Shelby Mallow definitely had an impact on my post-surgery health care and enhanced my recovery experience. I had emergency surgery at Carle in early April. I learned that I would need an ostomy bag. Initially, I was devastated and could only focus on the negative. However, I saw my situation in a different light when I learned that at some point in the future the procedure could be reversed and I also had a very wonderful and exceptional Home Care Nurse assigned to me, Shelby. She always arrived with a smile, a positive and upbeat attitude and always asked how I was and if there were any issues or questions since the last visit.
Shelby always answered my questions, found resources for me, worked with me to adjust/change products, communicated any changes/concerns to the doctor, made helpful suggestions to support my use of the products and also did a thorough job of ensuring that I was comfortable installing and wearing the products. (She's a former ostomy support nurse and it's obvious that she has a wealth of knowledge). Shelby is also extremely organized, from scheduling appointments and providing the assessment and other healthcare services during the home visit. Shelby is very compassionate and caring. This aspect of her personality helped me to deal with my "situation" and remain positive and focused on recovery and managing the ostomy process and acceptance of my new "condition" as part of who I am and not a negative outcome.
Shelby is an outstanding and dedicated caregiver and person. It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet her and to have her as my caregiver.