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Fifty-one percent of American adults take two or more pills each day—a prescription drug, an over-the-counter drug, or a vitamin or herbal supplement—according to a new survey.  And nearly half, 46 percent, said they were taking an average of nearly three prescription medications a week.  Predictably, more people tended to take more prescriptions, as they grow older.Seventy-nine percent of respondents over age 65 reported taking at least one prescription drug each day, vs. 28 percent of those 44 …

What is a urinary tract infection? When bacteria gets into your bladder or kidneys and cause you to have symptoms, you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is important to know the difference between an infection and bacterium (having bacteria in the urine but no symptoms). What causes urinary tract infections?Because of your spinal cord injury and the fact that you must empty your bladder by intermittent catheterization, you are more likely than most people to get bacteria in your urine. T …

Having started in nursing in the 1960s, I have seen many changes in ostomies and ostomy care. There is a history of colostomies being done in the generally as a last resort. One doctor performed a colostomy on a 3 day old infant with imperforate anus and reportedly this person lived to age 45. In the 1900s, surgeons began to treat rectal cancer with resection and permanent colostomy.Today, we see a sharp decrease in permanent colostomies and more primary reconnections of the intestine. Loop ileo …

Boost from the garden can help activate the body’s own toxic waste disposal system.U. S. and Japanese scientists have discovered how to trigger the body’s natural defenses against cancer and are working on a drug that could boost protection against all forms of disease.  The researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore have believed for many years that the body has a toxic waste disposal system that gets rid of chemicals, such as those in cigarette smoke, that can cause cancer. …

Permanent stomas are just that — permanent. But a temporary ostomy can be closed (reversed) quite easily depending on the type of surgery. When the surgeon decides to reverse your surgery, (and that can vary from days to years and anytime frame in between), it's a good idea to take some simple steps so that the recovery time is faster and you can help potentially avoid other issues that may occur.   Ostomy Reversal ProcedureThe reversal of a small bowel stoma is called an ileostomy, while a larg …

Exercise, sports and leisure activities are pleasurable and fun pastimes. Quite often there is nothing better than a day out in the fresh air or the chance to play hard in a challenging event. Knowing the best way to get fitter, faster, is to do it smarter. Learn some tips from your friends here or share your own hints and tips for getting back on track to excellent fitness.  Stronger, better, faster – smarter!Take it easy, start out slowly and enjoy the thought of getting back to a normal lifes …

Spouse and Family Support for Ostomates produced by UOA for spouse and family members, especially written for those new to the ostomy experience. Those who have had years of experience as an ostomy family member may also find it valuable.Introduction:The spouse of a person with an ostomy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process.  It is important to understand basic ostomy information and the psychological impact of the procedure.  Spouses may experience feelings of grief, guilt and anger …

With so many ostomy products available, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Regardless of the brand of product or type of surgery you have, there are a few basic features an ostomy pouching system must have to give you a sense of security and confidence. First, it must contain urine or stool, gas and odor without leaking. Second, it must help protect the skin around the stoma from damaging effects of stool or urine. Third, the systems should remain in place for a sustained and predicta …

Dr. Shennon has been a urostomate since 1980 and from that time has suffered from many peristomal skin problems such as inflammation and red raw skin around the stoma caused by seepage from his urostomy appliance.  Through his experience, he has found relief from for his skin irritations by using a common antibacterial gel hand sanitizer. When used on the skin around the stoma, these antibacterial gels will sterilize the skin and promote healthier peristomal skin.  According to the packaging for …

Upon reflection, most people view their ostomy as a relief from years or even a lifetime of suffering.  Most view this new lifestyle as liberating and welcome the healthy changes it brings to their lives.  However, this freedom and healthy change still has some drawbacks and pitfalls to watch for.  Two of those pitfalls we are going to discuss today are blockages and hernias. Ostomy Blockages can cause severe problems if left untreated.  It is best for you to discuss specifics of blockages with …