Birmingham IA's 2023 Information Day took place on Saturday 20th May, and what a busy day it was! We were delighted to meet so many members who had come to hear a fantastic range of expert speakers on important aspects of health for ileostomists and pouch patients.
As always, we had the customary Birmingham IA raffle, run by Mark Barnes. This year we were fundraising to support the charity Get Your Belly Out.
The day began early with our busy Product Exhibition. We were lucky to be supported by reps from a number of different companies who came to show us the latest products available. At the same time, Miss Melissa Cunha supported the Internal Pouch workshop, where a combination of experienced pouch patients and a couple on the brink of surgery were able to seek advice and information.
During the morning session, we were treated to some very informative presentations: the first was by Pooja Dhir, of City Dietitians, who gave us sound medical advice about foods we should be aiming to eat on a regular basis.
Shelagh Bickerton followed with a fascinating presentation on Kidney health for Ileostomists and pouch patients. As an expert in the fields of both stoma care and kidney health, she warned us of the risks of kidney injury and provided guidance on what we can do to help ourselves, particularly with regard to dehydration, including when we should take ourselves to hospital.
Wendy Osborne provided us with an extremely informative talk on causes and personal risk factors for developing parastomal hernias and again, gave us a wealth of good advice on how to minimise our risks.
Our final speaker was Birmingham IA member, social media influencer and 2nd Black Dan Matt Timmins, who talked at length with his usual good humour about his journey as an ileostomist and his approach to life with a stoma.
The morning's session was rounded off with a lively Question and Answer session in which the audience posed challenging questions to our panel of expert speakers, chaired by Miss Melissa Cunha, colorectal consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
After a delicious buffet lunch provided by Oasis Café, Birmingham IA’s Business meeting was held in the afternoon, and this was followed by “Questions to the President’, during which Miss Cunha took further questions from the members.
We are extremely grateful to all of our expert speakers and the Product suppliers for giving up their time to make this day so successful. And as always, we thank our members for supporting this annual event.
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Birmingham IA 6 days ago |
Don't Forget this is fast approaching..ideal to get more information about having your internal pouch and speaking to others who have one too..all welcome go to Birmingham IA website for more information on this advice .
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Birmingham IA 6 days ago |
Just a quick reminder to all our members please look after yourself in this weather a we can get dehydrated quickly with having a stoma. Please stay hydrated by drinking plenty..check our hydration brochure out for more info at our Birmingham IA website to give you hints and tips to stay hydrated.
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Birmingham IA 8 days ago |
We throught you might like to know that next have launched a range of stoma underwear it greats to see companies are addressing our needs
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Birmingham IA 9 days ago |
Don't Forget we have IA Together Meeting Saturday 13th September At The Fight Club Darts On Temple Street Birmingham B2 5BN Meet up at 11:45am As games will be booked for 12pm. It's costs £15 each person for 90minutes Need payment by the 6th September the Latest to confirm booking for you. If would like going for a meal after if anyone wants to join us. For more information or to book your place please contact Ailidh or Mark. Time to have fun with our fellow Ostemates and catch up for a chat.
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Birmingham IA 9 days ago |
hope all our members have enjoyed the warmer weather and kept safe with all the steps our NHS have set to keep you all safe.
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Birmingham IA 14 days ago |
It's good to hear that other countries are aware of being stoma friendly with their toilet facility's
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Birmingham IA 19 days ago |
Some of our team Kal, Derek, Bogusha and Ailidh who was at clinimed and secure care event day which was about welling meet up at edgebaston golf course.
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Birmingham IA 19 days ago |
I hope all are keeping well over the holiday period. Don't Forget we are here for you our one-2-one suport volunteers are always on hand yo chat to about anything. No issue is to small, we will try and help you with what ever we can.
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Birmingham IA 19 days ago |
This could be a interesting read
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Birmingham IA 23 days ago |