You may not see them, but more than 300 people on the Fraser Coast are living with a stoma, a mostly hidden condition that’s often misunderstood, yet lifesaving.
This Stomal Therapy Week, June 23–29, the spotlight is on ‘Ostomateship’ which is the powerful partnerships between ostomates and their circle of care.
An ostomate is someone who has a stoma, a surgically created opening into the digestive or urinary system.
For Graham Justins living with a stoma on the Fraser Coast, the support of his stomal therapy nurses has been critical.
“The nurses are an absolutely invaluable resource,” he said.
“If you have a stoma you can be self-conscious about it but the Stoma nurses make you feel so comfortable.
“They are always there if something starts to go a bit pear shape to respond quickly and either help fix the issue or reassure that what is happening is okay.
“If I didn’t have them and needed to visit a doctor, I might be waiting weeks.”
Wide Bay’s Stomal Therapy nurses say they regularly see that kind of impact firsthand.
Nurse Practitioner Wound and Stomal Care Tracy Bauer has been working with local ostomates for eight years.
“Without local stomal care, many patients would need to travel long distances for help,” she said.
“Being able to offer face-to-face support, supplies, and guidance, especially during those first few weeks post-surgery, helps reduce stress and build confidence.”
She said a highlight of her role is walking with ostomates through their journey.
“We often meet people when they’re at their most vulnerable.
“They might be scared or overwhelmed but over time, we see them grow in confidence and learn how to manage their stoma and their life with independence.”
There are currently more than 300 ostomates living in the Hervey Bay region, with ages ranging from newborns to people in their 90s.
“Most people wouldn’t know just how many ostomates are in the community because it’s a hidden condition,” the nurse said.
“But it’s also a lifesaving one, and for many, it gives them a second chance.”