Each month, I receive many calls from ostomates, future ostomates, those who love them or others suffering from medical issues that need support. Mentoring is the best part of my experience as one with a stoma, and I treasure the ability to unravel whatever is causing pain to another. “Meeting one where they are” is always my goal, even when they are resistant to moving in the direction I believe they will need to go.

Sadly, too many, either with an ostomy or another medical condition, feel alone, betrayed by the medical community, or simply left to figure out their new life. Step by step, my goal is to provide hope generally, and specifically, what will help the caller to have a better day, a brighter future.

Many medical centers are renown for the excellent care they provide pre, during, and post-surgery. One of my many surgeries took me to one of the meccas of abdominal surgeries, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Having my colon removed there was an incredible experience, and I was guided by “the best” in surgical recovery. I was very fortunate to have had that opportunity. Leaving there, I knew what I had to do to recuperate fully.

When I had my ileostomy, 13 years later at Overlook Medical Center in New Jersey, I was even more fortunate. Not only was my surgeon, Dr. Paul Starker, skilled and competent, but my Wound and Ostomy Nurse, Angela Natale-Ryan, prepared me for my new anatomy and life. While in the hospital, I was fully aware that I had no idea how I was going to manage my appliance and supplies, application and disposal at home, but I was confident that with her guidance, before long, I would be a rock star. She also encouraged me to join their Ostomy Support Group. I became the president of the group, and have gone on to start other groups and mentor hundreds of ostomates. I was lucky! Not everyone has such a fortunate beginning.

The United Ostomy Associations of America is an incredible resource for information and personal guidance, as are the manufacturers of our ostomy supplies. Conva Tec, Coloplast and Hollister will provide an Ostomy nurse to discuss leaks, skin breakdown, etc., and companies like Stoma Genie and Stealth Belt will assist in other areas where their support is invaluable. Read the Phoenix magazine and a treasure trove will be available to answer the many questions new or veteran ostomates may have.

Like everything else in life, reaching out is our superpower! Nobody can do it all alone, nor should they. “There is nothing new under the sun’” it is said, even though at times we need to be reminded of that

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