Knowledge is power and understanding where and how to find it is really important in 2020. There are many places everyone can look for lots of information, but not every location is filled with truth and honesty. In fact, the more I learn about education and literature the more I think it is wise to read and hear information from all different aspects and take the common denominators between all of the locations. That is why I think it is important to know how to find good information especially if you have a health condition. I personally have a stoma and for those who are slated to have an ostomy in the future, this article may be of some use to you. I am not stating that everything is correct, but I have found that a well-rounded education allows you to not be caught missing out on things that could actually change your life. With the changing of ostomy gear over the years and all the new innovations it would be simply sad to find that you have lived a lesser life due to simply not looking in all locations or simply by trusting in one person for all of your advice.
The first place I think that we all learn about stomas and ostomies from is the hospital staff at the location of our surgery. This means that you are going to get all teh basic information and gear from a surgeon and mos likely an ostomy nurse. This information is usually incredibly good and the training they give is usually top-notch. But not in all cases. As with every industry, there are lemons and people who simply do not keep up with the industry at all. So I always say to learn all you can from teh hospital and then keep your education going. That is why I think that it is important to move to another good place for information and that is your local pharmacy.
The first place I think that we all learn about stomas and ostomies from is the hospital staff at the location of our surgery. This means that you are going to get all teh basic information and gear from a surgeon and mos likely an ostomy nurse. This information is usually incredibly good and the training they give is usually top-notch. But not in all cases. As with every industry, there are lemons and people who simply do not keep up with the industry at all. So I always say to learn all you can from teh hospital and then keep your education going. That is why I think that it is important to move to another good place for information and that is your local pharmacy.
I have found that pharmacists who have procured and sold ostomy gear for years have a good grasp on their local market. That means they have been purchasing gear that their customers like for years and years and for the most part these people have spent years talking to people with ostomies and generally have a great grasp on gear, and overall tastes in the industry. They keep on with manufacturers because they purchase from them to stock their store. I like to talk to them because they have a direct sales knowledge of products and what people like and don't for certain situations. They can also lead to know who teh main manufactures of gear are and what they are known for. That is why I think it is also important to go straight to teh gear source as well.
Talking with major manufactures is incredible. You can talk with customer service people about certain gear or even engineers on how they work with specialized gear that may allow you to do things you didn't think you could. I have found that these people gave me more questions than I even knew to ask. That is a great way to learn on what may work best for you.
Then I also like to search online and follow people on social media with stomas. That is another great source of information based on expereince.
Talking with major manufactures is incredible. You can talk with customer service people about certain gear or even engineers on how they work with specialized gear that may allow you to do things you didn't think you could. I have found that these people gave me more questions than I even knew to ask. That is a great way to learn on what may work best for you.
Then I also like to search online and follow people on social media with stomas. That is another great source of information based on expereince.