Can I have a normal life after an ostomy?
Will I still be able to go swimming?
How will an ostomy affect my sex life?

Join us on April 17, 2013 from 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET for our live webinar as we discuss how to adapt to life after a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. We will address the myths and facts about ostomies and provide resources and tips on living a full, healthy, and happy life with one.

Our presenters for this webinar are David Rudzin and Susan Burns, president and vice president, respectively, of United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA).  Both of our presenters live with ostomies, and they will share their personal and professional tips about living and adapting to life with an ostomy.

Discussion topics will include:
- What is an ostomy?
- What are the different types of ostomies I may require?
- What are the psychosocial issues I may experience when living with an ostomy?
- To whom and where can I turn with questions?

Click here to register for the webinar.  And on our website, you can also read an inspiring, first-person account, “My Ostomy Doesn’t Slow Me Down,” written by Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Director of Research Communications Kate Murphy.

If you’re in need of ostomy supplies and can’t afford them, or if you would like additional information and resources about living with an ostomy, call us on the Fight Colorectal Cancer Answer Line at 1-877-427-2111.

On April 16, Bob Baker and two companions dipped the wheels of their bikes in Long Island Sound near Stamford, Connecticut and set off  to bike 4,000 miles across the United States to Seattle, Washington.

Bob is a survivor of ulcerative colitis and colon cancer and an ostomate.

He’ll be using his three-month ride to raise awareness of ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer prevention and give hope to people who are terrified of ostomies, letting them know that they can be life-saving and life-giving. Read the rest of this entry »

A new appliance that eliminates the need for ostomates to wear an external pouch has received pre-marketing approval by the FDA.

Expected to be on the US market in the next few months. the Vitala™ device, seals the stoma, preventing stool from leaving the body for up to 8 hours.  Intestinal gas is filtered and vented to prevent odor.

An external pouch will still be needed for wear longer than 8 hours. Read the rest of this entry »