This topic is about a valuable resource for identifying and treating peristomal skin problems, which are issues that can occur around the stoma. The discussion highlights a book that serves as a comprehensive guide for ostomates, helping them better understand and communicate about these skin conditions with healthcare professionals. Here are some key points and advice shared in the discussion:
- The book "Abdominal Stomas and Their Skin Disorders" is a highly illustrated reference that includes photographs of various peristomal skin complications, medical terminology, and standard treatment options. This can be very helpful for ostomates when discussing issues with doctors or dermatologists.
- Although the book's list price is around $250, many used copies are available online for as little as $1 plus shipping. Websites like AbeBooks.com are good places to find these affordable copies.
- The second edition of the book includes some new photos but no corrections to the first edition's content, so the first edition is still clinically valid.
- The original poster has purchased multiple $1 copies and is willing to lend two of them worldwide on an honor-system basis, where the recipient forwards the book to the next requester. Non-US readers might need to help with postage.
- The Library of Congress inter-library loan service has successfully supplied the second edition, indicating that library access is possible.
- There is a suggestion to upload a digital copy of the book to the forum in the future, depending on the site's capacity.
Additional questions and information include:
- The original poster also bought "Abdominal Stomas: Indications, Operative Technique and Patient Care" by Jerome S. Abrams and is seeking recommendations for other stoma-related books.
- After receiving feedback, the poster ordered "Intestinal Stomas" by Celestin, which provides a clear explanation of how a stoma is created.
Advice and insights shared:
1. Library access: UK members can request the book through the British Library, and inter-library loan services are often reliable and affordable.
2. Where to buy inexpensive copies: AbeBooks.com lists multiple $1 used copies of the first edition, with shipping costs around $5–6. Amazon also has used copies, though prices vary. International sources like the UK and Germany often have the lowest prices for older medical texts, with shipping to the U.S. taking about a week.
3. Other recommended books for an ostomy reference library include:
- "Intestinal Stomas" by Celestin, praised for its extensive photographs and clinical resource value.
- "Abdominal Stomas: Indications, Operative Technique and Patient Care" by Jerome S. Abrams, which covers overall stoma management.
- "Intestinal Stomas" (blue-cover edition) by S. Arthur Localio, featuring operative photos and historical appliance imagery.
4. A practical tip when browsing the featured book: avoid looking at the most graphic pages while eating, as the images can be unsettling.
5. A linguistic note: the expression "suss out," meaning "figure out" or "investigate," is common in UK English and less so in the U.S., which can be useful when searching British book sites.
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