation with my husband. The second time was a couple of months before my colonoscopy, and I called Corinn. I told her I was scheduled for this procedure and I have this small pouch on, and I'm scared and nervous. Corrin said she would order a two-piece sleeve with a clamp irrigator, but that she wanted my husband and me to come in, so that she could show us how to use it when it comes time.

We both went in, and the worry was over because it worked after I had a drink of my prep the night before. Corinn went over and beyond the Call of Duty! You earned my trust and confidence that I could do it. I'm going to do it with the best of my ability as my journey continues. Keep being the exceptional nurse practitioner that you are!