Heart of Iowa Ostomy Support Group

07/25/2025

Advocacy Action Alert! The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a dangerous change redefining ostomy and urological supplies to include them in the Competitive Bidding Program. This means limited choices for you or your patients. Imagine being unable to obtain the correct, prescribed supplies you need to live safely and comfortably.
This proposal will restrict your access, remove your freedom of choice, and jeopardize your ability to effectively manage your ostomy. Learn more and take action here: https://www.ostomy.org/take-action/

UOAA strongly opposes this proposal and will be submitting comments and is working with other national groups– but they need to hear from patients like you, beneficiaries, and medical professionals.
Thank you for helping us protect access to essential ostomy supplies!

05/29/2025

You are invited!

Discover essential Peristomal Skin Care tips with expert Cathy Smith. Join our fellowship for invaluable insights and support!

05/04/2025

04/24/2025

Here is a comprehensive series of videos about caring for an ostomy. If you have questions about any of this information reach out to your medical professionals. If you are having a medical emergency call 911.

Learn essential self-care tips for post-operation recovery. Our videos guide you through ostomy pouch management and problem-solving.

04/13/2025

Lisa W's father passed away recently, and she was left with two months of ostomy supplies. She reached out to us and donated the supplies you see in the photo. Our WOC nurses have received them, and they will be distributed to people in need.

Lisa W, we are sorry for your loss and appreciate that you reached out to find a good place for the ostomy supplies.

Last year this group donated 55 ponds of supplies to people in need. Contact us if you have surplus supplies to donate.

04/03/2025

Our group has a new website! Check it out and watch it grow! Let us know what features you would like to have on this website.

A support group for individuals undergoing or who have undergone ostomy surgery, along with their friends, family, and support persons.

03/06/2025

Get answers to the challenges of living with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy by subscribing to The Phoenix magazine, the official publication of United Ostomy Associations of America.. Medical professionals, clinicians and ostomy experts provide answers you won’t find anywhere else. Topics include diet, exercise, intimacy, skin care, odor control, preventing leaks and so much more. Ostomy patients share inspirational stories of overcoming disease, surgery and complications to return to a full and active life.

Get answers to the challenges of living with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy with a print subscription to The Phoenix magazine. In-depth articles written

02/26/2025

Join us for insights on how to travel with an ostomy. March 2, 2025 in the Urbandale Public Library at 3PM.

02/10/2025

Actually, most people have both improved health and quality of life after surgery!

02/08/2025

Here is how an ostomate (someone who has had an ostomy surgery) can benefit from attending the Heart of Iowa Ostomy Support Group:

1. Emotional Support with Encouragement & Inspiration
Of course. adjusting to life with an ostomy can be challenging and can sometimes feel isolating. This group provides a safe space to share feelings, fears, and concerns with others who truly understand the experience. This group enables friendships and a sense of belonging, which can be crucial for long-term emotional well-being.

2. Problem-Solving with Practical Advice
Our experienced ostomate members, some with decades of experience as an ostomate, and our wonderful WOC nurses, share valuable tips and advice about daily care, managing leaks, preventing skin irritation, and choosing the right ostomy products.
We often have guest speakers, such as healthcare professionals and ostomy product representatives with insights into the latest medical advancements and supplies. Often, they have samples of these products or will order them for you to try out. Many ostomates face challenges such as dietary concerns, clothing choices, and traveling with an ostomy. This group provides real-world solutions from people who have successfully managed these issues.

3. Opportunity to Give Back
Our members “pay it back” when we support and encourage new members, making a positive impact on others' lives. Every ostomate’s journey is different and those shared stories are valuable to all in the group.

Caregivers, family members are also encouraged to attend. They are an important part of an ostomate’s recovery and adjustment to a “new normal.” It can be a life with limitless opportunity, join us and learn how!

Send a message to learn more

02/05/2025

Meetings are held at the Urbandale Library from 3-4pm (unless otherwise noted). We may shuffle some topics around as we confirm speaker availability.
 March 2nd: Traveling with an ostomy.
 April 6th: Aging with an ostomy.
 May 4th: Peristomal skin care.

You can also join us online using this Zoom link for all meetings:

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02/03/2025

Do you know an RN interested in becoming an ostomy nurse? UOAA's Educational Award Application is now open!

This scholarship is for nurses to pursue a career as a Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCNⓇ). Learn more https://www.ostomy.org/uoaa-educational-award-for-ostomy-nurse-certification/