In the past four months I have met many, many new people. Doctors, nurses, medical assistants, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, insurance workers, cancer survivors, and cancer fighters.
Another group of people I have met are Ostomates! This was a new word for me!
os·to·mate (äs′tə māt′)
noun. a person who has had an ostomy
I am an ostomate! Who knew? These have been some of the kindest and most helpful people to me. They have encouraged me, laughed with me, given me hope and strength, and reminded me of what really matters in life. They have also shared ostomy tips with me:
- Don't eat gas-producing foods
- Always carry a change of clothes in the car
- Always carry at least two clean ostomy bags with you
- In an ostomy emergency, stop at a nursing home, they will have extra supplies
This is Clarice. Clarice is an ostomate, and she is an Enterostomal Therapist. Clarice is one of the sweetest women I know. She met with me before I had surgery to educate me about ileostomies. Since my surgery, she has walked with me through the whole process; listening to me, laughing with me, instructing me, answering my questions, and imparting courage and strength to me. She has made me smile every time I have been with her. She has also helped me to find the right ostomy products for me, making my life easier and more comfortable. I consider her to be an angel sent from Heaven just for me! Thank you, Clarice!
"And now I have everything, and more. I have all I need...
My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus
to give you everything you need.
Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen."
Philippians 4:18-20
With your radiant smile and adorable personality and the fact that you are just so darn cute, I can see a whole new future for you. You will become an Enterostomal Therapist.!!!!!! :) You will make it all better for many that go after you and this is of course after your book deal because that is a MUST happen. There just isn't any way around it, you have to do the Slaying of the Bob book. Maybe while you are stuck in that room for 5 - 6 hours you can get the first half of the book done. Feel free to quote me at anytime in your book. I'm sure I have said something profound atleast once somewhere in here...or maybe I can be one of those quotes on the "what not to say" page or perhaps just name a whole chapter after me, what do you say???? LOL :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet looking lady!! So glad God sent her to you!! He's always got your back!!! Love you!
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at people's jobs and the ones God sends to us as we go through things in our life! I know that you are already doing the same with those whose paths you cross!
ReplyDeleteAlways praying for you!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Hi Laura:
ReplyDeleteWe go to COF and just love it. Wanted you to know that you have another Ostomate in my son, Alex, who just turned 12. He was born with a non-working large intestine. So, they gave him an ileostomy, removed the large intestine and took the ostomy down a couple years later.
So, as a Mom who got to deal with that, I understand some of what you are experiencing. Only thing I would add to your list of suggestions is Metamucil. It naturally "thickens" and slows the intestines down a bit. I know, don't you just love unsolicited advise?
Anyway, praying for you. Thank you for sharing so openly.
Lynne