***WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT AHEAD***
AS some you may know, if all goes well and with God’s grace, I hope to participate in this years Cape Town Marathon. I will be documenting this journey highlighting specifically how my Stoma behaves during this period. This is my effort to raise awareness to what a Stoma is and then educating and advocating for the rights of Ostomates (Ostomate - person with a stoma)
So, what is a stoma you ask? A stoma is an opening on the abdomen that can be connected to either your digestive or urinary system to allow waste (urine or faeces) to be diverted out of your body, usually into a bag.
In the attached video, we show how the weight gain over the last 2 years affected my pouching system (the system that catches my body’s waste).
***Whats the Message Here***
I am one of the lucky ones to have access to a qualified Stoma Nurse and can get a relatively good level of care. To often, especially in the public sector, ostomies are turned away because there is no stock or given minimum supplies. In some instances, 5 bags if the lucky for the month. Let’s put that into context - Tell that mom with a new born baby that they have 5 nappies for the month only to us!
Ostomates are also not always examined as often as they should be. As a result, far to many ostomates are living under the illusion that these leaks are a normal part of life. This means that they now isolate from society and live a confined life from family, friends & society.
I encourage Ostomates to speak up and stand up for their rights. If you needing help and or support, contact The South African Society of Ostomates - SASS who will gladly support you!
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