Ostomies: Suggestions

The suggestions that follow are based on the information presented in the Detailed Information document. They are meant to help you take what you learn and apply the information to your own needs. This information is not intended nor should it be interpreted as providing professional medical, legal and financial advice. You should consult a trained professional for more information. Please read the Additional Resources document for links to more resources.

Learn how others manage their lives with an ostomy.

Join the United Ostomy Association or find a support group for cancer survivors with ostomies. You are not alone. There are many other survivors with an ostomy. Some have had them for years. Helping another survivor with a new ostomy may help you feel better about your ostomy. The feelings of support, sharing and learning all add to your confidence and self-worth.

Some ways to find out more about support groups in your area:

Ask your health care team for suggestions. Some cancer programs offer support groups for cancer survivors and their family members right in the clinic or hospital.
Call a nearby cancer center or university hospital and ask about support groups.
Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) and request a list of support groups and cancer centers in your area.
Visit LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare at www.livestrong.org/survivorcare, or call 1-866-235-7205 for information on support groups.

Find an ostomy nurse in your community.

An ostomy nurse, usually called a wound, ostomy and continence nurse, can:

Show you how to care for your ostomy
Help you select the right pouch and skin care products
Teach you problem prevention techniques
Direct you to resources in the community
Help you prevent problems with your ostomy during follow-up tests or treatments

To find an ostomy nurse in your area:

Ask your health care team.

Contact the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society at 1-888-224-9626 or online at www.wocn.org.

Learn how to care for your ostomy.

Unless you are physically unable to care for your ostomy, make it a goal to become independent in your care. You will feel less anxious about your pouch leaking when you return to work, go shopping or resume other daily activities.

Independence is a sign of recovery. If you are the parent of a child with an ostomy, the child usually takes on your attitude, whether it is anxious, confident, matter-of-fact or no big deal.

To learn more about caring for your ostomy:

Read resources
Hire an ostomy nurse
Talk to other survivors who have ostomies

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