Question: 

I have had a ileostomy (wear a pouch) since 1999. Other conditions that affect me are a short bowel and hernias which a qualified surgeon said the hernias  can not be operated on (2023).

Have been in emergency care for block bowel in 2022/23 and a suggestion during the last visit  was to have a qualified Stoma nurse / Dietitian meet and review my circumstances, A diet was provided but a suggestion was made to have it reviewed as individual circumstances i.e. short bowel should be taken into consideration.

To date we have not been successful in arranging for such a person. We reside in the Newcastle Ontario area and would appreciate if you would advise if there are resources we can use. Coupled with the above medical situation I recently had 4 serious falls ( 2 in November 2022 and 2 in Jan 2023) making mobility a little more challenging. Doctors have scheduled visits to look at the progress made since the falls.

 Any assistance / support you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Response: 

I feel for you in your situation. Thank you for reaching out! The dietician consult – you say you have spoken to one. Dietician consults in general are not covered by OHIP but can be paid for by any private plans you might have. I looked at the Central East site – here is a link of dieticians Dietitian Services – Central East – centraleasthealthline.ca

Sometimes there may be a local program that is covered by OHIP but you would have to investigate through the MD.

For Nurses Specializing in Wound, Ostomy, Continence nurse (NSWOC). You can phone the central east office for homecare at Central East | Home and Community Care Support Services (healthcareathome.ca) or 1-800-263-3877 and assertively ask for a NSWOC visit. There is no need for a physician order. Give as much detail as you can and be assertive!!! Explain you have frequent falls, ileostomy with blockages, problems with your ileostomy output and any other issues with the ileostomy and lifestyle. You may get a nurse first to come and do an assessment and then assert that you want to see an ostomy nurse for the issues as it is greatly affecting your quality of life. 

There are not many NSWOC outpatient clinics – I do believe very few in your area. The Durham Medical store in Oshawa usually has an NSWOC there – appointments might be needed as she is not there full time if they still have one. You can also go on NSWOC website or Ostomy Canada and there is a section FIND A NSWOC NURSE.

Warm Regards,

Karen Bruton RN BScN MCISc-WH WOCC(C)

Nurse Education Consultant – Interprofessional Practice Support

Indigenous Services Canada, Government of Canada

Ostomy Canada (Volunteer)

Medical and Lifestyle Advisory Team Lead