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Retiree Calls VNA Care a “Godsend” for Getting her Health Back on Track 

Suzanne Lolar was in a state of despair after surgery to move her colostomy upended her life and left her at a loss for how to move forward. She soon found hope and comfort in VNA Care’s visiting nurses.

Her team included Carrie Bergman, BSN, CWON, nurse specialist in wounds, ostomies, and continence issues, who quickly got to work on ways for Suzanne to return to her active lifestyle.

“Carrie’s such a blessing. If I didn’t have her, I don’t know what I would have done,” said Suzanne.

A colostomy is a type of ostomy, a procedure that allows bodily waste to pass through a surgically created opening in the abdomen and be collected in a pouch. The surgery is used to treat numerous digestive tract issues including Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and colon cancer.

While a life-saving procedure, Carrie noted that it is also life-altering. She finds herself in the role of counselor and cheerleader as her patients learn to adapt. Identifying the right equipment is key so patients can easily manage on their own and confidently leave home without worrying about malfunctions.

Suzanne’s first colostomy was done more than 30 years ago, but had to be moved this spring in order to repair a hernia. Since Sue was familiar with how to care for a colostomy, she returned home with a plan to see her surgeon in two weeks. However, it soon became clear to Sue that her new colostomy would require completely different equipment, and, after all these years, her life was once again in shambles.

She remembered that during those two weeks, “I was afraid to go anywhere. I’m 75 years old. I want to be able to go out and do things.” The day of her niece’s bridal shower was particularly difficult. Suzanne attended and tried to be as careful as possible to avoid any equipment problems. She said, “I had half a glass of water. I didn’t want to eat anything. I was afraid to move.” She left just an hour into the celebration because the equipment began to leak.

Suzanne began isolating herself from others. She shared, “You don’t want anyone to see you like that.”

The surgeon referred Suzanne to VNA Care’s home health care team for expert care and support at home as she recovered from surgery and learned to manage the new colostomy. Carrie has been an invaluable resource to Suzanne.

“Carrie can see what I’m going through and what I need. She’s easy to talk to and understands, too,” said Suzanne.

Carrie obtained samples of equipment she thought would work best for Suzanne. With the vast array of options, the guidance of an experienced nurse specialist makes an enormous difference. Together, they found the equipment that best suited Suzanne and gave her the confidence to leave the house and spend time with family and friends.

“VNA Care was a Godsend to me,” said Suzanne. “The nurses get us back on track, and give us our lives back."

Pictured: Carrie Bergman, BSN, CWON, (left) helped Suzanne Lolar get her life (and her smile) back after colostomy surgery.