We are the Association of European Ostomy Associations, created to improve the life of all Ostomates in Europe.
Although ostomy care has improved significantly in the past decades, some people with ostomy, does still not have access to basic rights, that enable them to live a self-determined and independent life – even in developed countries.
Below patients from around the world share their experiences of being diagnosed and living with ostomy, to ensure the patient voice is heard in efforts to improve ostomy information and care.
Continue reading “Living with Ostomy: Personal Stories and Experiences”At the age of 21, when I was a student at the Belgrade Faculty of Economics, I developed symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as blood in the stool, disturbed bowel movements, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a weak appetite. I lost weight, became weak, had a fever… No one in my family has ever had similar symptoms. When I asked the doctor what the cause of the disease was, I was told, “It is anxiety-based“ I lived a relaxed life, became a graduate student in economics, I was member of the folklore dance troupe, always always took care of my diet, I didnt smoke…
Continue reading “Interview with Snežana S. Milojevic – Ilco Serbia”I remember how happy I was for a say-so on the third degree of disability and for a nice pension. I was afraid the state would not help me and as a cripple I would have to move back to my mother‘s. Phew! It turned out well and I got some money. Unfortunately, not enough to live in Prague. My ability to work is reduced by 70%. How do I solve it now?
Continue reading “I am disabled, nobody will hire me #FakeNews, Tereza Nagyová”Last time I wrote about the importance of putting your feet up and taking a break. I wondered what was another crucial thing for me on my way to health and happiness. And I immediately recognized a job there. Because either we want or not we spend so much time in it!
Continue reading “Fulfilling work, Tereza Nagyová”I see a lot of interesting and talented people around me who have a real potential to do or change something. And now I don’t mean just career potential. Rather, people with a great potential to accomplish something. Personally, I am very motivated by the stories of my handicapped colleagues who are not stopped even by the insidious illness and they go on and create.
Continue reading “Are we ready for change? Tereza Nagyová”My last visits to my gastroenterologist look like I have everything in the norm, nothing hurts me, I should soon get pregnant and … „Are you considering the amputation of your anus? “ Why the hell should I think about it when I’m not having any issues now?
Continue reading “Why does everyone want to amputate my anus? Tereza Nagyová”Well my dears, what can I say, it’s not a hit-parade. Especially as I broke my hand before Christmas, the ground was super slippery, but what can be done. I just wanted to get it over with. Continue reading “Ostomate and a broken wrist”
Wound healing is a big issue for me. Since my Crohn’s started, I have consistently dealt with abscesses and fistulas. Septic wounds, which quite fundamentally complicate life, hurt a lot and curing them lasts a long time. Last year I solved a complication of 4 months with parastomal abscess that has become a fistula. Continue reading “Why it is important not to close your eyes from complications, Tereza Nagyová”
What I found out at the Nordic Ostomy Association conference in Finland
Thanks to starting my project for ostomates I had the honour to accept the invitation of the European Ostomy Association to a meeting of the Nordic countries held in Tampere, Finland. I did not have an intended role at the meeting, and therefore I was very curious what awaits me… Continue reading “What I found out at the NOA conference in Finland, Tereza Nagyová”
I was sitting at a Nordic meeting of Ostomy Association (NOA) in Finland and was listing to a lecture of local ostomy nurse. She explained how she helped prevent an irritation around the ostomy for her new patient. She just called and asked how he was doing. After a while he confessed that the surrounding of his ostomy is red, began to bleed, something was wrong. She immediately invited him to her office and chose new aids. Issue got resolved there and then. Continue reading “A Proper Ostomy Nurse, Tereza Nagyová”