 | THE ILEOSTOMY AND INTERNAL POUCH SUPPORT GROUP (IA) |
The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (formerly known as the
Ileostomy Association, or IA) is a mutual support group which has the primary
aim of helping people who have had their colon removed. It was started in 1956 by a group of people with ileostomies and some
members of the medical profession. It is a registered charity (no. 234472). Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. ulcerative colitis, sometimes
cause such damage to the patient's large intestine (colon) that it is necessary
for the surgeon to remove it entirely. With a Brooke ileostomy, the lower end
of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall and
the body's waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag.
Alternatively, the patient may be able to choose to have an internal pouch,
which involves the construction of an reservoir from a section of ileum.
Someone who has a pouch does not need an external bag. It is estimated that there are more than 20,000 people in Great Britain and
Ireland who have had their colon removed. This means that you will almost
certainly have met someone who has an ileostomy or internal pouch, as they lead
perfectly normal lives. Aims of the IA Any serious illness will disrupt a person's normal lifestyle, especially if
it has lasted many years and has led to major surgery resulting in a change of
body function and body-image. The IA aims to help anyone who has had (or is about to have) their colon
removed, to return to a fully active and normal life as soon as possible. It
aims to help them with all aspects of their rehabilitation, including social
activities, and relationships with their families, friends, employers,
colleagues, and members of the general public. To achieve this, it works in
close co-operation with the medical authorities. The IA promotes and co-ordinates research, not only into ways to improve the
quality of life with an ileostomy or pouch, but also into the illnesses which
lead to these operations. It aims to improve knowledge about the management of
ileostomies or pouches, and to encourage development of new ileostomy equipment
and skin-care preparations. Activities Hospital and home visits give confidence and encouragement, by example, and
practical help in living after the removal of the colon. This includes the
management of equipment and the prevention of skin problems. Members' meetings
are arranged throughout the country by IA's local groups. A medical adviser may
be present if necessary, and there may be a guest speaker or film, either on a
medical subject or one of general interest. Equipment exhibitions are often held at members' meetings, with
manufacturers' representatives present to give advice and answer questions.
Members have the opportunity to examine and compare all the alternative brands
to find the ones best suited to their individual circumstances. The IA journal is published quarterly and is sent to every member free of
charge. It is full of articles of interest, news and views, exchanges of
correspondence, and advertisements by equipment manufacturers of their latest
products. Other literature is also available from central office. Stomacare clinics are now established in many hospitals throughout the
country, with specialist stomacare nurses. IA members are often invited to help
at these clinics, and people with ileostomies or pouches who need help or
advice may be referred to the clinics by their own doctors. Medical research is carried out into the illnesses which lead to ileostomy
or pouch operations, and into many aspects of life without a colon. Advisory
services are available on matters such as employment, housing, insurance,
pensions, financial difficulties, marriage, pregnancy, sexual problems, and
personal relationships. Lectures and demonstrations are often given by members to groups of doctors,
surgeons and nurses, to assist them in gaining more knowledge about ileostomies
or pouches for the benefit of future patients who need such operations. Organisation It is the policy of the IA that all the officers of the national executive
committee, divisonal and branch committees (apart from medical consultants)
shall themselves have had a colectomy and have a full understanding of all that
is involved in living life with an ileostomy or pouch. There are over 60 local groups throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Each
groups is autonomous and runs its affairs in the light of local conditions.
There is also a postal branch. The National Council meeting is the annual conference of IA. Any member can
attend, but voting is restricted to one voting delegate from each group. The
Exective Committee consists of national officers and elected members (including
trusteees) and most have a specific role. This committee is responsible,
through its national secretary, for running IA's day-to-day affairs, and for
recommending matters of policy to the national council. Membership Full membership is open to anyone who has had, or is about to have, their
colon removed by surgical procedure, or who have an ileostomy. Associate
membership is open to anyone who has an interest in IA's work. Members may join
whichever local group is most convenient.
Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group
National Office
PO Box 132
Scunthorpe
DN15 9YW  0172-472 0150
 0172-472 1601
 ileostomypouch@demon.co.uk
 http://www.ileostomypouch.demon.co.uk/
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