Stomal patient Jamie Hogg says she got her life back after a total colectomy with ileostomy, performed at Mater earlier this year.
Diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis in 2022, the ostomate (individual who has undergone ostomy surgery) experienced years of debilitating symptoms and medications before receiving treatment from Mater Gastroenterologist Dr Nicole Walker and Colorectal Surgeon Dr Joanne Dale.
“Dr Walker was a fierce advocate for me and the need for the stoma, ultimately giving me my life back, and Dr Dale did the best surgery possible and has left me with very minimal scarring,” Ms Hogg said.
“During the first week of recovery, I experienced a fair amount of grief and loss over my colon, my prior life, and questioned what life would look like.
“Now however, I can leave the house without fear, anxiety or pain, and I can also sleep through the night without needing to get up multiple times to use the bathroom.”
Stomal Therapy and Wound Management Clinical Nurse Consultant Eric Chuang said living with a stoma can be a challenging and life-altering experience.
“While it serves a vital function, having a stoma can have a profound impact on an individual’s psychological and social wellbeing, not just their physical health,” he said.
“The benefits after surgery however are often life changing in an incredibly positive way and the stomal team at Mater are absolutely dedicated to giving patients the best possible outcome.”
National Stomal Therapy Week (24 – 30 June) recognises people living with a stoma and acknowledges the health professionals involved in their care.
Ms Hogg said Stomal Therapy Nurse Maree O’Connor had been her “guiding light’ since the surgery.
“The team at Mater helped to ensure I had the best possible experience,” she said.
“She has helped me through every little teething problem without judgement and is such a brilliant source of knowledge.
A stoma is a surgically-created opening in the abdomen that allows for bodily waste to be diverted when natural pathways are compromised.
Patients require a stoma for various reasons, including gastrointestinal diseases, trauma, congenital conditions and because of bowel or bladder cancer treatment.
Mater patient Leigh Spencer said there were a lot of people in the community living with stomas, and the professionals who care for them play a vital role in enabling patients to remain active community members.
“They need your empathy and compassion, and sometimes assistance,” he said.
Feature image (l-r): Clinical Nurse, Adult Operations Aly Macintyre, with Mater Hospital Brisbane Acting Clinical Nurse Consultant – Stomal Therapy, Maree O’Connor and patient Leigh Spencer.
