OFFICERS

President: Paul Rossi 410-647-6171

268 Shakespeare Drive
Severna Park, MD 21146

Vice President Stan Novack 410-255-6802
Secretary Jamie Darr 410-987-0094
Treasurer Lyn Rowell 410-672-6983
Youth Rally Coordinator Melissa Blood
Webmaster: Janice Winters

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

OSTOMY ADVISERS:
Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN
Michelle Perkins, RN, BS.
Were on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com
Volume 40 Number 5 February 2014

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Note: Meetings are held at 7:30pm, the first Thursday of each month at the
Belcher Pavilion at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. From the
2
nd
floor of the parking garage take the entrance into the Belcher Pavilion and
once inside take the elevator to the 7th floor and check with the 7
th
floor desk
for the room number.
If AA County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, there will be no
meeting.

!"# %&&# %'(&)#* +,(&-./ 01'.*1&)/ 23-,4. %33,561-6,&/ 7&58 (AAC0A) is a non-piofit, volunteei-baseu
oiganization ueuicateu to pioviuing ieassuiance anu emotional suppoit foi people who have hau oi will have some
kinu of ostomy suigeiy, such as a colostomy, ileostomy, uiostomy (uiinaiy uiveision) oi a continent pioceuuie. The
goal of the AAC0A is to pioviue moial suppoit, infoimation, anu euucation to people with ostomies anu theii families
anu fiienus. Nembeis ieceive The Rambling Rosebuu newslettei monthly. 9:;< 1'# =>? please make check out to
AAC0A anu mail to Stan Bakei, 9S8 Fall Riuge Way, uambiills NB 21uS4-14S4
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Full Name
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Email Auuiess _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason foi suigeiy: ____ Ciohn's ____0lceiative Colitis _____ Cancei _____ 0thei__________________________
Emeigency contact if we aie unable to ieach you: ______________________________________________________________________
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Colostomy 0iostomy SpouseFamily Nembei
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Bospital Physician

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.
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REMEMBER!!! The entrance to the Belcher Pavilion 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 7
th
floor.
When leaving, take the elevator the second floor and go
through the doors onto the 2nd floor of the parking garage.

















OSTOMY ADVISORS FOR STOMA HELP
To consult with one of the ETs below, 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, CWON
Email: mperkins@aahs.org
Laura Alberico-Klug, RN, BSN, CWON
Email: lalbericok@aahs.org
443-481-5508 / 442-481-5187
Fax: 443-481-5198
Private Consultants
Joan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN
410-932-7312
Foi those seiving on the boaiu, the next
boaiu meeting is Naich 17th at 7:Supm
BC>DEBC>F

Live Well
!
Live Independent
!
Live Active

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Happy Winter!

During the cold season, air from indoor heat pulls moisture out of
the air and leaves skin dry, heels cracked, lips peeling and hands
brittle. What to consider? Start first by staying well hydrated with
adequate amounts of non-caffeinated beverages.

Second, cool mist humidifiers at the bedside along with nasal
saline spray or gel help keep airways open and prevent cracked
nasal passages. Body emollients after showering such as Sween
cream help soften the skin. As an alternative, a no- rinse wash
cream that is pH balanced will also be effective.

For feet and hands, consider foot washes with Tea Tree Oil
and Shea Butter to reduce dryness. Gloves or slippers with gel-
infusing oils moisturize and help deeply penetrate the skin.

Specialized lotions such as Mango Foot Lotion, Deep
Healing Foot Cream, and Carmex lip balm heal fissures, deep
cracks or peeling. Austin Pharmacy displays all of these products
plus a variety of others on our shelves. Make it a priority to feel
comfortable this winter, stop by and see us!

Best of Heath,
Colleen

February 2014 The Rambling Rosebud

4
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Well Im hoping that we wont have a storm move in and dump snow again when we have our February meeting.
Our policy for weather concerns is that when Anne Arundel County Schools close, we do not hold a meeting. I
kept checking their website as the snow was falling to see if they were canceling evening activities but it didnt
happen. Of course, it was January 2
nd
, the first day back at school and apparently there werent any activities to
cancel. We are not really sure how to improve on our cancelation policy but the best advice is to assume when
the road conditions are rapidly deteriorating, that we wont be meeting. One thing I can tell you is that since the
January 2015 meeting falls on New Years Day we will not be holding that one!
Paul
Skin Care
Snohomish County Ostomy
Our skin is a vital organ and a major unit of the
integumentary system. It has several different layers
and many important functions. It acts as a barrier
between us and our environment it is never static
and undergoes frequent changes and adapts, often
very quickly, to our needs. The skin is alive.
Made up of two layers the epidermis and dermis
the skin functions in several ways:
(1) covering the body
(2) protection of deeper tissues both from injury and
germs,
(3) regulator of body temperature and
(4) a preceptor of touch, pressure and temperature
sensation.
Proper care of the peristomal skin of the ostomate is
very important to both health and comfort. As many of
you are aware, skin irritations can develop from time to
time. To keep peristomal skin in good condtion is a
daily goal and requires constant vigilance.
Care must be taken in the removal of adhesives and
appliance seals to prevent trauma (injury) to the skin.
To aid in removal, walk the adhesive off with one
hand as you press against the body with the other.
Cleanse the skin with a mild soap, rinse with clear
water and dry thoroughly. Some persons may find
even mild soap is too drying and may need to use
water only. If a solvent is used, make sure the skin is
rinsed thoroughly.
Caution must be used in trimming peristomal hair.
Shaving is not recommended because of the
possibility of accidental abrasion to the skin or stoma.
Use blunt-tipped scissors or an electric razor.
Measure your stoma periodically to be sure your
appliance is not leaving too much skin unprotected. If
your stoma is oval shaped or slightly irregular in
shape, use a good skin barrier, paste or similar
product to fill in the unprotected area between the
stoma and the appliance. Remember that stomas
may change in size and appliance size may need to
be adjusted accordingly.
If your skin begins to itch or burn beneath your
appliance, change it as soon as is feasible. Skin
irritations and breakdowns can result if these warnings
are ignored. Dont try to stretch an extra day in
between appliance changes.
There are many good skin care products on the
market and you may wish to try some of them. If you
have allergies, try the product on another area other
than the peristomal skin to determine if you are
sensitive to any of the ingredients.
A good skin care routine makes a difference in your
physical and emotional well-being so remember a few
basic rules in caring for the stoma and peristomal skin:
1. Remove appliance and tape carefully.
2. Cleanse skin thoroughly.
3. Select and use skin barriers as instructed.
4. Allow skin to dry BEFORE placing product.
5. Change appliance regularly. Do not postpone
if leakage, itching or burning are noted.



THE MI D-ATLANTI CS LARGEST OSTOMY DEALER
We have a dedicated group of Ostomy Specialists that are committed to
keeping you in your active lifestyle. Northern Pharmacy and Medical Equip-
ment has an attentive staff that cares about your quality of life. Make us
your first step in getting back to life as it was meant to be. After all

Weve been here for over 75 years, there must be a reason!
Northern Pharmacy and Medical Equipment
6701 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234
Harford Rd & Northern Parkway
www.NorthernPharmacy.com
SPEAK DIRECTLY TO OUR OSTOMY SPECIALIST :
KEITH CAPPS
Phone: (410) 254 2055 x249 Fax: (443) 740 9297
kcapps@northernpharmacy.com
Our Ostomy Department provides a full range of comprehensive
services and quality products from trusted brands you can rely on.
WE OFFER:
Delivery anywhere in the US
Free Delivery Available
Next day delivery is available.
Large inventory of ostomy & wound care supplies
in stock (we stock an inventory of over 5,000
boxes of supplies)
Customized hospital and clinic service plans avail-
able
In-house Medicare and insurance company billing
specialists
Personalize pharmacy/medical supply specialist
available
Easy ordering by fax, phone, online, or in-person.
Toll-free 24 hour hotline
Acceptance of all major credit cards
February 2014 The Rambling Rosebud

6

WHAT TO SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS REALLY
SICK
Via Evansville Ostomy Association
No set of guidelines for being a good friend can
replace your own style says former cancer patient
Georgia Photopulos, but if youd like a few simple tips
on how to talk to someone whos very sick, here they
are:
Dont be afraid to ask me what I have, how Im doing
or what my treatment will be. At worst, Ill say I dont
want to discuss it. At best Ill welcome the chance to
talk about my situation.
Worried about what to say? What did we talk about
before I became ill politics, art, religion, the PTA?
Im still interested.
Dont try to cheer me up by telling me things be worse
it doesnt help. In fact, dont try to cheer me up at
all. What I need most when Im depressed is a
compassionate comforter and listener.
Dont assume you know how I feel. If youre prepared
to find out, ask me for I need every sensitive,
empathetic listener I can get.
If I look terrible, dont tell me I look great. Your lie will
land between us and undercut anything else you can
say. You dont have to comment on my looks at all.
Remember I chose my doctor and unless I say
otherwise, Im probably satisfied with him or her. Dont
bring me articles about other doctors, other hospitals
or other treatments unless I ask you to.
Do bring me flowers, books, games whatever you
know I like. Most of all, bring yourself. Illness
interrupts so much, dont let it interrupt our friendship.
If any thing about my illness troubles you, if it makes
you upset or sad or nervous, tell me. Your silence
may hurt me something I know you dont want.
lf you don'L have a sense of
humor, you probably don'L
have any sense aL all.

SALT
Lyn Rowell
Growing up the only salt found in my mothers kitchen
was ordinary table salt. Today the grocery shelves
stock table salt, iodized table salt, kosher salt, sea
salts and gourmet finishing salts and probably some
others I don't even know about! That doesnt even
include bouillon cubes which are primarily salt, or soy
sauce or other condiments.
Salt is a necessary element of our diet but too much
salt can lead to some health concerns it can
increase blood pressure which in turn increases the
risk of heart disease or strokes. If you find yourself
having swollen ankles or hands, it could be fluid
retention - an indicator that you need to cut back on
your salt intake.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends
that we have no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt a
day. That translates to about 1 teaspoon a day.
Salt is absorbed in the large intestine which means
that ileostomates rarely have to worry about too much
salt in their diet since they lose the majority through
their output. In fact they may even have to replace
salts after bouts of diarrhea.
In general, doctors recommend that we watch for
hidden salt in our diet not the kind that you are
adding to your food during cooking or at the table, but
ones primarily used in processed food. Salt is a
preservative, hence its use in processed food.
Salt helps our nerves and muscles to function
correctly so we dont want to avoid salt altogether but
since many individuals consume prepared or
processed food, they end up consuming more salt
than they intend. Sadly for most of us many of our
favorite foods are probably on the hidden salt list,
which includes breads and pizza, meat (especially
cured meats), cheese, and of course, savory snacks.
According to Wikipedia, 77% of the salt consumed by
Americans comes from processed food, 11% from
adding salt as we cook or at the table and 12% is
found naturally in some of the foods we eat.
February 2014 The Rambling Rosebud

7



ALL POUCH WEARERS
Via: The Courier, Coos Bay Oregon & Greater Cincinnati
Ostomy Assn, Evansville IN, Reroute
Avoid letting your appliance get too full, either of
waste or gas. Although one of our members says he
likes his pouch to balloon up because it makes him
lighter on his feet, its not a good practice. Normally,
you should empty your pouch when it becomes 1/3
to 1/2 full, and before trapped gas makes it feel firm.
As the pouch becomes fuller, it places a greater
strain on the snap fastener holding the pouch onto
the flange, for two piece wearers and increases the
tendency for the adhesive part of the appliance to
pull away from the skin around a stoma for even a
one-piece pouching system. If it is not convenient to
empty a filling pouch, get somewhere you can
discreetly pop the seal, releasing the gas pressure.
This trick can buy you a little more time before
emptying is absolutely necessary. [Eds note: this
only applies to 2 piece systems.]
Also for ileostomates, if you know that you are going
to be traveling or in a situation where easy access to
a rest room is not available, adjust what you eat to
avoid high residue food. Instead of eating two bran
muffins and a bowl of Raisin Bran for breakfast,
consider pancakes, which have much less residue.
Be aware to how fast your body responds to eating;
time your meal so that you wont have to deal with a
pouch approaching its capacity at an inopportune
time. Similarly, urostomates may want to consider
temporarily adjusting their rate of fluid intake for a
short time. The caution here is that urostomates
should consume plenty of fluids during the day. This
technique is not advisable for periods of more than a
couple of hours.
Ostomates shouldnt skip meals before going out
socially. In general, the less an ostomate eats, the
more gas, he or she will produce, with its attendant
problems. Actually, a quick arm across the stoma
will usually silence it, if it is operating at the wrong
time.






POINTERS FOR THE NEW OSTOMATE
Via: Big Sky Informer & Hemet-San Jacinto, CA
There is no answer for Why me? but it is normal to
ask the question and you do need to work through the
answer to this. Each persons ostomy is different,
even as our fingerprints are different. Support and
information received from someone who has an
ostomy can be helpful. Ask your doctor or ET nurse to
arrange an ostomy visitor.
It is your ostomy; learn to manage it and dont let your
ostomy manage you. In the beginning, it is normal for
your ostomy care to be the center of your existence;
however, with time and practice your ostomy and its
care will become just a normal part of your life.
Basic management skills can be learned; any
problems that develop must be met and managed as
they occur. With time and experience you will become
comfortable with your ostomy care.
You are alive! You will get better and stronger. Give
yourself time to get over ostomy surgery and to adjust
to this body change and adapt to your ostomy.