Hi Judy: Well, here I go again! I am going to semi-disagree, which means I semi-agree too! I think I would have quite an emotional reaction to discovering that I am diabetic or upon beginning to cope with an ostomy. I also think it would have psycho-sexual connotations just as breastfeeding/lactation does. It would be lovely to have a nurse or physician who had experienced (or were experiencing) diabetes or an ostomy. I am sure those health professionals (HPs) with personal experience would be more empathetic to the psychosocial aspects of my situation--some of which might be very helpful and some of which might not. Most HPs on those units do not have personal experience and it isn't expected yet most do a credible job. The HPs refer these clients to support groups for the kind of empathy only personal experience brings. That is why ostomy and breastfeeding mothers support groups exist. As long as HPs abdicate responsibility for breastfeeding/lactation support to only those HPs who have personal experience, we will continue to see varying anecdotal and/or attitudinal care given to clients vs. consistent research-based care. I'm jumping downfrom the soapbox again. Karen