March/April 2003
Page 1


Trust Yourself

By Robert Eisman, RN/ET
Mountain Climbing
Regardless of the type of ostomy you have, your prime concern must be placed on getting to know yourself. Any advice you are given should coincide with you as an individual. Lifestyle, activities, weight - all play an important part in determining which product will work best for you - but jumping from product to product without being truly aware of the differences, the advantages, or the disadvantages of each can be a costly and dangerous practice.

Assuming that you have been taught how to care for your ostomy, how to use your appliance, and where to purchase your supplies, you should become thoroughly familiar with the recommended procedure and equipment before experimenting with a new product. After you've gained the confidence that comes with experience, thought can be given to exploring other products and procedures. Learning new and better ways to care for yourself can be fun and very rewarding, but guidelines should be set and observed with safety being the paramount concern.

Remember, the ostomy has not changed you as an individual. You still have the same strengths and weaknesses, the same needs and desires as before. So walk slowly at first, but increase the steps and strides as you gain more confidence in your own ability and get back into the mainstream of life as quickly as possible.

Via Cenla Ostogram, Mar-Apr 2001 and via Rambling Rosebud & Dallas Ch. Ostomatic News via OABoston, Mar-Apr 2002, via Inside Out On-line March/April 2003

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