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Dear Nurse Muchoney,
I am trying to find an ostomy nurse for my brother who is leaving the hospital and must care for his colostomy. A friend of mine had an ostomy nurse come to her home after her ileostomy. She said the nurse was a great help showing her the proper care and how to order the necessary supplies. I spoke with the person who is overseeing my brothers care, and she did not know where I can find such a nursing service. Where can I look? Please advise.
R.A.
Dear Nurse Muchoney,
My friend recently had to have a colostomy done. She lives in another state, so I can't visit to help. It sounds like she is having a lot of trouble accepting her ostomy. She cries a lot, is depressed and says that she doesn't go anywhere anymore because she�s afraid of odor and accidents. She was always very active and loved to travel. I have accepted my ileostomy and I'm doing well. What can I do to help her get through this? Why is she having such a difficult time? It's been three months and she's not better. I am truly worried.
J.T.
Dear R.A. and J.T.,
Hello! I chose to answer both questions at once. I frequently receive letters requesting information for contacting ostomy nurses and support services. I would like to respond to both letters, but will first list the toll free number for our ostomy professional organization, the W.O.C.N (wound ostomy and continence nurses society), 1-888-224-WOCN or 1-888-224-9626. The WOCN will provide the name and telephone number of an ostomy nurse in your area. They maintain an active file of specialists available for home care, outpatient services, long term care and hospital settings.
We all have our own way of accepting a major change in our lives, such as ostomy surgery. It may be easier for a person who lived with incontinence to accept living with an ostomy because it has given them back their continence. On the other hand, a person who needs to have an ostomy as an emergency may not have received any pre-operative education or have the time needed to accept the surgery. Also, other factors such as family support, illnesses, physical limitations, lifestyles, etc. affect each person differently.
The most important aspects of self care and acceptance include an ostomy nurse to teach proper care, the effective use of supplies and involvement in a support group, such as the UOA. I do not have an ostomy, but I tell all of my new patients that I certainly would have one if it would save my life! I also tell them that I could live with an ostomy as long as I could wear regular clothes, eat fairly normal food, do not have an odor, wear reliable equipment and have the support of my family. With guidance from local ostomy nurses and good communication with your family, it is possible to care for your new ostomy and to adapt to the changes in your output management techniques. The UOA provides a group atmosphere where people meet to discuss their ostomies and encourage others to share their experiences.
Meeting happy, well adjusted and friendly people is very valuable for someone who has recently had surgery. You can call the UOA to obtain information about the local chapters at 1-800-826-0826 or go to www.uoa.org. If the depression does not resolve itself soon for J.T.s friend, especially after she has been evaluated by an ostomy nurse, I recommend an evaluation by her physician.
Marlene Muchoney has been an active member of the UOA for over 20 years and an ostomy nurse for over 21 years. She is active with the American Cancer Society where she developed a local Ostomy Supply Donation Program. She is employed at the Westmoreland Regional Hospital. She has ben awarded the Pennsylvania State Quality of Life Award and was runner-up for the Nightingale of Pennsylvania State Award for Excellence in Nursing.
From http://www.uoa.org/oq/oqasket.html