If no one came, there would not be an organization. We would not have any way of communicating what new options were available and being developed to improve the care and maintenance of ostomies. We would not be aware of the new ostomy systems being introduced by manufacturers, product developments and improvements, or better ways to use them. Most people with ostomies are happy with their current ostomy system. Nevertheless, you still want to know the state-of-the-art in ostomy products and services, n'es pas?
We are reminded by one member of how he wore a three-piece, re-useable, black-rubber ostomy system before coming to a meeting, which had worked just fine for him for years. Then he discovered that the industry had developed high-quality one- and two-piece disposable systems that are very secure, reliable, odor proof, easy to use and have a low profile. He said that he now has a better quality-of-life since he started coming to ostomy association meetings. You will virtually never see an ostomy advertisement on TV. You need to be part of the local ostomy association to keep informed and educated.
Now, consider the person who has just had ostomy surgery - you were once one too - who timidly comes to his/her first meeting. Think about what it felt like to know that you were not the only one in town with a red rose on your tummy. A new person with an ostomy comes to a meeting and sees other people with ostomies - I mean you - looking stylish; living active, normal, happy and productive lives. It gives them hope. You have an obligation to be a good example for these new people. They need to know that life with an ostomy can be better than ever before.
Bear in mind the executives from manufacturers who give of their free time by attending our association meetings just because they want to help us. In addition, they sincerely ask for our input on products and services. We are the experts on living with an ostomy and for them to improve ostomy products, they need us to tell them what we want and expect from them. This cannot happen if we are not at a meeting. Our voices will never be heard. We must be there to provide our thoughts and be advocates for our positions.
A wound, ostomy and continence nurse (WOC) is a consummate professional who has dedicated his/her life to helping people like us. The WOC nurses at our meeting completely volunteer their time for our good. Not only do we learn from their presentations, they are also available for consultation afterwards. Coming to meetings better enhances our knowledge of how WOC nurses can be of service to us.
We gain the most information, wisdom and support from each other. What may be "old hat" to you could be a most important discovery to a person with a new ostomy or even to someone who has had an ostomy for several years. People with ostomies find strength in one another. It is important for you to attend our ostomy association meetings. We need you.
