Triangle Area Ostomy Association

05/29/2026

Hi everyone!
Just a friendly reminder that our next meeting is on Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:30pm via Zoom. The zoom session starts at 7:00pm for anyone who wants to join for a general discussion and questions/issues before the presentation at 7:30pm. Our program this month will be with a representative from SIIL, a manufacturer of premium fashion such as underwear, belts and wraps for ostomates. Here is a link to SIIL's website: https://www.siilostomy.com/.

Membership dues for 2026 - 2027 are due by August 1st. Dues are still only $20! Please submit your dues to Ruth Rhodes, Treasurer, prior to August 1st. I have attached the dues statement to this email for your convenience. It is also available on our web site at https://raleighuoa.org/2026-2/.

The June newsletter is now posted on the TAOA website. You can access it at https://raleighuoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jun-2026.pdf.

An email will go out tomorrow with the link and information. We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

*If you are not added to the email list, please email
Alison Cleary at [email protected] or Dan Richards at [email protected] for further guidance about how to participate. You can also contact me, Allison Lake, at [email protected] and I will be helping with relaying and corresponding to messages!*

05/29/2026

More than half a million people in the UK are living with Crohn's or Colitis, and influencer Mesha Moinirad is on a mission to support those living with the ...

04/17/2026

Join us for a UOAA advocacy webinar on the CMS competitive bidding ruling.

Find out what this could mean for the ostomy community and how it may impact access to supplies. Save the date for April 21 at 12 PM ET and sign up! The UOAA cover what’s happening, what it means for you, and how you can take action.

The session will be moderated by Jeanine Gleba and feature a mix of perspectives from industry, clinicians, suppliers, and patients.

Here is the link to the info and webinar:

Join UOAA Advocacy for the webinar Protecting Access to Ostomy and Catheter Supplies - What CMS Competitive Bidding Could Mean for You

04/10/2026

Hi everyone! Your experience really matters when it comes to keeping patients safe and making sure people can get the supplies they rely on. The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) is asking anyone who uses ostomy or catheter supplies to take a quick survey called “Keeping Me Safe: A Survey About Access to Ostomy and Catheter Supplies.”

They're trying to get a better sense of:
- Whether people can actually get the supplies they need
- If those supplies are working the way they should
- What happens when supplies are delayed or switched out

Taking part is totally voluntary, and your answers will stay anonymous. The results will only be shared in summary form with Congress and Medicare officials to help protect access to medically necessary supplies. There’s also a chance the findings could be published in a medical journal.

This survey is all about your real-life experience, and your input can make a difference.

If you have a few minutes, please fill it out here: https://www.ostomy.org/take-a-survey/

UOAA thanks you so much for your support!

Have a Question for Us? UOAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports, empowers, and advocates for people who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery.

02/20/2026

After receiving a permanent ostomy as a teen, Paula Sojo began designing stylish covers to help others feel confident — and Osto•me Fashion was born.

02/11/2026

Call your Representatives! More info below.

UOAA is urging you to contact your U.S. House Representative and ask them to sign-on to a letter by Congressman Chris Smith seeking a delay in implementing the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) for ostomy and urological supplies. The letter to Dr. Oz at CMS is expected to close on March 6, so please take action TODAY! Learn more- https://www.ostomy.org/take-action/

02/07/2026

Hi everyone! The UOAA is inviting patients to attend the next Ostomy Academy session. Belinda Wurn, PT, and Larry Wurn, LMT and CEO of Clear Passage® Therapies, will be joining the UOAA to talk about their non‑surgical, drug‑free approach to treating adhesions. Both have been through major surgeries themselves, and they’ll share how their therapy helps ease pain and improve function for people dealing with issues like infertility, bowel obstructions, and post‑surgical discomfort.

Adhesions are the body’s natural “glue” after surgery, but sometimes they tighten or twist the bowel, creating strictures that make it hard for food to move through. This can lead to small bowel obstructions that ostomy patients experience sometimes regularly, which are not only painful but can also require hospital stays.

During this session, you’ll get a clear, easy‑to‑understand look at what adhesions are, why they form, and how the Wurns developed a hands‑on method to release them without surgery. Their work is supported by peer‑reviewed research and recognized by medical professionals.

If you haven’t registered yet, you can still do it now to get updates, links, and reminders before the event that is being held on Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00 pm ET (7:00 pm CT, 6:00 pm MT, 5:00 pm PT). The presentation is titled, "Decreasing Adhesions and Bowel Obstructions Naturally".

You can tune in through a special YouTube link or watch on Facebook Live, where you’ll be able to comment and ask questions in real time. If you can’t join live, the recording will stay available on both platforms and on the Ostomy Academy webpage. Here is a link to register:

UOAA Presents Ostomy Academy! A quarterly online educational seminar to bring trusted and comprehensive ostomy information to all members of the ostomy community. Top experts, medical professionals, and experienced ostomates will focus on a new series of quality of life topics in each presentation.

01/10/2026

Convatec surveyed nearly 1,000 people living with a stoma across nine countries to get a better sense of what day-to-day life is really like.
Here’s what they shared:
- 70% said it took more than six months to feel fairly confident managing their stoma.
- 86% experienced emotional challenges after surgery, like worrying about leaks, lower self-confidence, or feelings of anxiety or depression.
- 94% reported physical challenges, including skin issues and managing odor.
Everyone’s recovery journey looks a little different, but there are some proven tips that can make the process easier. Convatec's guide, Finding Your Footing, offers practical, supportive advice to help with both physical recovery and emotional well-being.
You’re not alone in this and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
https://www.convatec.com/ostomy-care/meplus-patient-support/finding-your-footing-after-ostomy-surgery/?utm_source=convatec&utm_medium=em&utm_campaign=meplus-findingyourfooting&utm_content=email-find_out_more-patient

12/19/2025

For all who celebrate, we are wishing everyone in our amazing ostomy community an upcoming Christmas week filled with peace, laughter, and deep gratitude for the gift of life and the strength we've found together. Sending warm wishes for a restful holiday. To our fellow ostomates: May your holidays be bright, your supplies stocked, and your spirits lifted! 🙌🏻

11/24/2025

Eating with an ostomy can sometimes feel challenging, especially during holidays centered around food. But having an ostomy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy special moments with family and friends. The key thing to keep in mind is that the foods you eat can influence your ostomy output. With a little preparation and a basic understanding of how your body responds to different foods, you can set yourself up for a comfortable and stress-free holiday meal. If you haven’t yet explored how diet affects your ostomy, you may find it helpful to look at a comprehensive guide.

Your “Family Dinner with an Ostomy” Survival Kit:

Extra Ostomy Systems -
Pack additional ostomy pouches, and if you use a two-piece system, make sure you bring both the pouch and the matching flange/wafer. Having backups ensures you’re ready for anything.

Ostomy Accessories -
If products such as stomahesive powder, ostomy paste, or lubricating/odor-eliminating drops are part of your normal routine, be sure to bring them as well. They are especially important if you need to do a full change away from home.

Bring a full change of clothes.
It might seem unnecessary, but having clean clothes, including socks, can significantly reduce your stress if you experience a leak. Knowing you’re prepared can help you feel more confident throughout the day.

Pack disposable, flushable wipes.
Imagine needing to manage an ostomy issue in a guest bathroom decorated with delicate soaps and lace-trimmed towels. Flushable wipes allow you to clean up quickly and discreetly, and you can simply dispose of them in the toilet when you’re finished.

Keep everything in a small, easy-to-carry bag.
Most of these supplies will fit neatly into a small backpack. Stick to the products you normally use—this is not the best time to experiment with new pouches or new barrier rings. Familiar supplies help ensure a smooth, predictable change if needed.

Consider using ostomy disposal bags.
If you haven’t tried them before, this is the one exception where it may be worth adding something new. These bags are opaque, leak-proof, and easy to seal, making them ideal for discreet disposal when you’re away from home. Add a few to your travel kit for peace of mind.

Communicating About Food:

If you know certain foods tend to upset your ostomy, let your host know in advance. They want you to enjoy yourself, and avoiding painful or uncomfortable reactions is part of having a good time. If the menu includes items that don’t sit well with you, mention it or offer to bring a dish to share. Bringing a favorite, ostomy-friendly dish ensures there is at least one thing on the table that you know you can enjoy comfortably.

If you’re not yet sure which foods bother you, start keeping track. A simple calendar works well. Try to jot down what you ate on days when something causes discomfort. Over time, patterns will emerge, and this knowledge will help you make more confident food choices.

Additional Tips for a Comfortable Thanksgiving:

Chew thoroughly.
One of the best ways to prevent blockages is to slow down and chew your food completely. You can still enjoy fruits and vegetables - just be mindful about chewing and understanding how your body reacts.

Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of fluids before the holiday can help keep your system working smoothly and reduce the risk of issues during the meal.

By preparing a little ahead of time and paying attention to your body’s needs, you can relax, enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, and focus on spending quality time with the people you care about. Wishing you a smooth and happy holiday season!