Articles Library

Ostomy Overview  •  This article discusses the general definition of an ostomy and explains (with diagrams) the various procedures involving colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.
• Article added July 18, 2003   

After Surgery  •  This article discusses what to expect following surgery in the way of stoma and peristomal skin care, appliances, diet, etc. Includes photos.
• Article added July 21, 2003

Ostomy Supplies Grant  •  This article discusses the grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for ostomates with permanent ostomies. • Article added July 24, 2003

ADP and the Ostomate  •  This article appeared in the January 2004 issue of UOAC's monthly bulletin, The Connection, and was written by Lorna Singh, Central Ontario's District Support Services Representative. It discusses how to stretch your ADP cheque from the Ontario Government by being frugal, careful and shopping competitively. • Article added January 26, 2004

Living With a Urostomy  •  This article discusses ileal conduit, Kock pouch, and neobladder procedures (with diagrams); care and maintenance of an ileal conduit stoma; potential drawbacks, such as impotency for the male urostomate, and life as a urostomate in general. • Article added July 27, 2003

Exercise and Ostomies  •  LDOA guest speaker, Judy Croden, talks about exercise and her personal journey as an ostomate. Read the uplifting speech she gave at LDOA's September 2003 meeting. • Article added September 30, 2003

New Ostomates: Depression and Grief  •  This article discusses an ostomate's stages of coming to terms with having an ostomy from a caregiver/family member's point of view.
• Article added October 21, 2003

Colorectal Cancer  •  This article discusses the definition, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, screening tests, progression and treatment of colorectal cancer. Includes photos, diagrams and several endoscopy videos. • Article added October 22, 2003

Interview With Actress Barbara Barrie  •  Actress Barbara Barrie talks openly about her experiences with colorectal cancer and her colostomy. • Article added October 22, 2003

Ulcerative Colitis  •  This article discusses the possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of UC, as well as potential concerns of UC developing into colon cancer. Includes photos and several endoscopy videos. • Article added November 10, 2003

Crohn's Disease  •  This article discusses the definition, possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications and treatment of Crohn's Disease, as well as the emotional impact it has on patients. Includes endoscopic photos and video.
• Article added January 18, 2004

Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?  •  An article for the non-ostomates among us. This article discusses the definition, symptoms and diagnosis of IBS, as well as the effects of diet, stress and medication. • Article added January 18, 2004

Pouchitis  •  This article discusses the definition, symptoms, diagnosis, possible causes, treatment (including the probiotic preparation VSL#3), and patient concerns regarding pouchitis. Includes endoscopic photos. • Article added April 30, 2004

Food and Your Ostomy  •  This article discusses the prevention of blockages, reducing odour and gas, relieving constipation and diarrhea, and maintaining healthy levels of potassium and sodium through the foods you eat. • Article added May 2, 2004  

Managing Chronic Illness and Stress  •  This article discusses how to handle the stress and anxieties in your life caused by living with a chronic illness so that you may live well and feel better.
• Article added May 2, 2004