United Ostomy Association (Support Organizations) Can Help Families

The advocacy of associations and an organization that provide free operations for ostomy is always nonprofit. Health authorities and organizations like the United Ostomy Association Of America (UOAA) may offer help through providing a list of resources for financial aid. Particularly, not every patient may have a health insurance provider with coverage on ostomy surgery or similar operations. Furthermore, you may also need a support group for recovery of your emotional, mental, and social health. You may want to find programs that volunteer to give directions for people living with ostomies. Check out these facts from a quick profile glance of several associations like the United Ostomy Association. 

What Happens During Ostomy?

An ostomy is a procedure that involves either opening your digestive or urinary system after having a Colostomy, Ileostomy, or Urostomy. Several diseases that may require ostomy is colon, bowel, and bladder cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), and obstructions in your intestines. During a surgical treatment that involves your intestine, you may have to rely on a new way to excrete toxic wastes from your body. Then the doctor will require you to manage a pouch or bag for handling the excretions. Patients who previously had ostomy must be careful in their hygiene practices as well as their diet and nutrition after ostomy operations. 

Which Support Groups Can Help Ostomy Patients?

Do you know someone who needs help for financing their ostomy surgery? Or, a family member that needs support after long hours of being in general anesthesia? If you know someone that needs any medical, physical, emotional, or mental health support, you can check out these options. 

Charity Or Non Profit Organizations

A non-profit organization is usually exempt from tax or relies on donation for support. Some of these organizations also have their volunteers ranging from ostomy patients, doctors with years of experience, educators, medical and science researchers, lawyers, and more. If you are interested in finding the perfect charity for your ostomy needs, you may either look online or refer to a local and national health department. Several of these groups are registered in your country, so it’s more comfortable to ask for assistance.

• United Ostomy Association Of America (UOAA)
• Ostomy Canada Society 
• European Ostomy Association
• Asia And South Pacific Ostomy Association
• Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN)
• Quality Life Association
• Australian Council of Stoma Associations Inc. (ACSA)
• The Colostomy Association (UK)

Remember: Check if your local city or state has their hotline to call for ostomy guidance and support. Furthermore, check their mission statement. Some companies may run their association as a business. So be careful on which org (organization) are you browsing on Facebook, the magazine, or other reviews on a list seen in GuideStar. 

Community Of Doctors And Surgeons

Some support groups may have their network or channel for private collaboration with a patient. It can prevent diversion by having a united goal of the doctors and surgeons. Moreover, cities like Ohio, Phoenix, Vancouver or others can have central directions on how to help those in need. As a family with a needing member, you can refer to your local hospital or clinic for specific communities like this. 

Family And Relatives With Ostomy All Over The World

Help doesn’t only mean medical and surgical treatment. You can contact families with their stories on ostomy and hear how they were able to do their daily tasks. Some people often do blogs to jot their day to day experiences as an ostomy patient or managing health care for their ostomy condition.