Aussie Ostomates

14/07/2024

07/07/2024

🌟 What a bloody champ. Cabrita you're one inspirational young man. 🌟

Jordan is an Ostomate, who is just kicking goals. 🏆 It just goes to show that anyone can do anything, and that barriers and boundaries aren't always there to stop us but instead to challenge us and open our way of thinking. 💪

Well done on your personal success and for all the achievements yet to come, mate. 👏

Living with Down syndrome, autism and a stoma, CrossFit competitor Jordan Cabrita is proving to the world what adaptive athletes can achieve.

07/07/2024

Improving Communication in Hospitals: A Critical Need

Yes I am once again back in Hospital be it not stoma related but has had me thinking after a struggle I had this stay and multiple times before.

Having experienced several hospital stays over many years pre and post COVID, across Queensland (QLD), as well as listening to fellow patients, one prevailing issue stands out: the lack of effective communication and attentive listening from the treating team, particularly doctors. This shortfall not only adds to patients' stress and anxiety but also hampers their ability to relax before a procedure and recover effectively afterwards.

Good communication is paramount in healthcare settings. It not only reduces complaints but also empowers patients to make informed and autonomous decisions about their care. Despite this, many patients still feel undervalued and voiceless due to poor communication practices.

Fortunately, nurses often bridge this gap. They excel at listening, explaining complex medical information, and advocating for patients, especially when they notice communication breakdowns. Their support can be invaluable, but it shouldn’t be the sole remedy for this issue.

Patients must remember that they have a right to be heard and to be actively involved in every medical discussion and decision. Clear and comprehensible communication from the medical team is essential for this level of involvement. When the dialogue is missing, unclear, or overly complicated, the patient’s ability to engage in their care is significantly compromised. There are many times if I had not been involved things may of been missed or the full picture not on the table.

In summary, enhanced communication within hospitals is critical for patient satisfaction and well-being. It’s essential for healthcare providers to prioritize listening and clear communication to ensure patients feel respected and informed throughout their medical journey.

06/05/2024

A stoma may be required for a variety of medical reasons, primarily related to diseases or issues in the gastrointestinal or urinary systems. Here are some common reasons:

1. **Cancer:** Conditions like colon cancer, re**al cancer, bladder cancer, or cervical cancer might necessitate the creation of a stoma if part of the bowel or bladder needs to be removed.

2. **Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):** This includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In severe cases where the bowel cannot heal or function properly despite medication, a stoma might be necessary.

3. **Bowel Obstruction:** A blockage in the bowel which can be due to various causes such as scar tissue (adhesions), hernias, or tumors might require a stoma if it cannot be resolved with other treatments.

4. **Incontinence:** For severe cases of bowel or urinary incontinence that do not respond to other treatments, a stoma can help manage waste and improve quality of life.

5. **Trauma or Injury:** Accidents that cause severe damage to the bowel or urinary tract may require a stoma.

6. **Birth Defects:** Some congenital conditions may necessitate a stoma to allow bodily waste to be expelled properly.

Stomas are generally considered when other treatment options have failed, are not possible, or when immediate intervention is necessary to relieve symptoms or save a life.

In 2013, an estimated 46,000 Australians live with a stoma, with that number expected to rise to 60,000 by the year 2023. However, despite the high number of people in Australia who may need to have a stoma at some point in their lives, many people are still unaware of what they are and why they’r...

20/04/2024

It is not a old person's cancer it is all ages, if ever you are not sure, push to have testing done, get a scope done. Do accept anything less, when your gut is saying no there is more to this.

I was just lucky mine was found when it was, it was stage 3 for me and I have a permanent ileostomy but I'm alive, but if I had not stood my ground and thanks to you 1st year doc who listen it could of be only month or weeks later and it would of been too late.

Sophie Louise Wright, 34, from Torquay, Devon put her debilitating symptoms down to polyps. Now, she been given six months to live after being diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer.

19/04/2024

"Let's advocate for change! It's time for Australia to prioritize accessibility for all. Join us in calling for an update to the building code to include stoma facilities in publicly accessible bathrooms. Everyone deserves dignity and proper facilities. Raise your voice for a more inclusive future! "

There are approximately 46,000 Australians living with a stoma. These individuals require proper facilities to ensure their safety, hygiene, and dignity in public spaces. It's crucial to address this need for inclusive and accessible infrastructure in our communities. Let's work together to make a difference!

In Japan it is mandatory for Stoma Bathrooms, UK is following a suite. Yet Australia is years behind and our code is out dated.

Below are samples of bathrooms in Japan and Europe.

I am tired of Kneeling in your p**s.

Australian Government Queensland Stoma Association Ltd Queensland Government Bob Katter Shannon Fentiman MP Steven Miles Cameron Dick MP Steve Minnikin MP Grace Grace MP Yvette D'Ath MP canlan MP Mark Ryan MP Leanne Linard MP Leeanne Enoch MP farmer MP Mark Butler MP Mark Furner MP for Ferny Grove Glenn Butcher MP Scott Stewart MP - Member for Townsville Nikki Boyd MP Bart Mellish MP Lance McCallum MP Charis Mullen MP Michael Healy MP Bruce Saunders Julieanne Gilbert Member for Mackay Brittany Lauga MP Ali King MP Jennifer Howard MP Shane King MP Corrine McMillan MP - State Member for Mansfield Sullivan MP

28/02/2023

We hope to have soon on our website some updated information, and a number of under 40s stories and journeys to share on our blog. Stay tuned as we work on these over the coming month of March.

Have any other ideas or useful links you think should be on our site let us know.

Ostomates & Bowel Disease Forum

28/02/2023

Anyone like to share their own story about their stoma and bag experiences the good and the bad. Please reach out and we will help you share your journey. We are currently targets under 40s but are happy to chat to all.

04/09/2022