Sigmoid colon cancer and rectal cancer are common malignant tumors in modern society, which not only pose a threat to the physical health of patients, but also have a profound impact on the mental health and social life of patients and their family members.
Taking Zijing's father as an example, a middle-aged man who originally loved life and was full of vitality, due to the diagnosis of sigmoid colon cancer, he went through the process from hope to despair, and then to find the meaning of life again.
The diagnosis of cancer is like a bolt from the blue, which not only exposes patients to the fragility and impermanence of life, but also makes them have to face the pain and uncertainty in the process. Zijing's father's experience reflects the shared experience of many patients and their families who face the challenges of such diseases.
For patients with sigmoid colon cancer and rectal cancer, ostomy surgery becomes a necessary option when the cancer has progressed to a certain stage or due to other medical reasons, and traditional methods (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy) cannot achieve the desired results.
This surgery involves making a hole in the patient's abdomen to lead a portion of the intestine out of the body, creating a new excretory channel. Although this procedure can prolong the patient's survival, it also means that the patient will permanently lose the ability to excrete through nature, which is an extremely difficult physical and mental challenge for many people.
After ostomy surgery, patients must adapt to a whole new lifestyle, including learning how to manage and care for their stoma. This includes not only technical aspects such as how to change the pouch, how to clean and care for it**, and avoid infection.
It also includes psychological adjustments, such as how to accept one's new body image, how to deal with the gaze and attitude of others, and how to rediscover self-worth and meaning in life. These are significant challenges that patients and their families must face.
Ostomy care is an important part of the daily life of ostomy patients, and it is of great significance to improve the quality of life of patients. Ostomy care not only includes daily ostomy bag replacement and ** care, but also involves the observation of the peristoma **, timely detection of possible problems (such as redness, swelling, pain, infection, etc.) and corresponding measures.
The right approach to care can effectively reduce the risk of damage and infection, and reduce the patient's discomfort.
Ostomy care is also a challenge from a psychological perspective. Many patients may experience distress with their body image, feeling inferior and embarrassed after surgery, especially when changing their pouch in public. Patients may also be concerned about odors and leaks, which can have an impact on the patient's social activities and relationships.
Providing psychological support and education is essential to help patients adjust to a new lifestyle. Medical professionals, family members, and support groups play an important role in this process, and their support and understanding can help patients rebuild their self-confidence and learn to face life's new challenges positively.
With the advancement of medical technology, new care materials and products are constantly being developed to improve the care experience of ostomy patients. For example, new highly absorbent pouches, protective agents and non-irritating adhesives are constantly improving the care and quality of life of patients.
These technological advancements have provided more options and convenience for ostomy patients, allowing them to better adapt to changes in their lives and continue to pursue and enjoy a quality of life.
While it can be a huge challenge to face a diagnosis of sigmoid colon and rectal cancer and the life-changing experience that comes with ostomy surgery, through effective medical care, technical support, and psychological and social support, patients and families can gradually adjust to their new lifestyles and find the courage and hope to move forward.
After ostomy surgery, patients not only have to face drastic physical changes, but also have to deal with both social and psychological challenges. There is a certain degree of misunderstanding and prejudice about ostomy people in society, and this attitude often stems from a lack of knowledge and awareness of the ostomy life.
Patients may experience awkward situations during social activities, such as leaking stoma bags or inconvenience in handling excreta, which may cause them to feel ashamed and avoid social activities, leading to increased social isolation.
Patients after ostomy surgery often go through a difficult process of self-acceptance. They may feel dissatisfied with their body image and feel a strong sense of loss and a decrease in self-worth.
The negative effects of this emotion can further exacerbate the psychological burden of the patient, leading to mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Therefore, it is important to provide psychological support and counselling services to help patients develop a positive mindset, learn coping skills, and reintegrate into social and family life.
In order to alleviate the social and psychological burden on ostomy patients, public education and awareness-raising activities are particularly important. Through education and awareness-raising, public understanding and empathy for the difficulties and challenges encountered by ostomy people can be increased, thereby promoting social acceptance and support for ostomy people.
Self-help groups and communities for people with stoma provide a platform to share experiences and support each other, helping patients feel the warmth of community and reducing feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the quality of life of ostomy patients has improved significantly. For example, the new pouch design is more user-friendly, which can better adapt to the needs of patients' lives, reduce the possibility of leakage, and also reduce the irritation of **.
Innovations in protective products, such as protective films made of advanced materials, effectively prevent irritation and damage caused by prolonged contact with excreta.
With the help of information technology, ostomy people can more easily access relevant knowledge and nursing skills, and through platforms and apps, they can teach, participate in webinars, and even conduct telemedicine consultations. These resources not only provide convenience for patients, but also provide valuable learning resources for medical providers and caregivers.
The best methods and technologies of the future are also promising. Research in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering is exploring possible ways to restore or replace damaged bowel function and provide more options for people with an ostomy.
Although these studies are still in their infancy, they show the possibility of moving towards a better future and give new hope to ostomy people.
In the face of the challenges of the ostomy community, the respect and understanding of society is crucial. Everyone may face a health problem at some point in their lives, so it is the responsibility of every member of society to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
By raising public awareness, promoting scientific and technological advancements, and providing comprehensive medical and psychological support, we can help people with ostomy overcome challenges and enjoy a life with dignity and quality.
By working together, a more understanding and supportive social environment can be created for ostomy people so that they can not only survive, but live more fulfilling and happy lives. In the face of life's difficulties and challenges, respect, understanding, and support are the most precious gifts we can give.