Laura Kindelt described experiencing anxiety whenever she went skiing, out to dinner, hiking, running, or even to the grocery store. Her main concern was always finding the nearest bathroom. Born with a rare physical abnormality that made it difficult to control her bowels, Kindelt said she had grown used to managing her condition alone for decades.
“I never knew anything different,” Kindelt said. “If I had an accident, I would just clean myself up and move on. No one ever gave me an option or anything that gave me hope.”
After nearly 56 years living with these challenges, Kindelt received an email from colon and rectal surgeon Alessandra Gasior less than 24 hours after reaching out for help. Dr. Gasior leads the Colorectal Transitional Care Clinic at Ohio State Health and Discovery, a program focused on treating adults born with colorectal defects whose needs have not been met due to gaps in care.
The clinic aims to address avoidable colorectal symptoms in adult patients who may have struggled for years without adequate support or treatment options. According to its official website, Ohio State Health and Discovery addresses societal issues such as health equity and substance use while promoting inclusive well-being through its hospitals and outpatient facilities as part of its academic medical center.
Ohio State Health and Discovery seeks to advance health in Ohio and worldwide through innovations in research, education, patient care and community involvement. The organization extends efforts across Ohio and globally by offering resources on wellness topics, research advances and community health initiatives while focusing on health care delivery, research advancement and educational opportunities, according to the official website.
