Pam Flint

Getting a Stoma

Urostomy – bladder cancer

After surgery I had an infection

My reaction was PANIC/dispair

I have never made a real difference in life!

Who am I?

I wanted to make a difference. This is why I am here today…

I am a nightmare patient.

Me as a patient I was rude – very rude.

My family were embarrassed by me

I showed my feelings clearly

I met nurses who could cope with me – and met some who could not!

My friend

It is perfectly understandable to worry – but you don’t need to be unhappy

(Lucian Freud)

Experiences for Stoma Nurses To help someone you have to understand where

they are at that point in their life.

The relationship between stoma nurse and patient is special. The trust should be taken for granted. But sometimes needs to be earned.

By exposing your own vulnerabilities you put the relationship on a more equal footing. However please leave your ego at home.

My personal experience with Laura

It is difficult to cope with information when you are in shock.

This is not criticism

I respect nurses for what you do.I respect nurses and what you do.

Thank you