Living Well With an Ostomy

by: Elizabeth Rayson

Topics include: your ostomy, basic ostomy care, your stoma, continent intestinal reservoir, ostomy suppliers, your healthcare team, had ostomy surgery, after ostomy surgery, pouching systems, people with ostomies, your colostomy, temporary ostomy, reservoir surgery, stoma size, ileoanal reservoir, skin around the stoma, double barrel colostomy, new ostomy, ileostomy surgery, piece appliance, pelvic pouch, conventional ileostomy, descending colostomy, pouch surgery, ostomy supplies

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Book Description: If you've been told you are going to need an ostomy, you are about to make some dramatic changes in your life. And while there is no doubt that getting an ostomy is a life-changing experience, it doesn't have to define your life. In Living Well with an Ostomy, Elizabeth Rayson explains that, ultimately, your ostomy is only a small part of the essential person that is you. And that essential person hasn't changed or become less active, adventurous, stylish or romantic just because she or he now has an ostomy. On the contrary, many people who've had ostomy surgery will tell you that their surgery marked the start of a new, more expansive phase in their lives. This comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide covers the practical aspects of ostomy care. You will also learn how to cope with the significant changes to your body that affect everything from traveling, dressing, playing sports, eating favorite foods and enjoying romantic and sexual relationships. And you will also easily relate to the personal narratives throughout that illuminate many of the challenges people with ostomies face. Living Well with an Ostomy covers basic information about the various types of ostomies, what to expect from ostomy surgery, as well as psycho/social issues that may surface as a result of ostomy surgery, including those unique to certain groups, such as children, young adults and seniors. The book also includes new information on homeopathic and natural remedies for dealing with the ongoing care of an ostomy, and a substantial Resources section that contains a host of references to additional sources. About the Author Elizabeth Rayson has an MA in professional writing from the University of Waterloo. After working for several years as a technical writer, she decided to pursue her passion for consumer health writing and alternative approaches to health and healing. Now, in addition to her work as a writer, Rayson also teaches yoga and runs a small aromatherapy business. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada.

Excerpted from Living Well With an Ostomy by Elizabeth Rayson: If you have or will be getting an ostomy, this book is for you. The first part of the book covers basic information about the different types of ostomies, including the different surgical options available today. It also lets you know what to expect from ostomy surgery and provides advice on how to ease your recovery from ostomy surgery. Later chapters focus on some of the psycho/social issues that may surface as a result of ostomy surgery, including those unique to certain groups, such as children, young adults and seniors. There are many good resources that focus on specific issues for people with ostomies, and I haven't tried to tell you "everything there is to know" in this book. I do hope, though, that Living Well with an Ostomy will give you enough information to make the most of life with an ostomy. And to help you find even more information, the Resources section at the back of the book contains a host of references to additional sources. Don't feel obliged to read this book from front to back. I've tried to organize the book so that it lets you easily find what you're looking for. So use this book as your guide by picking and choosing the information most pertinent to you. Here are some tips on how to make the most of Living Well with an Ostomy: * If you've just learned that you need an ostomy and you want to get a bit of background, read chapters 1 and 2 first to get a feel for just what an ostomy is. You can also turn straight to chapter 3 for information about preparing for ostomy surgery. Then, you may want to browse through the remaining chapters for more information about your particular situation. * If you've had an ostomy for many years, take a look at the first two chapters to see if there's information there that you don't already know. Then, focus on chapters that contain information more specific to your needs. * If you have a child, partner or friend with an ostomy, turn to the chapter that addresses these groups. For example, chapter 9 looks at relationships and sexuality; chapter 10 goes into greater depth on those issues common to special groups like children and senior citizens. And if from time to time you come across language you don't understand - don't worry! I've tried to anticipate this by providing detailed definitions in the Glossary on page 155. So, let's start by answering the question most central to this book: What is an ostomy anyway?

A NEW OSTOMATE'S BIBLE! -- This book packs a lot of information for us new ostomates. I bought it when it was recommended in one of the newsletters I subscribe to. Not only does it have everything a new ostomate needs to know, but it discusses some of the more embarrassing daily life issues. The chapter on sex with an ostomy is so helpful and necessary. The author also shares other ostomates' stories and struggles, which I haven't seen in other books, either. Plus, there is really good information about complimentary/natural products for ostomates. A must have for anyone coping with a new ostomy.

Reviews:

Tackles all the Taboo: I recently had ostomy surgery because of my worsening bowel disease. The surgery has done wonders for my illness -- I haven't felt better in years. But having an ostomy is taking some getting used to. Of all the books on ostomy, I found this ostomy book by Elizabeth Rayson really helpful. It's written very clearly and addresses a lot of issues I'm facing as well as helping me with practical day-to-day care. This book tackles some unique topics you can't find in other books, such as sexual issues. Let's face it, partners can get freaked out once you tell them bout your ostomy. Elizabeth Rayson approaches the subject of sex and ostomy in a sensitive and understanding way. One point that really hit home was when she writes that if someone rejects you because of an ostomy, they weren't worth it anyway. Lots of wise words are bundled into this book.