Free Ostomy Care Guides

The Phoenix Magazine New Patient Guide is an essential source of information that answers the most basic questions patients have after surgery. Over 75,000 copies have helped new ostomates learn how to successfully live with an ostomy. There are four versions based on ostomy type: Colstomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy and Continent Diversion (j-pouch, Indiana pouch, Koch pouch, BCIR and the like).

Articles address common concerns and challenges those face after surgery including what type of pouching system to use, clothing, how to change an ostomy pouch, diet and nutrition and much more. Please see below for more information.

New Ostomy Patient Care Guides are FREE with a paid subscription to The Phoenix magazine.

Find your ostomy answer today!

Colostomy
  • Welcome letter from UOAA Board of Directors
  • Ask Dr. Rafferty - Topics include post surgery concerns, appetite, "phantom rectum," mucus drainage, plus more.
  • Ask Nurse Muchoney - Topics include nutrition with a colostomy, pouch disposal, proper flange size, wafer convexity, skin prep vs. skin barrier, showering plus more.
  • The Ostomy Book Review by Author and Ostomate Cliff Kalibjian
  • Healing from Ostomy Surgery by Anita Prinz, RN, MSN, CWOCN
  • Ostomy A to Z - Getting to know the ostomy lingo by Cliff Kalibjian and reviewed by Leslie Washuta, RN, BSN, CWON
  • Peristomal Skin Care - Tips and techniques for adhering a pouch by Joan Junkin, MSN, APRN-CNS, CWOCN
  • Colostomy Patient and Race Car Driver Tim Mitchell Lives His Dream Behind the Wheel by Ileona French
  • Irrigation for the Colostomate - Life without the pouch! by Anita Prinz, RN, MSN, CWOCN
  • Telling Others - Who, what and when to let others know about your ostomy by Patti Haberer, RN, BSN, MA, CWOCN
  • Returning to Work - An ostomate's guide to getting back on the job by Lisa Andrews

Ileostomy
  • Welcome letter from the UOAA Board of Directors
  • Ask Dr. Rafferty - Topics include absorbing medication, diagnosing diarrhea, vitamin supplements, intestinal transit time, sleeping position plus more.
  • Ask Nurse Muchoney - Topics include fitting flanges, pouch disposal, showering, wafer convexity, appetite and sleeping through the night.
  • The Ostomy Book Review by Author and Osomate Cliff Kalibjian
  • Healing from Ostomy Surgery by Anita Prinz, RN, MSN, CWOCN
  • Ostomy A to Z - Getting to know the ostomy lingo by Author and Ostomate Cliff Kalibjian, reviewed by Leslie Washuta, RN, BSN, CWON
  • Peristomal Skin Care - Tips and techniques for adhering a pouch by Joan Junkin, MSN, APRN-CNS, CWOCN
  • Trail Blazer - Bill Cuyler is the first U.S. soldier with an ostomy by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class JR Williams
  • Basic Ileostomy Care by Leslie Washuta, RN, BSN, CWOCN

Urostomy
  • Welcome  Letter by UOAA Board of Directors
  • Ask Dr. Basler - Topics include hydration, decreased urine output, "phantom bladder," diet and nutrition
  • Ask Nurse Muchoney - Topics include fitting flanges, pouch disposal, wafer convexity, showering plus more.
  • The Ostomy Book Review by Author and Ostomate Cliff Kalibjian
  • Urostomy Surgery and Care - What's right for you by Joy Boarini, MSN, WOC Nurse
  • Urostomy 101 - Products and Choices by Leslie Washuta, RN, BSN, CWON
  • The Sexual Impact of Urostomy Surgery by Gwen B Turnbull, RN
  • Urinary Tract Infections by Joanna Togami, MD
  • Recovering It All - Urostomate Al Nua supports others after his tough recovery by James Rada, Jr.
  • Ostomy A to A - Getting to know the ostomy lingo by Author and Ostomate Cliff Kalibjian, reviewed by Leslie Washuta, RN, BSN, CWON

Continent Diversion
  • Welcome to the United Ostomy Associations of America
  • Ask Dr. Beck
  • Ask Nurse Junki
  • Free Legal Support
  • Continent Internal Pouches by Dr. Gregg L. Shore, FASCS, FASCRS
  • Winning Ways After J-Pouch Surgery
  • Continent Urinary Diversions
  • Urostomy 101 - Products and Management Techniques by Leslie Washuta, RN, BSN, CWOCN