"What an amazing nurse in an amazing service!"

Following the need to have 50% of my colon removed as the first stage of treatment for cancer, I have had quite life-altering issues with managing bowel habits-without too many details. I can say I was governed by the need for extreme urgency for a loo and sometimes suffered accidents.

I asked GP for more help on several occasions, but was told it was inevitable and I had to live with it, which was rather depressing.

After some advice from a cancer helpline I learned about the continence clinic, where I was able to self refer. I was given an assessment within about 1 week and soon started work with an amazing nurse, Julie.

I am seen at my local hospital (Kings Mill, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts) which is very convenient. It has taken some months -, but yesterday I felt confident to be discharged-at a time I felt ready and never any sense that I had 'overstayed my welcome!  I was made to feel so comfortable discussing such sensitive issues, given loads of information about practical, medication and dietary procedures that could help. I could discuss the psychological issues. I could talk in non-medical language and this helped me to try and let go of the cancer issue and work on thinking of a positive way to manage my lifestyle.

Through guidance from Julie, with food elimination I have found trigger foods that were exacerbating my problem. What an amazing nurse in an amazing service! a real advert for nurse-led services where appropriate.