Heat & Online Resources

 Hi all,

The heat is on. Be sure to stay hydrated. 

I just wanted to send you a little recap of the online resources that we talked about last Monday at the monthly meeting.

Of course, we mentioned the resources pages on our website as well as the newly created blog that we are using for announcements, news, etc.

As the heat was approaching we discussed making your own oral hydration drinks, specifically this article that I wrote a while back.

For the one using Facebook, we recommended subscribing (or liking) our own page, as well as Hollister, Coloplast, Convatec, and UOAA for starters. As items will start to populate your feed, be sure to like articles of interest so that Facebook knows that you are interested in these types of resources.

Various online forums, such as Inspire and Meet An Ostomate were mentioned. The VeganOstomy website was also highly praised.

Also, our Suppliers web page, where you can quickly find contact information as well as request samples.

On the mobile side, the OstoBuddy and Ostomy 101 apps were also brought up. The Ostomy 101 app was introduced at one of our previous meetings which you can watch on YouTube.

This brings us to our YouTube Channel, where you can find recordings of guests from our meetings. Our video of the meeting with the TSA representatives on traveling with an ostomy is quite popular.

We also discussed the programs provided by manufacturers that provide free access to ostomy nurses and product specialists. In addition to providing help with any ostomy products, they also can help with dealing with insurance and suppliers:

• Coloplast Care or 1-877-858-2656 
• Convatec Me+ or 1-800-422-8811
• Hollister Secure Start or 1-888-808-7456

Last, but not least, the UOAA website where you can find a mountain of information about ostomies and subscribe to various email newsletters.

Let me know if I forgot anything, and if you weren't able to attend, I hope this will help you locate useful resources.

Stay cool!

--Erik

Growing up with an Ostomy

What’s it like to grow up with an Ostomy?

June 21, 4:30pm PDT

Chloe Moody is an ostomy patient advocate and activist who has been a colostomy patient her whole life due to a rare congenital illness. She serves on the national UOAA Education and Pediatric committees, in addition to serving as a director of the Golden Gate Chapter Marin Branch since age 14. She is currently a senior at UC Berkeley studying English Literature and Disability Studies. Moderated by Brent Reel, pediatric WOCN at CHLA. 

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 842 5811 9106

Passcode: 532738

Coping with a New Ostomy Webinar

Coloplast is hosting the webinar on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 4:00 PM. If interested, you can register here:

Click here to register

About This Webinar

Michael Gerald will share his story, as well as his advice, about adjusting to a new ostomy and creating a mindset of acceptance. Michael will also use his experience as a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC-Utah), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and professor to explain common responses to living with a chronic illness or disability and delve into specifics around the adjustment to living with an ostomy.

You will also meet Elizabeth Collins, a Coloplast® Care Advisor. Beth has been an ostomy advisor and Coloplast employee for 11 years. She helps guide ostomates every day through their journey with intimate product and lifestyle needs using the Coloplast® Care program. Listen to real stories of how her mission to be a knowledgeable resource is making lives easier.

Agenda

• Definitions of chronic illness and disability (CID) as well as psychosocial adjustment to disability
• The nature of CID experience
• Common responses to CID
• Hypothesized models of adjustment to CID
• Unique considerations in psychosocial adjustment/response to ostomy surgery
• Coloplast® Care: The connector that helps you transition from confusion after ostomy surgery to confidence.

Presenters

Michael Gerald

PhD, CMHC (Utah), CRC, LMHC (Iowa)

I have had a colostomy since I was 18 months old. Shortly after I was born, I developed a lymphangioma in my left buttock, which eventually perforated my rectum. My first ostomy was a transverse colostomy, and I had two stomas. At age 12, I had my ostomy moved to a sigmoid colostomy, which is what I have to this day. Adjusting to my ostomy has been a gradual and continual process. I identify as a Person with a Disability (PWD).

Elizabeth Collins

Coloplast® Care Advisor

I have been an ostomy advisor and Coloplast employee for 11 years. Every day I help guide ostomates through their journey with intimate product and lifestyle needs through the Coloplast® Care program. I am passionate about enabling ostomates to live the lives they want to live. Listen to real stories of how my mission to be a robust resource is making lives easier.

Disclaimer

The material shared within this webinar is based on the personal experience and learnings of the presenter. Coloplast has paid the presenter for sharing this information. Nothing within the webinar is intended to be used as medical advice and or used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any medical concerns about managing your ostomy. You may also contact your Coloplast® Care Advisor for product usage and availability questions at 1-877-858-2656.