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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION
FEB/MARCH 2017
! , . ( % (&&" ,,, +() . + (!%& &$ +. +( +() . + (!%& &$ - #+ ) '(!&( '+( ) ) &* *& &$ !% ,!* %. &* ( & () *( !%) &( !) &+%*) % ' ( +)*&$ ( ## +() # # *& ) &, &+%*(. & &(! !% -'!( ) We can update your out-dated Fur for a fresh, new look! Outerwear Fashion +() . + (!%& Need a Make-over? Love your End of Season Blowout Sale! Prices Slashed throughout the Store Buy Now for the Best Prices! A Change In My Body Helped My Heart To Grow! By: Ellyn Mantell Over two and a half years ago, after 22 abdominal surgeries and countless bowel obstructions, my surgeon and I took a big step…a surgery that resulted in the for- mation of an ileostomy. Many of you have never heard of this procedure, and so I would like to educate you a bit. There are three types of ostomies or stomas, which divert either stool (a colostomy or ileostomy) or urine (a urostomy) from the organs nature gave us to do so. Without getting too complicated, an ileostomy is created to enable stool from the small intestine, which is the squiggly organ housed within the abdomen, to leave the body into a “bag” or a pouch that adheres to an appliance secured on the belly. I was ready for this body-altering procedure, had been ready for years, waiting for the signal that it was the right time to do the ostomy. And in March of 2014, my world became infinitely better, thanks to my wonderful surgeon (Dr. Paul Starker) and my amazing Ostomy nurse (Angela Natale-Ryan.) As part of my recovery, I attended my first Ostomy Support Group at Overlook Medical Center. It was May, just six weeks post-op and I was shaky and more than a little confused by the new language I was learning, but was welcomed by the members. I returned in July for the next every-other-month meeting, and I felt so much healthier than I had ever felt possible over the 23 years of that chapter of my life…only a few months after my ostomy! As providence would have it, coincidentally, our support group was asked to incor- porate and as such, would need a president. Although I was the newest member of the group, I knew for certain, that I was the one for that job. I felt there was a greater purpose for me, and I couldn’t sleep until I threw my hat into the ring! As with so many of these groups, membership was delighted to have someone vol- unteer (I prepared a mission statement, outline of items I wished to accomplish, goals and outreach for the community, etc. to show my determination and vision)…all needless, because the minute my hand went up, the job was mine! I share this health issue with you…something many keep very private, because what I have gained by my openness has come back to me beyond measure. It is an amazing experience because I am “the one” with whom people in our area con- nect when they are told by their surgeon they should consider an ostomy, or they have awakened from surgery with one. My name is provided by the American Cancer Society or by some of the health “hotlines.” I have a chance to make a dif- ference, and that never gets old or tiresome. This summer, I became certified in becoming a “visitor” to those in the hospital recovering from their surgery. In many cases, I am the “face of normalcy” for these patients, and thankfully, I can show them a healthy woman. As many say, we who are ostomates look just like any other person walking into the room. Patients are able to ask me the question they can- not ask the surgeon or nurses…what kind of life will they really have, and what changes will they experience? It is with profound responsibility that I mentor those asking for my support and guidance…it is not lost on me that my positive feelings may very well make the difference in their ability to embrace their new body. We are all unique, and there are many reasons we find ourselves at a place where we need help. Fortunately for me, I am surrounded by loving family and friends, as well as devoted medical personnel. And our Ostomy Support Group has grown beautifully over these past months…I feel so proud of us. We laugh, we cry, we mourn, we fulfill each other’s needs as only we can. Walking in each other’s shoes is something that brings us together…and assisting new members to take their first and most important step is an amazing accomplishment! My mind, my body and my heart tell me there is more to us than we can ever imagine, until we have to imagine it…and then we watch ourselves grow! Please contact me if you need more information: 908-883-0469 or ellynmantell @aol.com. www.theconnectionsnj.com