The conference is 8 hours east of Calgary. I took my bike. It was a sunny but windy trip from every direction. I found I had gotten a little sun where my gloves and jacket did not meet. Friday was registration (about 100 attended, a few more on Saturday) and 3 speakers (Eric Polsinelli – Vegan Ostomy, Dr. Ryan Suri – General Surgeon, Sheryl Walker – Enterostomal Therapy Nurse) followed by wine and cheese. The speakers kept it lively along with a question and answer period.
Saturday started early at 8:30. Topics covered were chronic pain, peristomal skin complications, IBD, Angie Schickerowski – author of The Healing Compass, dietitian, and mental health. At the break, they brought out 8 muffins; the order was for 8 dozen. Someone ran out and brought a box of Timbits for each table to save the day. The conference was concluded with a nice buffet supper and entertainment by the Special Guest Zarqa Nawaz – creator of Little Mosque on the Prairie, a hit Canadian TV show.
I spent the next few days with family before heading back to Calgary. It was cool Wednesday morning, and I was freezing for the first couple of hours until it warmed up. As luck would have it, it started to lightly rain for the last 2 hours of the trip. Glad to be home.
If ever there is a conference in your area, I recommend you go.
I feel that so little is known about diagnosing someone with a combination of problems, including mental states, that osteomates will one day be seen as pioneers. We are how they are learning more about how it all works! Leach, anyone?
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,404 members.
“I mostly read and still feel like I belong.”
“Doctors took notes; they want others to find this website.”
“From midnight blowouts to big wins, there’s always a hand to hold.”
I’d like to write a nice review
that might express something quite new.
Then I read previous points of view,
which said the things I wanted to.
I would endorse the things I’ve read
about what other folks have said,
for these are the benefits and things
that joining a site like this can bring.
When I was an initiate, (novice)
it seemed to be appropriate
to express myself in rhyme
as this is how I spend my time.
When contemplating what to write
with contributing to this site,
it seemed to me, my ostomy
could be expressed in poetry.
Thus, when I had something to say,
a rhyme, for me seemed the best way,
for rhymes can often capture stuff
that prose don’t capture quite enough.
I do appreciate the way,
this site lets people have their say
in whatever mode they will
about the things that make them ill.
There are not many forums for
discussing stuff most folks abhor.
So, this site fulfils a small niche,
where angst and problems can unleash.
Where raw emotions can decant,
so, folks feel free to have a rant,
and we can all associate
is something I appreciate.
B. Withers 2021
Best wishes
Bill
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.