Ileostomy disability?

[CheerBear12]

Hey guys, just wondered is having an ileostomy classed as a disability. I know there is disadvantages. Thanks

 

[2thFairy]

I'm not sure about in the UK. In the US, just having an ileostomy is not a disability.

 

[KazT17]

Yes it is classed as a disability. It is because it is considered that an ileostomy is incontinent. This doesn't mean we are entitled to any disability benefits.

Kaz xxx

 

[CheerBear12]

Cheers for this just wondered hope your ok xx

 

[glum chump]

I think it really depends what sort of benefits you're trying to get. In Canada, most illnesses are not automatically considered to be a 'disability,' but rather, they determine disability based on the severity and duration of the SYMPTOMS of one's illness.

For me, Crohn's was disabling due to how bad and long my flares were. Now that I have an ileostomy and my symptoms are all but gone, I don't think I'd have a hope of being classified as 'disabled' and be entitled to any disability benefits. However, if I were having lots of issues with my stoma, or if my Crohn's remained active, it might be different.

Hope that helps!

Kismet

 

[CheerBear12]

Cheers not wanting to get any benefits just wondered whether it was thanks xx

 

[robbo87]

It's a tough one, Crohn's in itself can be very disabling and a terrible illness when it takes hold likewise having an ostomy can cause issue's that in some respect can be disabling. I also received DLA for a shortwhile after being ill for a while so in that respect you could say it is a disability and as Kaz has pointed out it must be classed as a disability.

although from a personal perspective I wouldn't call myself disabled (atleast not at the moment seeing as im symptom free and having no issues with my ostomy, ask me during a flare or if my ostomy starts prolapsing etc then I may have a different view)

Not having a go at anyone here and probably nothing to do with the OP, but i've seen people on facebook in a similar situation to me go on publicly about how they are disabled and all the rest of it, and it gets on my wick a bit tbh.

 

[CheerBear12]

I wouldn't class myself as disabled either. I've got a radar key for the disabled toilets people look at me when I use them but haven't said anything to me. x

 

[robbo87]

Yeh I have a radar key aswell, not yet found myself in a position where I need to use it though but its good to have. did have someone saying a few comments when I went into a disabled area at a festival a few weeks ago to use the toilet facilities which annoyed me a bit, but just ignored her and put it down to her own stupidity and ignorance.

 

[Hobbes650]

Yes it is classed as a disability. It is because it is considered that an ileostomy is incontinent. This doesn't mean we are entitled to any disability benefits.

Kaz xxx

Isn't that odd! What's the point of officially classifying it a "disability" if you get zero benefits? I really do hate bureaucrats sometimes. An ileostomy surgery is not incontinence, it restores your continence. I personally have never considered myself disabled nor entitled to anything, but if you have a bunch people looking to throw free stuff at you, you might as well take it.

 

[CheerBear12]

I know it is odd lol but I'm not after benefits just glad to have my life bk before the illness was controlling my life.

 

[hope hope]

you have to be positive and do not worry i have been living with ileostomy for 4 years

 

[Crohn'sFor Life]

After all the crap I went through, my ileostomy has ENABLED me to live life again. It allowed me to overcome a disabling illness (IBD).

 

[CheerBear12]

I was like that before they gave me an ileostomy I couldn't have worked the way I ended up when I was in hospital 30-40 times a day! Anything is better than going that many times xx

 

[maria]

yes