2 days Ago By Mary Beth TeSelle
Across the United States, nearly one million people are living with some type of ostomy, a medical treatment that can be physically and emotionally challenging. An ostomy is necessary when the body can’t get rid of waste in the normal way – often due to damage caused by disease or by a medical procedure. It involves a diversion of the digestive tract or urinary tract to an opening in the abdominal wall.
Stool or urine then leaves the body through that opening and the waste is collected in a removable bag or pouch. The pouch is on the outside of the body and can be emptied as needed. Reasons for an ostomy include a variety of diseases and conditions, including cancer, bowel obstruction, perforation of bowel, trauma, and more.
While most ostomies are temporary (60%), as many as 40% are permanent. Living with an ostomy presents many challenges, affecting a person’s physical, emotional, and social life, and may lead to problems related to their self‐esteem, coping capabilities, and self‐perception. People living with an ostomy benefit from additional support and resources.
Locally, men and women living with an ostomy can find help at a monthly Ostomy Support Group hosted by Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Organizers of the group say it provides support and community for those living with an ostomy. “The support group provides a safe and supportive meeting place for ostomates to come and talk about their struggles and success,” says Wenn Madigan, Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse at SNMH’s Wound Center.
“The support group provides a variety of speakers including surgeons, dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists, that speak about their profession and how they can assist ostomates with this lifestyle change.” One of the biggest hurdles ostomates face is coping with changing feelings about one’s body. “Body image is the biggest struggle for someone with a newly created ostomy,” Madigan explains.
“Other challenges include learning and being successful with the ostomy appliance application to prevent leaks and damage to skin surrounding the ostomy.” For many people, having an ostomy can be hard to accept. It’s important to work closely with your health care team, who can help you better understand and manage the changes happening to your body.
Your health care team can also tell you how the ostomy will change (and not change) your daily life. Locally, the SNMH Wound Care team is able to help patients adjust to their ostomy, addressing challenges related to hygiene and health concerns. “At our wound care clinic, we offer ostomy care, education, and support, all under the supervision of a physician,” Madigan says.
“Your surgeon or primary care provider can refer you to the clinic to receive the care you need.” While many people report feeling embarrassment about having an ostomy, it is actually a remarkable treatment that is truly a lifesaver. “The general public should know how fortunate we are to have the ability to save lives with this procedure,” Madigan says.
“I hope everyone can embrace and support these courageous individuals without judgment.” Support for those living with an ostomy Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital hosts a monthly Ostomy Support Group at the hospital on the first Thursday of every month from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Anyone is welcome who would like to listen to our guest presenters and participate with our discussions on various topics related to ostomies. Call the SNMH Wound Center at 530-272-8619 for more information and the location..
