Positive Options for Living with Your Ostomy: Self-Help and Treatment

Regaining confidence and control after life-altering surgery

Nearly half a million people in the U.S. have an ostomy—a surgically created opening used to expel waste when the body’s normal systems are damaged by disease or injury. This book deals specifically with the effect of colostomies (large intestine), ileostomies (small intestine), and urostomies (urinary tract), which handle waste materials from the digestive tract.

Dr. White explains why ostomies are needed, what medical tests you may need, how an ostomy is created and what to expect during surgery. He follows with detailed information on post-ostomy issues, including how to adapt to wearing the ostomy-care appliance and how to develop a successful routine to care for it and change it.

The fact that ostomy surgeries are often life-saving procedures does not make them easy to live with. Recognizing the emotional needs of ostomy patients and their families, Dr. White provides extensive information and help on topics that doctors, surgeons and nurses generally do not cover, such as

• How to deal with the common emotional reactions to ostomy surgery by using helpful relaxation and mental retaining techniques
• Recognizing signs of panic, anxiety, and depression, and knowing when to seek help and/or medication for these conditions
  
• Dealing with the impact that ostomy surgery can have on intimate relationships and sexual activity
  
• Addressing concerns about sleep, diet, sports and travel, so that your life is as normal as possible
  

There are helpful charts and forms throughout the book, such a san appliance care troubleshooting guide, scenarios and plans for coping with anxiety, problem-thought records and a food-problem diary. These practical tools can help you address day-to-day concerns in a positive way and help you to reach your goal of living fully—and successfully—with an ostomy.