PLATTSBURGH, NY (11/11/2024) - Ostomy care can lead to a lot of questions for patients and their family members that may be difficult to ask. University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital aims to address that by offering a new support group. The first meeting takes place on Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 pm in the auditoriums at the hospital.

People may need an ostomy when their body is unable to get rid of waste properly. This can be due to a number of reasons, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, injury to the small or large intestine and diverticular disease. The surgical procedure creates an opening in the body to allow waste to be collected in a removable pouch worn on the outside of the body.

Deborah Frank, RN, a wound ostomy nurse at CVPH, says some patients have a hard time after the procedure and may isolate themselves.

“Adjusting to life with an ostomy bag is not easy. Patients may feel embarrassed to be around others or worried about what kind of activities they can do. Anxiety, depression, body image issues and low self-esteem are some of the common mental disorders we see these folks struggle with. It can also be stressful for the patient’s loved ones, who may not know how best to help or care for them,” Frank explains. 

That is why she and fellow nurse Tori Trim, RN are starting up the support group.

“We don’t want people to feel like they have to do this alone. They can come to this group, get their questions answered, and know that they are surrounded by others who are going through the same experiences they are. We hope that by connecting with each other, they’ll realize they can still live a happy and full life,” Frank says.

The meeting is free to attend, and no registration is required. It is open to anyone who has received care for an ostomy, regardless of where they received that care. Loved ones are also invited.

For more information, call Deborah Frank or Tori Trim at 518-562-7939.