Ostomy support groups form a new association: UOAA
Posted by Kate Murphy on November 22nd, 2005
A new network of ostomy support groups — the United Ostomy Associations of America — has been formed to provide information, support, and advocacy for people with bowel and urinary diversion and the local groups that work with them. UOAA began operations on October 1, 2005 and has opened a [website](http://www.uoaa.org/) as part of their initial efforts. Members of UOAA will not be individuals, but organizations that serve and support people with ostomies.
The United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. describes itself:
UOAA is a national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United States. Its goal is to provide a nonprofit association that will serve to unify and strengthen its member support groups, which are organized for the benefit of people who have, or will have intestinal or urinary diversions and their caregivers.
People with ostomies or concerns about a potential ostomy can [find a nearby support group](http://www.uoaa.org/supportgroups.shtml) among the affiliate members on the UOAA website.
The new website has an active [Discussion Board](http://www.uoaa.org/forum/index.php) where people can ask questions and receive help. Since October 1, there have been nearly 2,400 posts made to its forums by almost 500 participants.
Future plans call for a magazine [*The Phoenix*](http://www.uoaa.org/Phoenix.shtml) and an annual conference as well as providing support and information for local associations.
When the [United Ostomy Association (UOA)](http://www.uoa.org/) ceased operations on September 30, 2005 local support organizations were left without support of their own. Local groups provide support and education for people with ostomies and their caregivers. Some hold regular group meetings, some have provided hospital visitors or supportive phone calls to newly diagnosed patients. However, dwindling membership, reduced funding and increased costs of operation made [continuing UOA impossible.](http://www.uoa.org/new/files/end_of_an_era.pdf) UOA closed after 43 years of service.
An ostomy is a surgically created opening in the skin to divert either urine or feces from their normal route in the body.
Amanda Amundsen
December 14, 2007 at 4:23pm
I have just been told that my recent Cat Scan may be showing something in my liver. I have an apt. with an Oncologist on Dec.24. I assume he will do a biopsy. Very scary right now!
Amanda
Kate Murphy
December 16, 2007 at 11:12am
Amanda, although this is very scary, there are possibilities that what is on the CT-scan is not a spread of colon cancer to your liver. Other benign things could be happening.
And, if it is a spread (metastasis) there are good treatments for it. Surgery might be able to remove it completely.
If it is a liver met — our shorthand for metastasis — be sure that you have a surgeon review the situation and help decide on the best way to go.
Meanwhile, we at C3 are rooting for you. You’re in my thoughts.
Kate