People who have undergone or are about to undergo a stoma operation are already facing a confronting experience, but apart from the operation itself, there is also the new world of having to purchase the appropriate equipment on an ongoing basis.
There are a variety of reasons why people have ostomies, a pouch or bag that collects urine or stool, such as cancer or injury to the bladder, colon or rectum, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
The people living through the experience can find it a period of enormous stress.
The North East Victoria Stoma Support Group helps people who find themselves in that position deal with the complexities of it.
On Saturday, April 13, the group is holding an information day at the Masonic Hall in Wangaratta to provide information for interested people.
The event starts at 10am and runs until 2pm.
Convenor Graeme Pitts said his group offered support to people from a broad area across north-east Victoria and that anyone with an ostomy, as well as their family and supporters, was welcome to attend.
He said the day would include a luncheon and presentations from companies and organisations on the issues and services available for people with an ostomy.
Mr Pitts can be contacted for more information on 0407 240 943.
