Ostomy Associations Question

[DJW]

I'm wondering if anyone is a member of an ostomy association?

I'd like your thoughts. Is it worth the annual fee?

Thanks.

 

[Jeff D.]

I honestly didn't even know there were ostomy associations. I may join one once I move and get settled, if I have time.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

I really don't understsnd what joining one, if they exist, would be of benefit to me or anybody else. I have all the. Information I need from my surgeon, stoma nurses, GP or the internet.

I have nothing to contribute to anybody else, except my experiences, but they are particilar to me. I have no wish to sit around discussing stomas with others, I want to spend as little time on it as possible and get on with my life, it is an incidental inconvenience, nothing more.

 

[DJW]

United Ostomy Association.

I can't see a reason either but I thought I would ask if anyone else has joined.

 

[2thFairy]

I have no wish to sit around discussing stomas with others, I want to spend as little time on it as possible and get on with my life, it is an incidental inconvenience, nothing more.

Yours is temporary. That is not the case for everyone. Some people REALLY need to sit around and discuss it with others.

You joined the forum to talk about your stoma, didn't you? Not everyone is comfortable talking on a forum.

Your experiences are particular to you, you said, but you do share them with others here, and we all benefit from each others experiences because we learn from them.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

It's main purpose is to educate ostomates and create awareness and provide support. They are important resources. UOAA has a great newsletter called The Phoenix which new and veteran ostomates could really benefit from.

 

[Catherine]

In Australia you have to join the association to get the discount on supplies.

 

[DJW]

It's main purpose is to educate ostomates and create awareness and provide support. They are important resources. UOAA has a great newsletter called The Phoenix which new and veteran ostomates could really benefit from.

Good to know.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Yours is temporary. That is not the case for everyone. Some people REALLY need to sit around and discuss it with others.

You joined the forum to talk about your stoma, didn't you? Not everyone is comfortable talking on a forum.

Your experiences are particular to you, you said, but you do share them with others here, and we all benefit from each others experiences because we learn from them.

That's fine if it works for you, I wasn't saying they were pointless for everybody, I just couldn't see any value for me. As you can see from many threads on here, I have no problem sharing my experiences, I must have made my condition known or offered advice on most of the relevent threads on here in the last few weeks. I would think most people would rather share anonymously on the internet than in person, especially as you can reach a wider group, as in this forum.

If it works for you, great.

 

[DJW]

I have the info I need and many years of experience to draw from. I'm not rolling in $$$ so I want to be wise when it comes to dropping cash. I can see a social benefit. Since moving last year I'vebecome somewhat of a recluse. Now I know they have a good newsletter. That's also a plus.

Still mulling it over.

 

[2thFairy]

That's fine if it works for you, I wasn't saying they were pointless for everybody, I just couldn't see any value for me.

Uhh, yes you did say that:

I really don't understsnd what joining one, if they exist, would be of benefit to me or anybody else.

And that's what upset me.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Uhh, yes you did say that:



And that's what upset me.

I'm not getting into an argument, but I said that I can't see the point, if you can, then that's fine.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Even if you feel you may not gain personally, it's important these resources exist for helping people and creating awareness. When people with ostomies are kicked out of pools, subject to unfair treatment by security etc, collective voices like these are important to speak up for proper awareness, dignity and legislation that may help.

 

[DJW]

Very good point NGNG.

I think it might be a good idea.

Thanks everyone.

 

[VeganOstomy]

I really don't understsnd what joining one, if they exist, would be of benefit to me or anybody else. I have all the. Information I need from my surgeon, stoma nurses, GP or the internet.

I have nothing to contribute to anybody else, except my experiences, but they are particilar to me. I have no wish to sit around discussing stomas with others, I want to spend as little time on it as possible and get on with my life, it is an incidental inconvenience, nothing more.

I've only been to a few local meetings and for the most part, they are a great place to share stories and "vent" about illness or your ostomy. I've been able to give some tips to others and have received the same back.

I don't tend to go to my local group as the age range is much older than I am, so it's harder to relate, but some of the larger groups have people of all ages attending, getting support and friendly advice.

For many people, it's the only place they can find support.

 

[SupportiveMom]

Thanks for the info. Didn't know it existed. I will check it out to see if it is right for me.