I have spoken with and counselled women who had ostomies due to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (as I had), cancer and other diseases. I feel that I give my patients hope that they will live normal lives with an ostomy. It is very rewarding for me to visit a patient at home or in the hospital knowing she may be depressed, anxious or un-accepting of her ostomy, and then weeks later, via telephone calls or extra visits, find that the patient is beginning to adjust to her new lifestyle, slowly, but surely.
I must admit that volunteer work is hard, but rewarding. I must walk into that hospital room smiling, self-confident and pleasant. Whether I have numerous errands to run or appointments, it is my responsibility to give each patient my undivided attention and time, and I do.
Each patient is so different. Some patients have tons of .questions for me and others barely want to talk to meperhaps they are in denial at that moment. That is okay too. I think that the trick in being a good volunteer is to be patient and understanding no matter what the circumstances. I always remember back to when I was in that bed sick, frightened and confused.
I have truly become a more compassionate and caring person in the last ten years. I have maintained friendships with some of my patients and counsel them through the long months of healing. One of my special patients is a young woman who lives in Washington State. She had a rare cancer and has an ileostomy. I visited her several times at the hospital and we truly bonded. She is a brave woman, smart and funny, and I hope I am helping her cope as she gets better.
I have received notes from patients and really appreciate their kind words as to how I made a difference by visiting them and caring. I have definitely been fulfilled these last ten years. Being a volunteer and helping others is wonderful because I feel like I did make a difference. Volunteering is not for everyone. If you truly love helping others, then go for it. I know I will be continuing this work for a long time to come. Helping others is truly my passion.
