I am 81 years old and was critically ill when I consented to the colectomy with ileostomy procedure. Beyond saving my life, I had no knowledge of what an ileostomy was or the skills and care it required. When I was transferred from the ICU to the IMCU it became abundantly clear that the ileostomy would require a number of changes in my life. I began to regret the decision. One of the first people I met in the IMCU was Denise Mobilia, RN. My ostomy nurse. As Denise began to explain what an ostomy was and showed me the bag that would be attached to me, I was honestly in a fog. Not quite at a point of acceptance. Denise came in every day, and when it was time for me to practice changing my bag, I felt quite depressed and became tearful. She knelt down in front of me, held my hands, looked me in the eyes, and said, “You can DO this.” Denise was there for me every day and was my constant source of strength. She kept me going. By the time I was discharged, I was capable of caring for my ileostomy and felt like it was possible to live with it.  

Denise not only taught me the physical skills necessary for ostomy care but also gave me the emotional support I needed during a time when I doubted, I could go on living. I am currently hospitalized for the third time since my initial surgery. Once again, Denise is a here giving me encouragement and support.