This topic is about the challenges faced by individuals with a urostomy in finding specific information tailored to their needs. A urostomy is a type of ostomy surgery that creates an opening for urine to exit the body after the bladder has been removed or bypassed. The frustration arises because many resources labeled as "ostomy" often focus on colostomies or ileostomies, which are more common, leaving urostomates with fewer relevant resources. Here are some helpful insights and advice for navigating this issue:
1. Mislabeling occurs because colostomies and ileostomies are more prevalent. Consider contributing your own urostomy content to help fill this gap.
2. Use specific search terms like "urostomy" or "ileal conduit diversion" instead of generic terms like "ostomy" or "stoma" to get better search results.
3. Within forums, you can filter posts by clicking on COLLECTIONS and selecting "Urostomies" to find more relevant discussions.
4. Simple online searches such as "Urostomy" or "History of ileal conduit diversion" can provide detailed explanations of how a urostomy is constructed and functions.
5. Some useful resources and organizations include:
- MedlinePlus patient instructions page for general information.
- BCAN (Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network) for information related to bladder cancer, though it mainly focuses on pre-surgery issues.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers an online support group, typically on the third Thursday of each month, which includes social workers, wound-care nurses, and members living with urostomies.
6. Remember, while all ostomies involve creating an artificial opening (stoma), using precise terminology is crucial for finding accurate and relevant information.
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