Ostomates say life is for living: ‘don't be embarrassed for us'
Inspirational speakers, medical professionals, workshops, social events and a whole lot of support will be part of the National Ostomy Conference at Havelock North Community Centre from August 6-8.
Among the speakers is Farid Ahmed, a victim of the Christchurch mosque terrorist attack on March 15, 2019. Ahmed’s wife Husna was shot while looking for her husband.
He, along with adventure guide Cam McLeay, who runs the Cape South holistic health and wellness Lodge in Havelock North with his wife Kate, will address more than 100 ostomates at the three-day conference.
An ostomate has a colostomy bag due to bowel surgery as a result of cancer or other bowel conditions.
Hawke’s Bay Ostomy Support Group President Hugh Thornton says to find yourself out of the blue with bowel cancer can be disorienting. “You will probably find yourself asking ‘why me’? This wasn’t quite the case with myself, however, I can understand people’s anguish,” Thornton said.
“I was very fortunate that shortly after my operation I meet up with an old school classmate who had already walked the journey some years earlier. He introduced me to the local Ostomy Support Group and from there I have found wonderful support and camaraderie.”
He urges people not to hide away. “If you found yourself in a room full of people with 50 per cent having a stoma (a colostomy bag) you would never be able to tell who were the ostomates.”
There are about 350 ostomates in Hawke’s Bay. Diana Lincoln of Hastings says belonging to the group has made her feel more confident. “I have been a member for about 10 years now and I have learned so much along the way.”
She says it is important people listen to their body. “A few things happened to me before I was diagnosed with bowel cancer that in hindsight were symptoms. I was in the garden, had a really bad gripe pain but didn’t make it to the toilet in time.
“Then nothing happened, then other little things happened and I finally decided to go to the doctor. He could tell something wasn’t right. So after radiation that didn’t go well I had an urgent operation in Palmerston North Hospital and ever since then I have had a bag sewn in.” Lincoln says she doesn’t let it get in the way of her life. “It hasn’t changed me.”
She is also an amputee after a motorcycle accident in 2000 led to her losing her lower leg below the knee. and has recently finished a fiveweek course of radiation due to “something going on in the top of my lungs”.
However, this 75-year-old doesn’t feel sorry for herself. “I’m grateful. Life is for living and that’s what I’m doing every day.”
She encourages everyone who has the merest symptoms to get checked out. “Listen to your body and keep going back until you are satisfied all is well.”
HB Ostomy Support Group Treasurer Esme Chatterton said they are aware ostomy is not a warm fuzzy subject and does not often get openhearted hearing and support.
“Don’t be embarrassed for us when it needs to be mentioned, as we are not embarrassed about ourselves. ‘Life is for living’ is a favoured slogan among ostomates.”
Those wanting to contact the Hawke’s Bay Ostomy Support Group phone president Hugh Thornton on 06 877 1553.