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Ostomies save the lives of trauma patients and those with cancer, IBD, and other conditions by allowing bodily waste to be rerouted through an abdominal stoma and into an ostomy pouch.
KENNEBUNK, Maine (PRWEB)
September 26, 2022
If your gallbladder or appendix could kill you unless it is removed, surgery likely comes as welcome news – ostomy surgery is not often thought of like that. People are often surprised to know you can live an active life without a colon, bladder, or large segments of the small intestine. Ostomies save the lives of trauma patients and those with cancer, IBD, and other conditions by allowing bodily waste to be rerouted through an abdominal stoma and into an ostomy pouch. Ostomy Awareness Day is October 1, 2022 and seeks to dispel myths about ostomy and continent diversion surgery and give a voice to the up to 1 million in the U.S. who go to the bathroom this way.
Modern medical devices and prosthetics are often celebrated. Think of an insulin pump for diabetes, a pacemaker to sustain the heart, and the new mobility possible from a prosthetic limb. An ostomy pouch is a classified prosthetic device designed to improve lives but is too often stigmatized or feared.
Ostomy patients may feel alone in the world and at risk of health complications without the standards of care and support advocated for by United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA). An examination of these best practices in ostomy care recently published in the Journal of Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing points to gaps in patient care. The findings make it clear that discussions on the emotional impact of surgery and access to educational materials need to be a more consistent part of ostomy care to achieve better patient outcomes.
Ostomy Awareness Day and this year’s motto that “Ostomies are Life-Savers” plays a central role in educating both the general public and medical professionals. The Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k is the day’s featured event and seeks to connect and empower ostomates across the United States. Participants have the chance to share their stories of resilience and raise ostomy awareness in their own communities. It’s also a critical funding source for UOAA’s mission to promote quality of life for patients nationwide.
Learn more at ostomy.org/ostomy-awareness-day and follow #OstomiesAreLifesavers and #OstomyDay2022 on social media to witness people of all ages embracing life with an ostomy and taking part in the #RunforResilience Ostomy 5k.
The Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k is the major fundraiser for UOAA, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It is supported by Exclusive Diamond sponsor, Hollister Inc. and Platinum sponsor Convatec with additional support from Bronze sponsors Safe n Simple, Trio Ostomy Care, Osto-EZ-Vent (KEM Enterprises) and DripDrop.
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