Ostomy History

In 1949, several young people with a new kind of Surgical body alteration named "ileostomy" banded together in Philadelphia,to help them-selves and each other. Having escaped an untimely death by submitting to this operation then, in its early stages of development, they set out to pioneer life with an Ostomy. Prosthetic equipment was all but non- existent and professional. rehabilitation help had not yet been developed. These young people were among the very first types of patients to use mutual aid as a technique of solving rehabilitation problems.

Group support and information exchange had been adopted by two other Patient organizations in the nineteen thirties.. Now, at mid century, the rapidly multiplying Ostomy groups opened another frontier. Rehabilitated ostomates went into the hospitals where fear often prevented acceptance of the Life saving surgery, where isolation and helpless frustration with prosthetic appliance failure and skin breakdown impeded the recovery of new patients, here as one-to- one VISTORS, these experienced expatients brought hope, courage and practical help to scores of ostomates. “Surgeons were responsible for brining these morale boosters into the hospitals for Visits for new prospective patients to give visible evidence of success of rehabilitation through (ile) ostomy.

"Judy Steeves"

Ostomy Prayer



Lord, only you know the deep places through which our lives must go.
Help us when we enter them, that we might lift our hearts to you, that we
might be patient when we need help, that we might be humble when we are in
distress, and that the hope of your mercy will never fail us.



Guide us as we give support to those persons having ostomy surgery, that
we might share our knowledge, that we might give mutual aid, and that we may
continue the aims and purposes of our ostomy chapter and the Ostomy
Association.



We, who are reborn from the ashes of disease, thank you, Lord, for the
skills of the medical profession, that through our rebirth, we might live with
one another more fully and completely.

Types Of Ostomies

Colostomy

Colostomy: A surgically created opening in the abdominal wall through which digested food passes.

Temporary colostomy:

May be required to give a portion of the bowel a chance to rest and heal. When healing has occurred, the colostomy can be reversed and normal bowel function restored.

Permanent colostomy

May be required when a disease affects the end part of the colon or rectum. Reasons for surgery: Cancer, diverticulitis, imperforate anus, Hirschsprung's disease, trauma.

Ileostomy:

A surgically created opening in the abdominal wall through which digested food passes. The end of the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine) is brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma. An ileostomy may be performed when a disease or injured colon cannot be treated successfully with medicine.

Reasons for surgery: Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, familial polyposis.

Care of colostomy:

A pouching system is usually worn. Pouches are odor free and different manufacturers have disposable or reusable varieties to fit one's lifestyle. Ostomy supplies are available Online at drug stores, medical supply stores and through the mail.

Irrigation:

Certain people are candidates for learning irrigation techniques that will allow for increased control over the timing of bowel movements.

Living with a colostomy:

Work:

With the possible exception of jobs requiring very heavy lifting, a colostomy should not interfere with work. People with colostomies are successful business people, teachers, carpenters, welders, etc.

Sex and social life:

Physically, the creation of a colostomy usually does not affect sexual function. If there is a problem, it is almost always related to the removal of the rectum. The colostomy itself should not interfere with normal sexual activity or pregnancy. It does not prevent one from dating, marriage or having children.

Clothing:

Usually one is able to wear the same clothing as before surgery including swimwear.

Sports and activities:

With a securely attached pouch one can swim, camp out, play baseball and participate in practically all types of sports. Caution is advised in heavy body contact sports.

Travel is not restricted in any way.

Bathing and showering may be done with or without the pouch in place.

Diet:

Usually there are no dietary restrictions and foods can be enjoyed as before.

Resources available:

The physician and medical professionals are the first source of help. Specially trained nurses called Wound, Ostomy Continence Nurses (WOCN) are available for consultation in most major medical centers. The United Ostomy Association (UOAA) is a group comprised of many local chapters throughout the United States. These local groups hold meetings and provide support to prospective and existing ostomates.They sponsor educational events and have qualified visitors to make personal or telephone visits. Contact the UOAA for the chapter nearest you and for other educational publications.

Visit the UOA web site at http://www.uoaa.org
It contains a great deal of information and many links to other sites, suppliers and resources.