What is an Ostomy?
An “OSTOMY” is a surgical procedure in which an opening is created in the abdominal wall through which stool or urine exits the body while being rerouted from its normal path. An ostomy can be temporary or permanent. The following are the most common types of ostomies:
Colostomy (in which a portion of the large intestine is removed as necessitated by Colon Cancer, trauma or birth defects).
Ileostomy (in which the entire large intestine may be removed as necessitated by Inflammatory Bowel diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease).
Urostomy (in which the bladder is removed as necessitated by Bladder Cancer).
Continent Diversion (an ostomy option in which the bladder or large intestine is removed and replaced with an internal intestinal pouch).
You Are Not Alone
There are presently 1.5 million people in the USA who are living with a permanent ostomy.
The United Ostomy Associations of America is a non profit association of affiliated local support groups (ASGs) throughout the USA with the Charlotte County Ostomy Support Group being one of these 285 ASGs. The UOAA is dedicated to the complete rehabilitation of all people who have undergone ostomy surgery. It actively advocates on behalf of all with an ostomy with the ASGs, through their peer support being most beneficial in helping ostomy patients accept and manage their new bowel or urinary diversion, along with their families and caregivers.
CCOSG Meetings
Our meetings are presently held on the 2nd Tuesday afternoon of September through May from Noon to 1:30 pm. We meet at the:
Charlotte County Family Services Center
21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte, Florida 33952 (see map).
For more information
Contact Ken Aukett at 609-315-8115 or kenaukett@gmail.com
