ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY MARYLAND

OSTOMY ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 847

GAMBRILLS, MD 21054

OFFICERS President: Stan Baker 410-672-5219

958 Fall Ridge Way Gambrills, MD 21054

Vice President Paul Rossi Secretary Mary Keller Treasurer Lyn Rowell 410-672-6983 Webmaster: Janice Winters

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allyn Mellits Joan Gardner Sandi Burnett Bob Keller

OSTOMY ADVISERS: Joyce Onken BSN, RN, CWOCN Lead Inpatient Wound Ostomy Nurse AAMC

We’re on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com Volume 45 Number 8 May 2018

Thank you Anne Arundel Medical Center for printing our newsletter.

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 2nd 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 desk for the room number.

If AA County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, there will be NO MEETING.

UPCOMING MEETINGS May 3rd – Lisa Khan Convatec Representative

June 7th – Group Discussion

The Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Ostomy Association, Inc. (AACOA) is a non-profit, volunteer-basedorganizationdedicatedtoprovidingreassuranceandemotionalsupportforpeoplewhohavehadorwillhavesomekindofostomysurgery,suchasacolostomy,ileostomy,urostomy(urinarydiversion)oracontinentprocedure.ThegoaloftheAACOAistoprovidemoralsupport,information,andeducationtopeoplewithostomiesandtheirfamiliesandfriends.MembersreceiveTheRamblingRosebudnewslettermonthly.DUESare$15pleasemakecheckouttoAACOAandmailtoAACOA,POBox847,GambrillsMD21054-1454

MembershipApplicationPleasePrint

FullName_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Last FirstM.I.Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________StreetAddress Apartment/Unit#_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City State ZipCodePhone:()DateofBirth:Gender:

EmailAddress_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reasonforsurgery:____Crohn’s____UlcerativeColitis_____Cancer_____Other__________________________

Emergencycontactifweareunabletoreachyou:______________________________________________________________________Whattypeofsurgeryhaveyouhad?

☐Colostomy ☐Urostomy ☐Spouse/FamilyMember☐Ileostomy ☐Parentofchildwith ☐Other(pleasespecify) Howdidyouhearaboutus?

☐InternetSearch ☐ET/WOCNNurse ☐Other ☐Hospital ☐Physician

2017-2018

How to Treat Ileostomy Blockage Symptoms: Thin, clear liquid output with foul odor, cramping, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain near the stoma; decrease in amount of output abdominal and stomal swelling. Step One: At Home 1. Cut the opening of your skin barrier of your pouching system a little larger than normal because the stoma may swell. 2. If there is stomal output and you are not nauseated or vomiting, only consume liquids such as soft drinks, sports drinks, or tea. 3. Take a warm bath to relax the abdominal muscles. 4. Try several different body positions, such as a knee-chest position, as it might help move the blockage forward. 5. Massage the abdomen and the area around the stoma as this might increase the pressure behind the blockage and help it to be relieved. Most food blockages occur just inside the stoma. Step Two: If you are still blocked, vomiting, or have no stomal output for several hours: 1. Call your doctor or WOC nurse and report what is happening and what you tried at home to alleviate the problem. Your doctor or WOC nurse will give you instructions (ex. meet at the emergency room, come to the office). If you are told to go to the emergency room, the doctor can call in orders for your care there. 2. If you cannot reach your doctor or WOC nurse and there is no output from the stoma, go to the emergency room immediately. Important: Take all of your pouch supplies with you to the emergency room. Adapted from WOCN and UOAA Schedule Your Ostomy Consultation Today!

Colleen, Joan or Sue!

p. 410-773-0300 (x3) f. 410-773-0302

Austin Pharmacy & Medical Supplies Baltimore

6729 York Rd Towson

901 Dulaney Valley Hunt Valley

10757 York Rd

May 2018 The Rambling Rosebud

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A few weeks ago the Board of Directors (BoD) met and discussed a full agenda. The first item was the survey that Sandi had conducted earlier this year. Responses indicated a preference for having medical personnel (doctors, nurses, etc.) and manufacturer reps as presenters at meetings and most people preferred keeping meetings on the first Thursday evening of each month. In response to the preferred time, the majority favored 7 p.m. rather than our current 7:30pm. Therefore, beginning with our June meeting and thereafter, the start time will be 7 p.m.

At our last meeting, Joyce, one of our WOCNs, gave me the name and phone number of a person who needs a ride to our meetings. If you can help, please contact me. One last thought: Our Association will not work very well or survive much longer if it is essentially a one-way street. To be viable, we need interaction from our members. Come to meetings or, if that is not possible, let us know how we can help. We are in this together.

Stan

Items from this newsletter may be reprinted in other ostomy newsletters, provided proper credit is given as to source of material.

UPCOMING MEETINGS May – Lisa Kahn, Convatec Representative June, July & August – Group Discussion September – WOCN Presentation

OSTOMY ADVISORS FOR STOMA HELP To consult with one of the ETs below, a physician’s referral is necessary and a fee will be charged. Call for an appointment.

BALTIMORE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL 410-787-4578

ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER Michelle Perkins, RN, BS, CWON

Jenn Davis, RN, BS, CWON Anne Fischer, RN, BS, CWON Joyce Onken, RN, BS, CWON

Sarah McClain, RN, BS, CWON Email ostomyRN@aahs.org

443-481-5508 / 443-481-5177 Private Consultants

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

The Ostomy Nurses at Austin Pharmacy 410-773-0300

No referral necessary ($40 consultative fee)

Don’t drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.

THE MID-ATLANTIC’S LARGEST OSTOMY DEALER

We have a dedicated group of Ostomy Supply Service Professionals that are committed to keeping you in your active lifestyle. Northern Pharmacy and Medical Equipment 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

“We’ve been here for over 75 years, there must be a reason!”

Our Ostomy Department provides a full range of comprehensive services and quality products from trusted brands you can rely on.

WE OFFER: x� Delivery anywhere in the United States x� Free delivery available x� Next day delivery is available x� Large inventory of ostomy & wound care

supplies in stock (we stock an inventory of over 5,000 boxes of supplies)

x� Customized hospital and clinic service plans available

x� In-house Medicare and insurance billing specialists

x� Personalized pharmacy/medical supply specialist available

x� Easy ordering by fax, phone, online, or in-person.

x� Toll Free 24 hour hotline x� Acceptance of all major credit cards

Northern Pharmacy and Medical Equipment 6701 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234 Harford Rd & Northern Parkway www.NorthernPharmacy.com

SPEAK DIRECTLY TO OUR OSTOMY SUPPLY MANAGER: AARON SACCO Phone: (410) 254 2055 x260 Fax: (443) 740 9297 woc@northernpharmacy.com

May 2018 The Rambling Rosebud

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YOUTH RALLY by Lyn Rowell, Rambling Rosebud Editor

Each year the United Ostomy Associations of America sponsor a Youth Rally which is a 5 night camp for youth who have had or may one day face ostomy surgery. For several years we have made a donation from our chapter to sponsor a youth from our area. One of the WOC nurses at AAMC is a volunteer there and we hope to hear from her at one of our meetings.

REPORT OF OUR RECENT MEETING by Lyn Rowell, Rambling Rosebud Editor

We were very fortunate to have a presentation by Joyce Onken one of the WOCNs at Anne Arundel Medical Center. The theme was preventing and treating skin problems and her presentation included some pictures of skin irritation problems. She discussed ways to help treat problems and gave out some samples of some skin care products.

Probably the most important thing is to try and prevent problems from arising. We do this by making sure our pouch fits properly around the stoma – it’s tricky. It can’t fit too tightly because that can cut the stoma – it can’t fit too loosely because then output will get onto the skin. Add to the fact that our stomach’s aren’t smooth and tight (oh we wish!!) so we might have “indentations” (for want of a better word) in our muscle. Paste or moldable rings can help to fill in gaps.

If you have a concern about a skin problem, get a referral from your primary care to see one of the WOCNs at Anne Arundel Medical Center – they just need the referral to bill your insurance.

Aging & The Ostomate Via Stillwater-Ponca City (OK) Ostomy Outlook, Metro Denver (CO) Newsletter & Halton-Peel (ON) Counties

Growing old is a life-long process, and the physical, social, and psychological liabilities of aging are all part of it. Thanks to gerontology and

geriatrics, we know more information than ever before on an intelligent approach to aging.

As we grow older, subtle changes occur in our bodies. The most insidious is our skin. It loses elasticity and becomes thinner and drier, thus becoming prone to wrinkles and irritation. These changes can become real problems for those who must wear an appliance all the time. To prevent leakage as the skin becomes more wrinkled, one should stand up straight when changing the appliance. With one hand, stretch the skin so that it is tight, and with the other hand attach the appliance (using a mirror may help you see what you are doing).

The skin over the entire body tends to bruise more easily and heal more slowly as we age. We need to be more careful when removing an appliance. A skin barrier covering the entire area under the appliance, or a very thin application of a skin-care product may help protect the tender skin.

Aging may also result in less strength in the hands. Arthritis, lessening mobility, or pain in the fingers can make it difficult to put together a two-piece appliance. A one-piece appliance may eliminate the task of stretching a pouch over a faceplate. To sum it up, aging is a phenomenon we must all face, and when one considers the alternative, it's not too bad!

DID YOU KNOW?

Beer may blow up your pouch with gas. This may be helpful when you need a flotation device! Soda will also have a similar effect.

Some drinks with artificial coloring (like Gatorade Blue Bolt) will give you an interesting colored output. All food dye turns stool the color of the dye, temporarily. It will surprise you the first time it happens. This includes Blue Hawaiians or red beets. Beets make you look like you are bleeding to death. Don’t panic!

May 2018 The Rambling Rosebud

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People can’t tell you have an ostomy – a new ostomate is always sure everyone can tell but they can’t.

Some medications won’t be properly absorbed depending on how much of the intestine was removed. You should check with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure your medications are being properly absorbed.

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OSTOMATES NEED FAMILY SUPPORT Greater Cincinnati Chapter, The Hamilton/Fairfield Chapter of UOA, & UOA Evansville, Indiana Spouse and Family Support for Ostomates, produced by UOA for spouse and family members, is especially written for those new to the ostomy experience. Those who have had years of experience as an ostomy family member may also find it valuable. Introduction: The spouse of a person with an ostomy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process. It is important to understand basic ostomy information and the psychological impact of the procedure. Spouses may experience feelings of grief, guilt and anger. These feelings are perfectly normal and will lessen in time as both parties adjust to the ostomy. Role of Spouse Your role as a spouse is one of support and encouragement. These elements are vital to any relationship and provide a basis for an emotional recovery and acceptance of the ostomy. This life-saving, body-altering procedure can affect people in different ways. How you react to the physical changes from surgery will be conveyed to the ostomate in many ways. Watch your body language. If you were a person who liked to cuddle before the surgery, then continue to reach out to your spouse. Couples have a tendency to “protect” each other and not be truthful about their feelings. Initiate open communications with your spouse and discuss any concerns either of you may have about the

surgery (I.e., fear, anger, resentment, relief). Ask questions about changes you do not understand. Remember…the person with the ostomy has not changed, only their anatomy has. How you and your spouse accept that change will influence your quality of life. Armed with adequate information and a positive outlook, you may find that having a family member who has survived body-altering surgery often leads the entire family to a greater appreciation of life.

THE S-LOW DOWN ON EATING Vicki Rackner, MD , Via: Gainseville GA, Arizona ICU

Bulletin & S. Brevard (FL) Ostomy Newsletter

Do you find yourself slamming down a sandwich or dashing through the drive-up window? Take time to take healthier bites, and you’ll get the most nutrients from the foods you choose. Slowing down means chewing each bite well and taking time between bites. The digestive process breaks down food mechanically and starts in your mouth, mostly with chewing. Teeth are the original food processors. Saliva starts the digestive process that continues in the stomach, where powerful digestive enzymes release the nutritional gifts found in food. HOW TO SLOW DOWN: *Sit down when you eat. *Turn off the TV so you focus on the pleasure of eating. *Chew, chew, chew. The more you chew, the less work is left for your stomach, and the more nutrients can be absorbed. *Be conscious of the taste and texture. *Make eating a social event with a family dinner or lunch with a co-worker. *Ask yourself, “What do I want now? Am I full?” If you’re full, stop eating. The bottom line: Slowing down helps you enjoy your food, enjoy your meals, enjoy better nutrition, and enjoy weight loss while eating less as you give your body time to tell your brain that you are full.

A.A.C.O.A. P.O. BOX 847 GAMBRILLS, MD 21054