Ostomy Nurses

I am writing to commend the outstanding ostomy nursing staff at Marian Regional Medical Center for the quality of care I received following my surgery on July 2, 2025. My path to Marian was difficult. After being misdiagnosed, mistreated, and discharged from another hospital while acutely ill, I arrived at Marian in critical condition with perforated diverticulitis, abdominal abscesses, and sepsis. The surgical team, hospitalists, radiologists, infectious disease specialists, and nurses provided excellent care that saved my life. Just as importantly, the compassionate and knowledgeable care from the ostomy nursing team gave me and my family the tools and confidence to recover and adapt after surgery. The ostomy nurses who cared for me, particularly Emily and Sarah, demonstrated extraordinary patience, kindness, and expertise. They made time to teach me and my family what we needed to know about managing an ostomy in a way that was clear, reassuring, and empowering. They visited me regularly during my hospitalization and continued to check on me afterward, even making time to see me when I had follow-up appointments with Dr. Joel Dean and PA Anne Barnett. I especially want to thank the nurse who has an ostomy herself. Her willingness to share her personal perspective normalized the experience for me and provided a sense of reassurance and resilience that I cannot overstate. Her example helped me begin to see that life with an ostomy is manageable. The entire ostomy nursing team at Marian went far beyond the routine. Their care was exceptional and made an immense difference not only in my recovery but also in my outlook moving forward. I will always be grateful for their professionalism, compassion, and humanity.