National Stoma Awareness Week – June 24 – 30, 2024
“Imagine! What can you be?’ Stoma is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘body opening’. In our world a stoma is a surgically made hole in the abdomen that allows body waste to be removed through the end of the bowel into a collection bag. There are some 55,000 people in Australia and 1500 in Tasmania living with a stoma. There are basically 3 types of stoma; colostomy (bowel), ileostomy (small intestine) and urostomy, (bladder) Ostomy Tasmania Inc. is a registered charity that administers the distribution of all medical products that those with a stoma require. The Stoma Appliance Scheme is approved under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and funded by Medicare, which has been the case for many years.” ~Ross de Little, President Ostomy TAS
Hi, my name is Jess and I have an ileostomy.
My surgery was on 13/07/2021 and I call my stoma “Romi the Stomi”
In the beginning, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which led to fistulating Crohn’s disease. I had had some 100 procedures on perianal fistulas with a never-ending array of drains and setons inserted into my bottom; the pain and discomfort were horrific, both physically and mentally. I was booked in for laparoscopy pan prolectomy surgery and although I had endured a lot, I was more concerned at the time about having a bag on my tummy for life! But I needed the operation and, therefore, had to accept the challenge as I knew it would change my life in a positive way.
Waking from surgery, I looked down to see my new body part. It was confronting, even though I was aware of what I was about to see!
After several re-admissions, I began gaining strength, both mentally and physically, and by mid-September, I was back in the gym! My passion for life was stronger than ever; I was pain-free, and my mind was the clearest it had been in a very long time.
I commenced Pilates as I really wanted to restore my core to its former strength. I had made some huge life changes!
Body confidence plays a big role in the acceptance of an ostomy. Education is paramount and, of course, removing the stigma of talking about wee and poo as they form part of our bodily functions.
Ostomy Tas performs an amazing role, ordering online is easy, and the staff and volunteers are compassionate and caring.
Wow! What a legend this Romi girl is, she has literally changed and saved my life. There are just so many positives and I really feel a huge weight has been lifted from my body and mind.
Other Notices
Other
Important Changes to Scheme Items
Briefs And Pants Coming Off The Scheme From 1st October 2023 Support Garment Briefs and Pants are being removed from the Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) however Support Belts will remain and will increase from 3 to 4 per calendar year. NB: Sutherland Medical support...
Ostomy Support Bears
If you are interested in purchasing an Ostomy Support Bear (particularly good for educating children with stomas) please contact Kelly Moss via details below (WA Ostomy). Kelly will happily post direct to you (at cost price only). This initiative is completely non...
Me+ Recovery program
The me+™ recovery series, provides information and support about the importance of movement and physical activity after ostomy surgery. Too many people are worried about harming themselves by doing physical activity, when in fact there are so many benefits to being...
Medicare details now a prerequisite
Services Australia now requires us to disclose full Medicare Number details to join up new members (including the reference number located in front of your name on the card and the expiry date). The Medicare reimbursement we receive for the monthly claim we make to...
Notification service for eParcel delivery, and collects
Ostomy Tasmania use eParcel delivery with Australia Post. This does not alter the time parcels leave our office (ie. Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday). However, Australia Post now handles the notification service for orders requiring parcel delivery via mobile SMS....