On September 26, 2016, I wrote my blog "I am a nurse and an ostomate". That blog is probably the one that got the most reaction from my relatives, colleagues and Facebook friends, as few people were aware of my physical condition.

I write texts for the ANA&Me blog simply to help and inspire others. As a nurse, it’s in my professional nature to act for the well-being of others. I quickly found comfort and pride in it though; my articles allowed me to grow personally and psychologically. However, it’s extremely rare for me to go back and read my old blogs as I’m more the kind of person who is looking forward than the one who is dwelling on the past.

The ANA team recently asked me about my nursing career, to know if I still wanted to become a WOC nurse. I then reread my article of September 2016 and I quickly realized that so many things have changed in the last years. I am no longer the same nurse and ostomate as before.

In 2016, I didn't want my colleagues to know what was under my uniform. I didn't want to be seen differently. I was offering clinical care and teaching to newly ostomate patients, but it was difficult for me to offer them the psychological support they really needed. I didn't want to discuss my disease and ostomy with anyone related to my work and I completely divided my professional life from my personal life. I was convinced this was the best way to go.

To date, I’m working in an intensive care unit as a clinical nurse and I won’t go on with my studies in wound, ostomy and continence as I’m exactly where I want to be right now. My colleagues are my second family; everyone knows about my ileostomy and I’m proud to talk about it and answer their questions. I have stopped being afraid that others could see me differently. Some colleagues refer me to their patients for teaching, giving ostomy care, or simply discussing my personal experience.

I realized that I don't need to be a WOC nurse to help people living with an ostomy. Actually, I don't even need to be a nurse to offer support, teach or break taboos and false beliefs. Over the last few years, I finally decided to remove the division I had created for myself between my personal and professional lives.

In the end, there is no perfect way to offer our support. It varies according to our comfort zone, our resources and our perceptions. In only a few years, our way of supporting changes; it's normal, we evolve. My formula will continue to change but I will always continue to help as much as I can.

Laurie-Anne

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