Frederick News Post “Letters to the editor”  July 25, 2018

Results from a research study, performed by a doctoral student at the University of Oklahoma, showed that nearly half of patients with ostomies (an opening in the abdomen for the discharge of body waste) felt they received inadequate information and communication from their medical providers about their ostomies.  This deficiency included how to care for their ostomies, what products to use and how to resolved issues that arose once at home.  Additionally, many identified a lack of emotional support and left the hospital with unanswered questions.

The members of the Frederick Area Ostomy Support Group (FASG), formed in 2016, agree with the findings.  Some felt they left the hospital with insufficient information.

Living with an ostomy can be a challenge.  The FASG’s mission is to provide support for people in Western Maryland and West Virginai with ostomies and their families.

Our support group meets on the second Sunday of each month at Frederick Memorial Hospital.  If you need support or know someone who does, please check out our Facebook page, Ostomyfasg, or our website, frederickmdostomysupport.wordpress.com, for meeting information.

Jean Barrick, Frederick, President, Frederick Area Ostomy Support Group