My husband had to have emergency surgery for a sigmoid colostomy. He has an ostomy placed to allow for healing. I met Tracy Fields, the wound and ostomy nurse at UVA Health PWMC, Manassas, VA a couple of days after the surgery and she instructed me on how to change and maintain my husband's ostomy. As with most people, I had lots of questions, doubts, and fears, etc. if I would be able to handle this. She showed me true encouragement and hope that I would be able to do this. I still did not feel comfortable about what to do so I contacted Tracy and she set up another session to answer my questions. Tracy stopped in to see us and bring us some supplies and she checked his colostomy and did not like the way the nursing staff placed the bag (I was present when the nurse did it and I know she did not do it per Tray's instructions). That is how thorough Tracy is. Well, she changed the bag herself, and once again I was able to get another lesson on how to handle this.

Tracy was always there for me and gave me the confidence that I could do this! She is exceptional in her field and just a pleasure to have worked with in the transition my husband and I are now facing with a colostomy bag. She never felt we were bothering her or that we should know the answers. She should be commended and recognized for the true professional she is in her nursing role. She truly showed me her love for what she does.