An ostomy is a surgically created opening in your abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave your body. At the Parkview Ostomy Clinic, a small, dedicated staff of coworkers are helping patients live their best lives after an ostomy surgery. One of those nurses, Erin Salisbury, FNP-BC, CWON, PPG – Wound Care, shared more about the clinic’s work.
The history of wound ostomy nursing
The history of enterostomal therapy, more commonly known today as wound ostomy (WOC) nursing, is not particularly long. It was only in the late 1950s that pioneering colorectal surgeon Rupert Turnbull came to recognize the specialized needs that his patients had following ostomy surgery. He partnered with one of his patients, Norma Gill, who had adapted very well to life after her ileostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis. At that time, Norma was independently helping others with intestinal ostomies in her hometown of Akron, Ohio. Together, they laid the groundwork for the specialty that would become enterostomal therapy and co founded the world’s first school for wound and ostomy nurses at the Cleveland Clinic. Norma Gill is celebrated as our first ET nurse and Turnbull as the “father of enterostomal therapy.”
Common ostomy concerns
Today, over one million people live with an ostomy in the United States, and 100,000 more are created each year. The need for specialized care for these patients has only increased since Norma’s day.
Both before and after ostomy surgery most people experience a variety of feelings and concerns. Patients often have a fear of what it might be like to live with an ostomy. Will they smell? Can they return to work? Who should they tell about their stoma and when should they tell them? Where do they get supplies and which supplies do they need? What about exercise, travel, swimming and intimacy? Patients may not believe that their lives will ever return to “normal.” Body image issues and anxiety about leakage are common fears that often result in depression and isolation.
Compassionate care at the Parkview Ostomy Clinic
The mission of the Parkview Ostomy Clinic is to guide and support patients through their post-op transition and serve as a resource to patients for the duration of time that they have an ostomy. We see patients from Parkview and beyond for their colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies, as well as for enteric fistula management.
Our small but passionate staff of three consists of two nurse practitioners and one registered nurse. We are all Certified Wound Ostomy nurses committed to working closely with patients and their families following surgery to encourage healthy adaptation and the ability to be self-caring.
In the ostomy clinic, we know that knowledge is power. Current research shows that the patient who can manage his or her own ostomy experiences improved physical health, higher self-esteem, fewer post-op ostomy-related complications, and reduced anxiety and depression. Providing accurate and current information, while also allowing time for patients to express their feelings and fears, is vital to their post-op success and quality of life. The opportunity to put a patient’s mind at ease and establish ongoing expectations is invaluable. So often we can almost see the weight lift from the patient’s shoulders when they are provided with a compassionate ear and the information and practical solutions they seek.
In addition to visits shortly after surgery, the clinic is also available to help established ostomates experiencing new issues or complications such as stoma changes, leakage, peristomal skin damage/wounds, and peristomal hernias or to provide support in general. We are also well-versed in the huge selection of available ostomy supplies and accessories and help our patients choose their optimal appliance type.
I fell into ostomy care completely by chance and am thankful for that turn of events every day. Today, I am a WOCN of 12 years and I am constantly inspired by my patients. I have worked with patients of all ages from all backgrounds. Their challenges are at times similar but are ultimately always unique—just as the patients are. There is nothing more rewarding than to see the adaptation of these patients and to witness them living their best lives. Whether they are making 25 gallons of apple butter, running a busy daycare or working hard in their beloved motorcycle shop, to be able to walk beside these people on their journey to their “new normal” is an absolute privilege.
Outpatient ostomy treatment can result in decreased healing time for patients. You do not need a physician's order to seek treatment. For an appointment, call Parkview Health Scheduling at 877-225-5747.
