OFFICERS President:

Paul Rossi 410-647-6171 268 Shakespeare Drive Severna Park, MD 21146

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Fila Joan Gardner Ginny Gross Stan Baker Allyn Mellits

Vice President Stan Novack 410-255-6802 OSTOMY ADVISERS: Secretary Jamie Darr 410-987-0094 Treasurer Lyn Rowell 410-672-6983 Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN Youth Rally Coordinator Melissa Blood Michelle Perkins, RN, BS. Webmaster: Janice Winters DIRECTOR EMIRITUS - Mary Lou Thomas, RN, BA, CWOCN

Were on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com

Volume 39 Number 3 January 2013

January 3, 2013 February 7, 2013

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To Be Announced Dr. Zagula

Note: Regular meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:30pm on the 7th floor of the new Health Science Building. Check with the 7th floor desk for the room number. See overleaf for directions. If AA County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, there will be no meeting.

A WORD OF THANKS for their constant support of our Chapter to: The American Cancer Society, especially the office in Gambrills, for essential help with our newsletter; and Anne Arundel Medical Center for providing rooms for our regular meetings and special events. We appreciate their support and assistance. NOTICES The display, description, demonstration or distribution of products at our meetings, or in the newsletter, or by the recommendation of a member of our Association, does not constitute an endorsement of that product by the AACOA. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR or ET Nurse before using any products or methods published in the AACO newsletter or suggested by a member of the AACOA. Your own doctor or ET nurse provides medical advice that is best for you. Items from this newsletter may be reprinted in other ostomy newsletters, provided proper credit is given as to source of material.

OSTOMY ADVISORS FOR STOMA HELP We are fortunate to have available the services of Enterostomal Therapy Nurses serving our local area: To consult with one of them, a physicians referral is necessary and a fee will be charged. Call for an appointment. BALTIMORE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL Carol Canada RN, BSN, CWOCN 410-787-4578 ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER Michelle Perkins, RN, BS Kelly Heffron, BSN, CWOCN 443-481-5508

Private Consultants
Joan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN 410-932-7312

Directions to Health Science Building Anne Arundel Medical Center

From Annapolis and the Eastern Shore: Take Route 50 West to Jennifer Road exit (Exit 23A). Go through the traffic light onto Medical Parkway. From Baltimore: Take I-97 South to Route 50 East, to Parole exit (Exit 23). Turn right onto West Street then right onto Jennifer Road. Go approximately one mile, and turn left at traffic light onto Medical Parkway. From Washington DC: Take Route 50 East to Parole exit (Exit 23). Turn right onto West Street then right onto Jennifer Road. Go approximately one mile, and turn left at traffic light onto Medical Parkway. Alternate to I-97 from Crofton/Odenton area Take 178 South through Crownsville towards Annapolis. Turn left on Bestgate Road and then right on Medical Parkway. REMEMBER!!! The entrance to the medical center is FROM THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE PARKING GARAGE. Once inside the building you will be on its second floor take the elevators inside up to the 7th floor. When leaving, take the elevator the second floor and go through the doors onto the 2nd floor of the parking garage.

For those serving on the board, the next board meeting is January 21st at 7:30pm

TRANSPORTATION TO MONTHLY MEETINGS Some are not able to attend the monthly meetings because of transportation issues. Others may be able to give someone a ride. SO if you need help with transportation OR if you can help with transportation, please let us know by emailing us at webmaster@annearundelostomy.com. Please put MEETING TRANSPORTATION in the subject line. Please include your street address and city in your email we are trying to match up individuals with others in the same area. We cannot promise to be able to get you a ride, but we will try.

January 2013

The Rambling Rosebud

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Thanks to everyone who attended the Holiday Party and brought food. We all enjoyed the delicious variety of treats what a great way to start the holiday season! We have a board meeting this month and we always welcome input from the group. January is traditionally the time to make New Year resolutions. Many new ostomates have told us that coming to the group was helpful meeting people who have successfully adjusted to life with an ostomy has shown them its not the end of the world however we might initially feel. The success of the group is dependent on others coming and sharing their experiences. Remember we need you! Thank you for all you do and happy 2013.

Paul
Dont forget our meeting cancellation policy if the Anne Arundel County Schools are closed either for the day or if evening activities are cancelled, we will NOT have a meeting that night.

Burial at sea!! Chrisy and Barbie, two blonde sisters had promised their uncle, who had been a seafaring gentleman all his

life, to bury him at sea when he died. Of course, in due time, he did pass away and the two blondes kept their promise. They set off from Clearwater Beach with their uncle all stitched up in a burial bag and loaded onto their rowboat. After a while Chrisy says, 'Do you think we're out far enough, Barbie?' Barbie slipped over the side and finding the water only knee deep said, 'nope, not yet Chrisy'. So they row a little farther. Again Chrisy asks Barbie, 'Do you think we're out far enough now? Once again Barbie slips over the side and almost immediately says, 'No, this will never do, the water is only up to my chest.' So on they row and row and row, and finally Barbie slips over the side and disappears. Quite a bit of time goes by and poor Chrisy is really getting worried when suddenly Barbie breaks the surface gasping for breath. 'Well is it deep enough yet, Sis?' 'Yes, finally. Hand me the shovel.'

Anne Arundel County Ostomy Association

Membership Application Please Print Full Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Last First M.I. Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address Apartment/Unit # _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Phone: ( ) Date of Birth: Gender: Email Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Reason for surgery: ____ Crohns ____Ulcerative Colitis _____ Cancer _____ Other__________________________ Emergency contact if we are unable to reach you: ______________________________________________________________________ To help us complete our records, please answer the following: What type of surgery have you had? Colostomy Ileostomy Finance Program Internet Search Hospital Urostomy Parent of child with Hospitality Refreshments ET/WOCN Nurse Physician Spouse/Family Member Other (please specify) Membership Sunshine Other

I would like to help with the following committee(s) or activities:

Newsletter Visiting

How did you hear about us?

The Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Ostomy Association, Inc. (AACOA) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing reassurance and emotional support for people who have had or will have some kind of ostomy surgery, such as a colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy (urinary diversion) or a continent procedure. The goal of the AACOA is to provide moral support, information, and education to people with ostomies and their families and friends. Members receive The Rambling Rosebud newsletter monthly. Please complete the form and send along with your check in the amount of $15 payable to AACOA c/o Stan Baker 958 Fall Ridge Way Gambrills MD 21054-1454 Membership benefits include Monthly meetings Monthly newsletter Support information Social Events

Email any comments or questions to webmaster@annearundelostomy.com Please visit our website at www.annearundelostomy.com

January 2013 DIARRHEA CONCERNS

Lyn Rowell

The Rambling Rosebud OSTOADE Solano Ostomy News If you dislike Gatorade and you want to restore your electrolytes, you may find this brew more to your liking: 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 TBSP White Karo Syrup 6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate Mix ingredients together and add enough water to make up to 1 quart. Sip throughout the day. POWDER YOUR STOMA? Ms. Schwankweiler, RNET via Ostonoma News Powder is not normally required during the routine servings of a stoma. As a matter of fact, most modern disposable barriers are designed to adhere to the skin by themselves. Powder is used to treat irritated skin or a fungal infection. Yeast (fungal) infections are very common, especially during summer or when one perspires during regular exercise. Micro granulated anti-fungal powder is used only when there are signs of a yeast infection, i.e. an itchy rash and raised red bumps. Use the powder until the infection clears, then discontinue. Pectin based powders, like Stomashesive or Karaya type powders, are used to treat irritated skin. To apply any kind of powder, gently rub it around and the brush off the excess. The barrier can be applied directly over the powder. You may also seal in the powder by applying a skin sealant over the powder and allowing it to dry. Be careful: skin sealants retard the adhesion of the extend wear barriers and are not recommended! The barrier is applied over the sealant covering the powder.

As well as colds and flu, it seems that the winter often brings its share of stomach issues. Whether caused by a bug or virus, or just from over indulgence, diarrhea can affect an ostomate a little more seriously. For those with a colostomy that is irrigated it is usually wise stop irrigating until the diarrhea has passed. You dont want to increase your output. Otherwise just follow the usual treatments of a light diet and increased fluid. For the ileostomate diarrhea is a greater hazard. Excess diarrhea can lead to dehydration, particularly if there is also vomiting. It is important to try to replace lost fluids but while drinking more water is useful, increasing fluids that contain potassium and/or salt maybe more beneficial than water alone. Tea, orange juice, cranberry juice, bouillon, tomato juice and Gatorade are good choices. Food wise, crackers are helpful as is following the BRAT diet bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. If the diarrhea and/or vomiting are severe and show no sign of slowing down, call your doctor as you might need IV fluids. In the ileostomate, however, diarrhea and vomiting accompanied by acute abdominal pain may be a symptom of a partial obstruction. In that case, you should seek prompt medical attention as this will not go away by itself. For the urostomate be careful to keep yourself well hydrated using the suggestions above. If dehydration becomes an issue, seek medical attention.

January 2013

The Rambling Rosebud patient. Many urologists also prescribe vitamin C to help keep the urine acid and less susceptible to infection. (Check with your doctor first, as some persons have reasons that would be exceptions to this). Cranberry juice helps to keep the urine acidic. Ostomy patients should strive to live a normal life, keep fit nutritionally (this helps prevent infection) and drink sufficient fluids. Dont live in fear of infection. An older man was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renown surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to receive the anesthesia he asked to speak to his son. "Yes, Dad, what is it?" "Don't be nervous, do your best and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me..... your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife." My Ostomy Song
by Mike Leszcynski, Merrimack (NH) an ileostomate since 1976. Sung to the tune of the Beatles' song "Yesterday":

*************** We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all exist very nicely in the same box. ***************

BACTERIA AND YOUR POUCH

From Coquitlam (BC) Connection & S. Brevard (FL) Ostomy Newsletter Many patients having ostomy surgery worry about bacteria. Those with colostomies and ileostomies ask if their stomas will become infected with the discharge of stool. This is a myth! The stoma is accustomed to the normal bacteria in the intestine. Keep the skin around the area clean and be careful of adjacent wounds. You may want to keep fecal drainage away from the incision. Dont worry about the ostomy becoming infected from normal discharge. Nature has provided well. Our bodies are accustomed to certain bacteria. The urinary ostomy patient is more likely to be susceptible to infection than the other types of ostomies. Urine is usually sterile. It is important to keep the urinary pouch very clean. On days that it isnt changed, it should be rinsed with a solution of 1/3 white vinegar to 2/3 tap water. This can be allowed to run up over the stoma and will also help prevent crystals. The vinegar produces an acid environment in your pouch. Bacteria cannot multiply as readily in an acid condition. Your night drainage pouch should be cleansed daily. White vinegar and water can be used for this too. Perhaps some of you use a special disinfectant or diluted Lysol solution. When the drainage bag has sediment that cannot be removed by cleaning, it should be discarded. Drinking plenty of fluids is important for all ostomates, but especially for the urostomy 6

Ostomy, that's what the doctor said to me. Then he made it a reality. Now I have an ostomy. Suddenly, my ileum is sticking out of me. That's not where it used to be. Oh, I believe in ostomy. When I have to go it just flows outside of me. And my bag's in place to catch my waste, Thank you ostomy. Ostomy, without you where would I be? Now I can eat the food that's put in front of me. Oh, I believe in ostomy. ooze ooze ooze ooze ooze ooze ooze

January 2013

The Rambling Rosebud A Little Ostomy Test appliance every two or three days until the skin heals. While creams and ointments may be a reasonable solution for skin irritation in other areas of your body, they may not be useful around your stoma because your appliance will not adhere to moist or oily skin. Cool compresses may be soothing but cannot heal the skin. Alcohol will dry the skin which may cause it to itch. As an added note, hair growth around the stoma can be quite painful when removing the appliance. Remove excess hair with an electric razor or scissors. A straight edged or safety razor should not be used because of the risk of irritation to the skin and cutting the stoma. Ostomy adhesive removers may help reduce hair pulling when removing the pouch. 3. Your neighbors invite you to a pool party. You: a) Decline the invitation since you cannot swim with an ostomy. b) Limit your fluid and food intake for 12 hours prior to the party so your stoma is not active. c) Accept the invitation. d) Go in the pool and then worry that your prosthesis will probably leak. The answer is c. If you enjoyed swimming before the operation, continue to swim after. For extra security while swimming, you may want to picture-frame the adhesive part of your appliance with paper or waterproof tape or apply a skin sealant, for example - Sween prep, directly over the adhesive. Printed rather than solid colored bathing suits help to camouflage the outline of the appliance. Some women prefer bathing suits with skirts and some men prefer boxer-style trunks, but snug fitting suits may be worn. A lightweight panty girdle may be worn to hold the appliance firmly in place. If you have an ileostomy, limiting food and drink will not stop your ostomy from functioning. When the stomach is empty, the discharge is liquid, highly acidic and gassy. Skipping meals or limiting fluid intake leads to dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance.

via Hemet-San Jacinto (CA) Stoma-Life & StillwaterPonca City (OK) Ostomy Outlook 1. Your appliance has been on for 2 days and you experience a burning, uncomfortable sensation around your stoma. You: a) Ignore it. It seems to come and go anyway. b) Wait until the designated day to change your appliance. c) Take a cool bath. d) Change your appliance immediately. The answer is d. Ideally, your appliance may stay on for five to seven days. However, if you experience burning or itchiness around the stoma, discomfort or pain around the stoma or discoloration of the adhesive, change your appliance regardless of the day. These signs usually indicate leakage. Stool or urine on the skin is very irritating. In addition, itching or irritation under the pouch can be due to dehydration. If you are pretty sure the appliance is not leaking and there is nothing externally wrong with it, try drinking a few glasses of water instead of removing the appliance. Don't be a hero. When it bothers you, change. 2. When you remove your appliance, you notice the skin around the stoma is reddened. To treat it, you: a) b) Apply cool compresses for a short period of time before reapplying your appliance. Apply a protective powder such as Stomahesive or Karaya to reddened skin areas, remove any excess, and continue with reapplying your appliance. Apply a soothing cream or ointment to the reddened skin areas. Use an alcohol wipe on your peristomal skin.

c) d)

The answer is b. It is important to observe the skin around the stoma. Use a mirror to help observe the skin and stoma. If the skin appears reddened, irritated or weepy, you may require a protective powder. You may need to change your 7