Topic Explanation
The discussion revolves around an individual seeking local ostomy nurse assistance for managing a prolapsed stoma, following an emergency surgery that was performed far from their home. The individual has encountered difficulties in finding local follow-up care, as local colorectal surgeons are unwilling to take on the case since they did not perform the original surgery. The stoma has prolapsed in two places, causing an increase in size, and the individual is looking for professional help within their area.
Advice and Helpful Insights
1. Seeking Local Hospital Resources:
- Contact local hospitals and ask for the Wound Care department, as ostomy nurses typically fall under this category. If the hospital operator is unfamiliar with the term "ostomy nurse," specifically request to be connected to Wound Care.
- Call multiple hospitals in the area, as availability of ostomy nurses can vary, and it is not always the largest hospital that has these specialists.
2. Utilizing Online Resources and Support Groups:
- Visit the United Ostomy Associations of America (uoaa.org) website, which offers a tool for finding ostomy care and support groups based on zip code.
- Engage with local ostomy support groups for recommendations on ostomy nurses and additional support.
3. Considering Surgical Revision:
- Research the possibility of revision surgery for the prolapsed stoma, as it might be difficult to manage without surgical intervention.
- If local colorectal surgeons are unavailable, consider the possibility of relocating or commuting to a city with the necessary medical specialists.
4. Exploring Telehealth and Out-of-Area Options:
- Contact well-known facilities like the Cleveland Clinic for a potential virtual consultation or for recommendations on local care providers, even if they are geographically distant.
5. Hospital Follow-Up:
- If the hospital where the surgery was performed did not recommend a follow-up care provider, contact them to request this information. If experiencing severe issues, consider visiting the emergency room for immediate care.
6. Managing Expectations When Contacting Professionals:
- Be prepared for potential non-responses when reaching out to local professionals, as some information might be outdated. However, it is still worth attempting to make these connections.
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