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"Eternally grateful for their support and care"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Emergency department General Surgery / Ward 31 Older People’s Services / Stoma Nurses

(as a service user),

I have suffered with Stigmoid Volvulus (Twisted Bowel) for a long time, in fact after surgery I was told it was probably something I was born with. I have been in A&E a few times to get my bowel untwisted and I was in constant pain. 

On a Friday mid Nov 2023 while at work I took very sore and I knew my bowel had probably twisted again so I took myself over to A&E. As it was the weekend I thought Endoscopy would be closed and I was afraid I wouldn't get the procedure to untwist.

In A&E it was decided that i would be admitted to ward 31 to undergo emergency surgery. To say I was in shock and terrified is an understatement.

Debbie the Stoma nurse same to see me and I cant tell you how much she helped to reassure me. She was there every step of the way and after Surgery I couldn't even bear to look at stoma our touch. She helped me to come to terms with it.

In the days after surgery to say I was in a bad place is an understatement. Her kindness and reassurance was invaluable. Surgery was definitely  life changing but not life ending. I can't thank Debbie enough, the Stoma nurses are an invaluable part of recovery. They work above and beyond and when you are vulnerable it means the world. 

I am now back at work and living a full and pain free life.

I will always be eternally grateful for their support and care.

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Responses

Response from Carol Reid, Assistant director of nursing for surgical paeds and woman's health directorate, Acute Services, WHSCT yesterday
Carol Reid
Assistant director of nursing for surgical paeds and woman's health directorate, Acute Services,
WHSCT
Submitted on 27/10/2025 at 10:55
Published on Care Opinion at 10:55


picture of Carol Reid

Dear inspireye86

Firstly I am delighted that you had the support of the stoma team throughout your journey they are a great recourse to patients with Stoma's.

I am delighted to hear that you are now well on the road to recovery after the admission through emergency wards and having surgery. As you stated, surgery is life changing but not life ending and with the kindness and support of the team you now are adjusting to your new normal. I wish you well for the future and will ensure the stoma team see this comment. All our staff appreciate feedback from our patients

Kind regards Carol Reid - Assistant director for surgery

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