Many find it a sensitive subject. That’s understandable. But there was little sign of embarrassment on display when a large group of ostomy patients recently gathered in Huai’an to share their experiences of that which many prefer not discuss.
On the afternoon of 23 September, the patients and their families had gathered to participate in the “Ostomy Fellowship” initiated and organized by Huai’an First People’s Hospital.
Uniting them was the fact they had all gone through surgery to create an opening in their abdomens to allow for waste or urine to leave their bodies.
That’s the fact that has led to a stigma toward ostomy patients from certain sectors of society. As a result, some patients are embarrassed to be close to others, which is what made Sunday’s event all the more meaningful for those attending.
After emotional speeches on the lawn of the Hospital, many of the patients sincerely thanked the institution and affiliated associations for providing such a good communication platform for ostomy patients.
A speech was also made by Tao Guoquan, Deputy Director of the Hospital’s General Surgery Department and Director of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department. Tao said that while ostomy surgery is mostly performed on patients with rectal and colon cancer, post surgery the patients must return to society.
“They need the understanding and support of their families, the professional guidance and care of our Hospital’s medical staff, and the understanding and help of the public”, said Tao. “They need a lot, which means we can do a lot.”
During the volunteer-nurse experience sharing session, Ms. Yu Guixiang spoke affectionately of her experience in caring for two people with ostomies; both her parents.
Yu said that her father and mother had one ostomy on the left side of the abdomen and one on the right side. But the two impairments did not crush their family; rather it inspired them to have the courage to love life.
With their own encouragement and persistence, the two seniors can now do morning exercises like most people, enjoy the same delicious food and spend their old age peacefully. She encouraged all people with ostomies not to feel anxious, sad or stigmitised, but to actively integrate into society.
