Crohn's disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn's disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Click here for more information about Crohn's Disease.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, or long-lasting, disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the inner lining of the large intestine, which includes the colon and the rectum-the end part of the colon.
Click here for more information about Colitis.
Many people have small pouches in the lining of the colon, or large intestine, that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis.
Click here for more information about Diverticulitis.
Hirschsprung disease (HD) is a disease of the large intestine that causes severe constipation or intestinal obstruction.
Click here to learn more about Hirschsprung's Disease.
A variety of digestive cancers, such as colon and colorectal cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer, and bladder cancer, can result in the need for an ostomy. In this
article about digestive cancers we review some of the more common cancers and treatments.
A colostomy is a surgically-created opening in the abdomen through which a small portion of the colon is brought up to the surface of the skin.
Click here to learn more about Colostomies.
An ileostomy is a surgically-created opening in the abdomen through which the end of the ileum is brought up to the surface of the skin.
Click here for more information about Ileostomies.
A urostomy, or urinary diversion, is a surgically-created opening in the abdomen that allows urine to pass directly out of the body.
Click here to learn more about Urostomies.
The stoma refers to the piece of intestine that you see on your belly. No matter what type of ostomy you have, stomas have common features. To learn more about Stoma/Skin care, please
click here.
There are many support groups committed to improving the quality of life for people who have or will have an intestinal or uniary diversion. To find out more about your ostomy support options,
click here.
You left the hospital wearing a pouch that was chosen for you by the WOC Nurse or hospital nurse. There are many types and brands of ostomy pouching systems and accessories on the market. Once you feel confident with your ostomy care, you may want to try other products. Sometimes, a change in products is necessary due to allergies, body changes, or insurance coverage.
Click here to learn more about the various Ostomy products available to you.
The most important thing about traveling is to not forget your supplies!
Click here for more travel tips.
Become aware of the effects of food on your stool. There are foods that loosen stool, thicken stool, and those that cause gas and odor. To learn more about the effects of foods you eat,
click here.
In time, you can return to a satisfying sexual relationship. It will not be the ostomy, but your attitude toward your ostomy that will affect your relationships with others. It is normal to feel sensitive about the change in your body image. Some surgical procedures can affect sexual function, which is usually discussed prior to surgery by your doctor and WOC Nurse. For more helpful tips,
click hereYou can live an active lifestyle with an ostomy. You just have to believe that you can! It will take time and some adjustments, but you will be able to do normal things, like going out to eat, working and enjoying leisure activities.
Click here to find out more.
You can live an active lifestyle with an ostomy. You just have to believe that you can! It will take time and some adjustments, but you will be able to do normal things, like going out to eat, working and enjoying leisure activities.
Click here to find out more.
You can live an active lifestyle with an ostomy. You just have to believe that you can! It will take time and some adjustments, but you will be able to do normal things, like going out to eat, working and enjoying leisure activities.
Click here to find out more about excercising with your ostomy.
Liberty Medical offers a wide variety of Ostomy related News and Resources,
click here for the latest information.
Liberty Medical is committed to the improvement of the quality of life of people who have, or will have, an intestinal or urinary diversion.
Click here for a list of support groups.