The Austi-Mate

The Journal of The Ostomy Association of Austin
Quarterly Publication, Summer 2026
​Join Us for Our Monthly Meetings 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The first Thursday of every Month except January and July at:

Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital
11113 Research Blvd, Austin, Texas 78759

Located in classroom A & B on the 3rd Floor. Enter through the Emergency Room and check in at the front reception window. Head to your right towards the double doors. Go a little further and the elevators will be on your right

Mailing Address: Ostomy Association of Austin, P.O. Box 143383 Austin,Texas 78714
www.austinostomy.org
​Voice Mailbox Number: (512) 537-5411 and leave a message. We'll get back to you!

Ostomate Testimonial - Marina Chavez, V.P., Ostomy Association of Austin

My story began in 2007 when I was first diagnosed after noticing blood in my stool. This alarming symptom led me to consult a gastroenterologist, who prescribed oral medication. At the time, I was working a job with less-than-ideal insurance, and the monthly prescription cost was difficult for me to afford. Unfortunately, I decided to stop taking the medication because of the expense—a decision I would soon regret.

Without medication, I experienced a severe flare-up that kept me out of work for a week. Thankfully, I had started a new job with much better insurance, which enabled me to take my medication consistently. Still, my body would eventually adapt to each medication, and about every two years, I would have another flare-up. Each time, my doctor would change my prescription, and while the new medication would help for a while, the cycle would repeat. Over a decade, I cycled through various treatments and eventually started on Remicade and Entyvio infusions, but even these eventually lost their effectiveness.

During my initial consultation, my doctor mentioned that surgery to remove my large intestine might be necessary, which would mean living with a bag for waste. The thought absolutely terrified me, and I pleaded for any alternative. For those ten years, I was constantly aware of where every bathroom was—outings to restaurants or grocery stores were challenging because when I needed to go, it was urgent. I would often plan my entire day around bathroom access, and there were several occasions while on my way to and from work, where I had to stop at a gas station or fast food place just to make it in time. Unfortunately, these moments were stressful and unpredictable, and it became clear that this was no way to live.

The turning point came in early 2017, just after an Entyvio infusion. I was about to meet Dr. Thiru Lakshman, my colorectal surgeon, to become an established patient in case surgery became necessary. On my way to the appointment, I went to the wrong entrance to his office and was heading around to the other side of the building when I suddenly felt the urge to go to the bathroom. I faced the difficult choice of risking an accident in the waiting room for all to see or dealing with it privately in my car. I chose the privacy of my car, using a tarp and blanket I kept for emergencies. That experience was a wake-up call, and it convinced me that surgery was the right next step. I soon scheduled the operation.

Before surgery, I discovered the Ostomy Association of Austin support group and attended a couple of meetings. The warm, supportive people there showed me that life with an ostomy could still be fulfilling and joyful. Their encouragement made a world of difference to me. On May 17, 2017, I had my surgery and "Ruby," my stoma, was born—named for her bright, ruby-red color. I was blessed to have a month off from work to recover, a skilled surgeon, and a knowledgeable ostomy nurse who taught me how to care for Ruby before I left the hospital. The support group became such an important part of my journey that I am now proud to serve as vice president on the board.

Throughout this journey, my faith in Jesus Christ has been a guiding light. I truly believe that we go through challenges so we can support and relate to others facing the same obstacles. That’s why I share my story and offer my support to anyone on a similar path. Life with an ostomy is different, but it is absolutely possible to live it fully and joyfully. If you or someone you know is facing a similar journey, please know you are not alone.

Are Your Dues Due?

Our budget is modest but your membership dues are GREATLY appreciated! It's only $25 PER YEAR! And you can now pay online!

​Click here to pay online; OR DONATE​

That's right; you can make a tax deductible donation to The Ostomy Association of Austin Texas. We're a Non-Profit Health Support Group serving Ostomates, their families, and friends since 1973.

Do you want to give back in another way? Consider volunteering for our Hospital Visiting Program. Our visitor program is a very important function of the OAA. Individuals who have had stoma surgery are specially trained to visit new ostomates in the hospital, at home, or by phone to answer questions about ostomy-related issues. Visitors must be requested by a physician, an Enterostomal Therapy nurse, the patient or patient's family. Call 📞 (512) 537-5411 for more information.

You can donate supplies, too. Just bring them to our next meeting. Through our affiliation with the United Ostomy Associations of America, we are a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Your donations of supplies are tax deductible.

General Ostomy Information
(from The Cleveland Clinic Website)

Prior to your ostomy surgery, you’ll meet with your medical team to discuss the details of your procedure. During this appointment, your healthcare provider will determine the location of your stoma. They’ll consider factors like your activity level, typical clothing choices and personal preferences. You’ll also learn how to properly care for the stoma (the opening in your abdomen).

You’ll be under general anesthesia for your ostomy surgery. Your surgeon may create a long incision in your abdomen, or they may do the procedure laparoscopically. Laparoscopy requires smaller incisions, uses a camera to look inside your body and typically allows for faster recovery. Your healthcare provider can let you know which type of incision you’ll have.

Ostomy surgery usually occurs as part of a larger surgery. So, the steps can vary depending on your specific needs. But whether you’re having a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, the goal is the same — to redirect waste around damaged or healing portions of your digestive or urinary system and allow it to leave your body through a stoma.

Most people require a hospital stay. During this time, your medical team will monitor your progress and make sure you’re healing properly. You may need a catheter to drain urine or IV fluids to keep you hydrated.

As with any surgery, there can be complications after ostomy surgery. General risks after surgery include diarrhea, infection, and/or skin irritation.

Risks specific to ostomy surgery can range from mild to severe and include:

Blockage. This can occur when foods that are difficult to digest become stuck in your gastrointestinal tract. Blockages can usually clear on their own when you drink clear liquids to temporarily rest your bowel.

Electrolyte imbalance. Your large intestine absorbs water, electrolytes and nutrients from the foods you eat. If your ostomy bypasses your large intestine, it can cause a dehydration and/or an electrolyte imbalance. Ask your healthcare provider how to maintain electrolyte balance after an ostomy.

Hernia. If your abdominal wall becomes weak around your stoma, you could develop a hernia. Stoma hernias often require surgical correction once they’ve become too large.

In many cases, ostomy surgery is lifesaving. In other situation. It treats a wide range of digestive and urinary diseases and helps people significantly improve their quality of life

Crucial Role of Emotional Support (from the U0AA website)

The reaction to intestinal or urinary diversion surgery varies from one individual to the other. To some, it will be a problem, to other, a challenge; where one person considers its life-saving, another finds it a devastating experience. Each person will adapt or adjust in their own way and in their own time. Challenges include:

• Body Image/Self-Esteem Concerns
• Self-Care Concerns
• Relationship Concerns

Almost every patient goes through four phases of recovery following an accident or illness that results in loss of function of an important part of the body. The patient, along with the family, goes through these phases, varying only in the time required for each phase. People may experience the various phases of adaptation in a different order and at varying rates. Some people may skip certain phases entirely and some may move up and down at different times.

These phases are shock, denial, acknowledgment and resolution.

Shock or Panic
​ Usually occurs immediately after surgery. The patient is unable to process information and may be tearful, anxious and forgetful. This phase may last from days to weeks.

Defense/Retreat/Denial
This phase may last for weeks or months and delays the adaptation process. During this phase, the individual denies or minimizes the significance of the event and defends himself against the implications of the crisis. You may note the avoiding of reality and “wishful” thinking.Acknowledgment

As the patient moves to the next step of acknowledgment, he begins to face the reality of the situation. As you give up the existing old structure, you may enter into a period, at least temporarily, of depression, of apathy, of agitation, of bitterness, and of high anxiety.

Adaptation/Resolution

During this phase, the acute grief begins to subside. The patient copes with their situation in a constructive manner and begins to establish new structures. They develop a new sense of worth. This phase may take one to two years.
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​With the aid of an ostomy nurse and a support group like the Ostomy Organization of Austin you will learn to live, and thrive -- with your stoma.

We Always Need Speakers Do you know someone who could be a speaker at one of our meetings? If you think they are knowledgeable enough to give a talk on anything stoma related, give us a call at 📞 (512) 537-5411 and ask for J.T. to call you back. Or you can email him at austinostomy@gmail.com and put "speaker" in the subject line

Instructions for Online Meetings

For those of you who would not be able to attend without an online option, we can Zoom you right in! To get online, make sure you have Zoom on your desktop/laptop computer or smartphone. Then enter Meeting ID: 886 3266 6521, and then the pass code: Welcome

Our Vision

The Ostomy Association of Austin is a volunteer based Non-Profit Health Support group dedicated to providing mutual aid and education, information and advocacy for persons and their families who have had or will have ostomy surgery. Because we are a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), health support organization your dues and donations are tax deductible.

It is our vision to educate, empower and inspire through information and mutual support in all phases of life.

The information contained within our newsletters is for informational purposes only and may not be applicable to everyone. Please do not follow any medical advice in our Newsletter without first check with your physician or Wound Continence Ostomy Nurse.