A patient and his wife have hailed our nurses for getting him back on the running track after rectal cancer, and thanked them at a study day this week.

The day, called  "It's all about bowels" was organised by Helen Ilsley, our colorectal nurse, and the patient and his wife were invited along to talk about their experiences.

The man, a keen athlete,  gave a honest account of his feelings of how he lost confidence after surgery and told how he no longer wanted to go out with the running club due to his stoma bag.

His wife also expressed how difficult it was to see him coping with a cancer diagnosis and stoma formation however after care and support from our nurses she said:"I've got my husband back!" 

He told how everyone's help and care on the wards post-operatively and the input from the colorectal stoma care nurses enabled him to manage the stoma and feel more confident  and get stronger.

He is is now back to running every day and he is back at the running club leading his group with confidence. He feels normal again and his wife said she  "had got her lovely husband back again."

The study day was aimed at student nurses and qualified nurses and health care assistants  physiotherapists and dieticians and junior doctors working with in the surgical division. 23 people attended the session

The day covered the colorectal pathway anatomy physiology and different types of stoma operations. There also a practical session where all the attendees were able to experience wearing a stoma bag so they could share the patinets' experiences. 

**The team is also hosting the popular Open Day at Briar Court next month. On  November 13  (9- 2 pm)  it is for patients and their families to offer support and present new innovation in this area of healthcare.