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 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 groupamong the affiliate members on the UOAA website.
The new website has an active Discussion Board 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 and an annual conference as well as providing support and information for local associations.
When the United Ostomy Association 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. 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.
December 14, 2007 at 4:23 pm, Amanda Amundsen said:
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
December 16, 2007 at 11:12 am, Kate Murphy said:
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
February 09, 2010 at 5:01 pm, scott said:
M wife has stage 4 colon cancer and just had a colostomy. She needs a suport group here in san diego but I’m having a hard time finding one. Can you help/
February 09, 2010 at 10:26 pm, Kate Murphy said:
There is a support group in San Diego. The Ostomy Association of San Diego. Phone number is 619-223-2966.
Website for more information.
There is also a group in Northern San Diego County. No phone listed, but the next meeting is February 19 at 1:00 at the Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside.
More information on their web page.
Here’s also a list of Ostomy Nurse Clinics in the San Diego area with the names and phone numbers of the nurses who run them if that helps.
If you need more help email me, Kate Murphy.I have an ileostomy and may be able to share some experience.
November 27, 2010 at 4:41 pm, kay rash said:
scott is that you?…so sorry to hear about your wife….lv kamal