The stomics card is a new initiative of the organizers of the "STOMAlife. Discover the stoma. Its purpose is to make it easier for ostomates to function in problematic situations, for example during border checks and air checks. Why is it worth having a stoma card and how to get one?
Stoma cardhas a convenient format, so you can easily carry it in your wallet or pocket. The card is accompanied by a medical certificate with which the stoma specialist must visit the attending physician (primary care physician) in order to certify the fact of having a stoma. The signature and stamp of the relevant medical authority are a condition for the validity of the certificate and will confirm the legitimacy of using the ostomy card.
According to the assumption that the document may be useful, among others, when traveling, the content of the certificate has been translated into seven languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian and Greek. The card is not yet formalized. The organizers of the "STOMAlife. Discover the stoma "will seek to validate it.
- We believe that the launch of this initiative will be the beginning of a discussion on enforcing the rights of ostomates. Acceptance by society is a key element in this process. It is possible to trigger a chain reaction only through information activities, said Andrzej Piwowarski, president of the Polish Ostomy Society POL-ILKO.
Why is it worth having a stoma card?
Having spare ostomy appliances with you can create embarrassing situations for ostomates. Many of them require informing the public about the fact of having a stoma and the related needs. When talking about troublesome situations, the campaign organizers mean customs and border controls, air clearance situations, but also moments when it is necessary to change ostomy equipment. In the latter case, it should be justified to use a parking space for disabled people or a room for a mother with a child, which is the only one that allows for a convenient replacement of the ostomy pouch. Lack of knowledge about the stoma may result in the fact that, for example, an attendant at the airport will demand that the pouch be removed. Order to remove it and interference of unqualified persons may resultleakage of stoma equipment, resulting in leakage of intestinal contents or urine, having a stoma card with you can prevent this from happening.
- An initiative such as a stoma card is very much needed - comments Hanna Hybicka, a dentist and a volunteer at the Masovian POLiLKO Branch. - From my own experience, I can say that airline check-in is not pleasant for ostomates. When I was flying to Turkey, the controller felt my handbag during the check-in. Despite declaring that I was an ostomate, I was invited for a personal search. When I saw that the eyes of the others waiting were on me, I felt like a criminal, especially since I was led by two ladies. I had to undress and show the bag. It was only when I asked if I should peel it off and warned that the contents might spill, the ladies gave up. But I didn't hear the word I'm sorry. I am not ashamed of my stoma, but I would also not like to excuse myself for having it every time.
The regulations regarding the transport of hand luggage, medicines and medical supplies do not say anything about ostomy appliances. Having a stoma card and a medical certificate may be helpful when carrying and carrying ostomy appliances.
- Due to the specificity of stoma care, stomas should be able to take the appropriate amount of equipment on board the plane as part of their carry-on baggage in order to be able to change the ostomy pouch at any time when the need arises. Accessories for stoma care can include not only ostomy bags, but also: paste and sealing rings, clasps, clips for the open bag system, a stoma belt - which may contain metal parts, as well as cosmetics for ostomy care, which may be sprayed ' at. - comments Agnieszka Wołowicz, stoma nurse from the consultation and training center in Warsaw.
press materials of the social campaign "STOMAlife. Discover the stoma"