Across the United States, nearly one million people are living with some type of ostomy, a medical treatment that can be physically and emotionally challenging. An ostomy is necessary when the body can’t get rid of waste in the normal way – often due to damage caused by disease or by a medical procedure. It involves a diversion of the digestive tract or urinary tract to an opening in the abdominal wall.
Stool or urine then leaves the body through that opening and the waste is collected in a removable bag or pouch. The pouch is on the outside of the body and can be emptied as needed. Reasons for an ostomy include a variety of diseases and conditions, including cancer, bowel obstruction, perforation of bowel, trauma, and more.
While most ostomies are temporary (60%), as many as 40% are permanent. Living with an ostomy presents many challenges, affecting a person’s physical, emotional, and social life, and may lead to problems related to their self‐esteem, coping capabilities, and self‐perception. People living with an ostomy benefit from additional support and resources.
Locally, men and women living with an ostomy can find help at a monthly Ostomy Support Group hosted by Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Organizers of the group say it provides support and community for those living with an ostomy. “The support group provides a safe and supportive meeting place for ostomates to come and talk about their struggles and success,” says Wenn Madigan, Woun.
