It’s like something out of science fiction, or the Six Million Dollar Man, but the bionic bottom is a reality. A man from Barnsley, South Yorkshire (UK) who was horrifically injured in a motorcycle accident has managed to avoid having a lifelong colostomy thanks to an operation which attached electrodes to strategically placed nerves — operated by remote control — around his bottom. He then carries around a small cell phone sized device which has a button on it that he presses which stimulates the nerves and moves his bowels for him.

The operation was carried out by Professor Norman Williams at the Royal London Hospital. The surgeon also used muscle that was cut from above the man’s knee and then pulled back to his groin

It’s a fascinating article, and goes to show that in the future it might just be possible to reverse the so called “permanent” colostomy. This certainly takes us one step closer to that dream!

The article was printed in todays Sun newspaper, and you can click on the link below to read the full article over on the Sun website.

Read more: http://bit.ly/sunbionicbottom

I’ve just added a new page to the Ostomyland website. It’s in the Manufacturers: Ostomy Products category, and it’s for BAGBAG Ostomy Pouch Covers.

Stephen Carmichael, from BAGBAG Ostomy Pouch Covers says:
“Ever felt a little embarrassed because your ostomy bag was on show and looked a little clinical. We at BAGBAG have designed a range of covers to exactly fit your ostomy pouch. Handmade from a range of quality fabrics, and made to order using the latest technology, a BAGBAG ostomy cover can help make you that little bit more confident.”

For more details about BAGBAG Ostomy Pouch Covers please check out their new page on Ostomyland, or visit their website.

Useful Links:
BAGBAG Ostomy Pouch Covers Website
BAGBAG’s page on Ostomyland

NB: Ostomyland is not responsible for content or services outside of it’s own domain name, and any services/products featured on Ostomyland are listed for informational purposes only and is not being endorsed by Ostomyland.

Issue #15 (Autumn 2009) of the UK’s Colostomy Association magazine – Tidings – has been published and is hitting doormats around the country as I type.

The magazine is free to all existing members of the Colostomy Association, and features in this 64 page issue include:

1. Open Door: A new dimension in my life – by Ernie Hulme. The CA Trustee and volunteer talks about the key role of the volunteer
2. Irrigation and you…
3. Reaching out and building awareness
4. CA Open Day – Swansea 2009
5. Reader’s Stories
6. Dear Nurse
7. Readers Letters

…and many, many more articles too!

Also, inside you’ll find an article all about Jules, Rach, Hannah and Jasmine’s visit to the World Ostomy Day 2009 event at the Bullring, Birmingham where they were promoting their Breakaway children’s charity (Jules and Rach being part of the Ostomyland message board team, and firm favourites among the team and community members).
http://www.breakaway-visit.co.uk

About the Colostomy Association:
The Colostomy Association is the national colostomy support charity for Colostomates in the UK. They were formed after the BCA closed down. The CA’s services include (but are not limited to):

• Support and advice for colostomates, their families and their carers
• Email and 24hr telephone helpline
• Comprehensive advisory literature and quarterly magazine
• Visits for those who need it

For more information on the Colostomy Association please visit their website, or phone them free on 0800 328 4257
http://www.colostomyassociation.org.uk/