Living Well With an Ostomy - Softcover

Rayson, Elizabeth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1412000815 ISBN 13: 9781412000819

Publisher: Your Health Press, 2002

Synopsis

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 this title

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.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

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?

Edition details

• Publisher: Your Health Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1412000815
• ISBN 13: 9781412000819
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176