Topic Explanation:
The initial post is about the importance of making an ostomy resource accessible to all, especially for new or soon-to-be ostomates. The user questions why doctors and hospitals don't provide the site's contact info to patients considering an ostomy and seeks suggestions on how to make the site available to new ostomates.
Advice and Insights:
- Social media, like Facebook, and organizations such as the United Ostomy Association of America can help in advertising and spreading the word about the site.
- Liability concerns may prevent doctors and nurses from recommending specific sites, so a disclaimer should be written to protect the site and its members.
- Word of mouth is a powerful approach to spread the word about the site.
- Contacting surgery schedulers, colorectal surgeons, urologists, gastroenterologists, and ostomy care nurses to suggest the site as a support resource can help reach a wider audience.
- The site's message about helping it grow suggests informing local ostomy suppliers, doctors, and nurses about the site, which seems like a reasonable suggestion.
- Medical professionals may not recommend the site due to lack of awareness or understanding of the day-to-day challenges of ostomates.
- The site may have been perceived as a dating site, and the membership mechanics may have downsides, but it's important for healthcare providers to recommend online resources for ostomates to connect with their community.
- It's suggested to sensitize medical associations and professionals to the issues and problems ostomates face and to recruit qualified individuals to present at medical conferences to raise awareness.
- Personal experiences and recommendations for specific medical treatments and hospitals are shared to provide support and guidance to fellow ostomates.
- The importance of providing comprehensive information and resources for ostomates, including emotional support, is emphasized, especially before and after surgery.
Conclusion:
The discussion highlights the importance of making ostomy resources accessible to all, with suggestions ranging from leveraging social media and medical associations to sensitizing healthcare professionals and providing comprehensive support for ostomates.
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