Editor’s Note: At Comfort Medical, we spend a lot of time getting to know our patients in order to provide them with the best service possible. Our patients, however, don’t always have the chance to get to know the person on the other end of the line. That’s why we decided to create ‘The Faces of Comfort Medical’ series. Today, we’re learning all about Peristeen® Specialist, Jessica Scheele.
What is your job title at Comfort Medical?
I’m a Peristeen Specialist. Peristeen is a transanal irrigation device that empties the bowel by introducing water into the rectum and colon using a rectal catheter. Peristeen empties the bowel so efficiently, that it may prevent fecal incontinence and constipation for up to two days.
Editor’s note: For more information about Peristeen, visit Peristeen, for predictable bowel management.
What does your job entail?
My job is to provide support for Peristeen patients. Together with the insurance team at Comfort Medical, we handle the insurance claims and paperwork, and we also provide personalized education and support when these patients need it. When parents are initially told how Peristeen could help their child, they don’t know if their insurance will cover the costs. These parents see their children struggling daily, and it’s very frustrating for them. I love when I can tell them that they got approved, and now, they can have access to this system for their child.
When I hear from parents six months down the line, they’re the happiest they could be. Moms are always telling me how much Peristeen has changed their lives. One lady brought me to tears the other day when she told me about her nine-year-old who no longer has to wear pull-ups and has gained her confidence back. She is not afraid to go to school anymore because the accidents have stopped. Stories like this are why I like coming to work and doing what I do.
What impact do you hope to have on your patients?
Bowel issues are something that these patients struggle with daily, and I love that I can help them get access to a product that can change their lives. It’s very rewarding. I get to be there for my patients as part of their support system. Many of these kids have multiple health issues, so the parents are dealing with all kinds of doctors and medical equipment suppliers. I like to be a nice breath of fresh air for them and help them with whatever it is they need. If they just want to talk or vent about something, they can do that too. My goal is to help out however I can
Where does your desire to help people come from?
I think it’s just in my nature. I’ve always tried to help out with my two younger brothers, my whole life. It makes me feel better to make other people feel better. Also, my mom is the sweetest lady, so I definitely learned from her.
What is something you’ve recently learned to do?
I just learned to ski! That was very exciting and super scary. I’ve lived in Florida my whole life, so snow was completely new to me. I love Colorado, though, and I go there on vacation often. The last time I was there, I went skiing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling. The skiing was the scariest part because beforehand, I was told horror stories about people wiping out and breaking limbs. Right before I left, my boss said, “Please don’t break a leg,” so that’s what I was thinking the whole time. I YouTubed ski tutorials before leaving. I also took lessons once I got there. The one thing I wasn’t prepared for was how out of breath I’d be due to the altitude, but it was so much fun. Once you’re up on the mountain, the ride down is very soothing and relaxing. I want to learn to snowboard next.
What’s something you would like to learn in the future?
I want to learn how to blow glass. It’s such a cool trade. I have an uncle from West Virginia who knows how to do it. He makes these beautiful globes and bowls, and I just think it’s really cool. I would love to be able to make Christmas presents for people that they can keep forever.
If you hosted a dinner and could have anybody, past or present, at the table, who would you invite?
My ex-boyfriend who passed away would be there for sure. Everyone else would be family members. I love my family very much, and they mean the world to me. All of my role models come from my family. My grandma is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. She went back to college to get her degree in her 40s and started her own business. She moved to Italy to work on an Air Force base at the age of 75. She’s my ultimate role model. My usual dinner table is who I’d like to keep at my dinner table.
What else would you like to share with the Comfort Medical blog readers?
Don’t ever give up hope. Hard times may be ahead of you, but you can get through anything. Working toward a goal will pay off in the long run. No one should ever give up hope on their dreams or on something they feel very strongly about. Even if things look discouraging, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully, you find someone who can help you out along the way and be there to support you. That truly is what means the most — to have the people you love around you.