8.22.08

YODAA Conference

This was my first experience going to a YODAA conference and was incredibly happy that I was able to have the opportunity to attend. I was informed of this conference while at the WOCN tradeshow in Orlando and was able to plan a last minute trip to go and see what YODAA was all about. I was also asked to be a “guest speaker” for the attendees.


It was amazing how supportive and open the group as a whole was about their experiences. I was never one for support groups…but this one was fantastic! I was so impressed with the officers and attendees! I think I got out of the trip more then I gave. I highly recommend all young Ostomates to get involved and meet this wonderful group of people!


It’s organizations like YODAA that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

Lisa with Eric Eng Co-chairman of YODAA

8.22.08

Who would have thought... more issues with having a lone rectum!

In August of 2006 when I had my ileostomy surgery done, the surgeons had left my rectum in tact for 2 reasons, 1- they didn’t think my body could take both surgeries at once being performed and 2- just in case I would ever want to be connected again. So, a few months after surgery when I was all healed up I forgot it was really even around. UNTIL – right before this tradeshow I started having some of what I initially thought were “abscess” issues near my anus and dealing with going to the ER for draining and packing. Then after the tradeshow when I was visiting family in Tennessee the problems resurfaced again! Finally it was determined from a colorectal surgeon, that indeed the ER doctors were incorrect and my problems were caused from a fistula that was formed, another great side effect of Crohn’s disease! I was lucky and was able to get surgery done asap while there to remove the problem. Just goes to show you that you never know what tomorrow will bring!

8.22.08

The WOCN Conference/Tradeshow - June 22-24

Ostomy Secrets debuted at the National WOCN (wound, ostomy and continence nurse) conference in Orlando and we had a fantastic response. We were able to show all of our new product samples and demonstrate on our mannequins (all with very full ostomy bags on) how our underwear conceals the ostomy bag. It was a very exciting few days and we were thrilled to get so much support from all the nurses.


In the picture below is “Vicky” (our vixen) and she stirred up quite a response at the show. She wore a VERY fitted gown while having a full ostomy bag on! Of course it was “her secret” because she was wearing our underwear and was supported and concealed so well, no one noticed! (or could guess her what her secret was!)



Lisa with her ostomy nurse from Tampa at the trade show. A lot of tears were shed 2 years ago and now they're all smiles!



Lisa and Christina (our designer) at the trade show! So excited!!!