ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY MARYLAND

OSTOMY ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 847

GAMBRILLS, MD 21054

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 Webmaster: Janice Winters

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allyn Mellits Joan Gardner Ginny Gross Stan Baker Sandi Burnett Bob Keller OSTOMY ADVISERS: Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN Michelle Perkins, RN, BS.

Were on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com Volume 41 Number 8 May 2015

Thank you Anne Arundel Medical Center for printing our newsletter.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

May 7th 2015 Dr. Kahan, Pain Management Center Anne Arundel Medical Center

June 4th 2015 Will Meade, 3M representative

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 7th floor desk for the room number. If AA County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, there will be no meeting.

There are two kinds of pedestrians.. the quick and the dead.

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. DUES are $15 please make check out to AACOA and mail to Stan Baker, 958 Fall Ridge Way, Gambrills MD 21054-1454 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: ______________________________________________________________________ What type of surgery have you had?

Colostomy Urostomy Spouse/Family Member Ileostomy Parent of child with Other (please specify) I would like to help with the following committee(s) or activities:

Finance Hospitality Membership Newsletter Program Refreshments Sunshine Visiting How did you hear about us?

Internet Search ET/WOCN Nurse Other Hospital Physician A WORD OF THANKS for their constant support of our Chapter to: Anne Arundel Medical Center for providing rooms for our regular meetings and special events. We appreciate their support and assistance.

Items from this newsletter may be reprinted in other ostomy newsletters, provided proper credit is given as to source of material 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 7th 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

For those serving on the board, the next board meeting is May 18th at 7:30pm

2014-2015

Live Well Live Independent Live Active

TOWSON 6729 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 Phone: 410-377-5300 Fax: 410-377-5302 HUNT VALLEY 10757 York Road Cockeysville, MD 21030 Phone: 410-773-0300 Fax: 410-773-0301

Toll Free: 1-855-AUSTMED M-F 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Colleen Simpson BSN, RN, CWON

When summer heats up, cool down with Austin Pharmacy. Ask an ostomy nurse and consider moisture wicking bag covers, swimmer belts, waterproof tape, extra barrier arches or medical adhesives. We have a variety of brands and products to meet your needs. Dont forget to stay prepared by keeping ostomy appliances at room temperature and in a dry environment so that your bags work effectively. Consider checking the bag more frequently for inadvertent leaks and applying the bag when you are not sweating. Limit time exposed to excessive heat from a sauna or hot tub. We also have non-ostomy related cooling products such as aloe vera burn relief creams and other burn products. Cooling slippers and a variety of soft conforming ice packs will help ailing joints or swollen feet. So celebrate the beginning of summer, and if life heats up, let us cool you down!

May 2015 The Rambling Rosebud

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PRESIDENTS MESSAGE As you can see from our front cover, we have speakers for the next two months and I hope you will find their presentations informative. My thanks to those who helped arrange this and for the speakers for giving up their time. Also we promised to include the registration form for the conference that will be in the NEXT issue. Sorry we couldnt fit it in this month. Paul

Frequently Asked Questions Via Green Bay Area Ostomy

Q. I have successfully used the same product for years. Is there any reason I should change?

A. There have been many advances in ostomy technology and features that make the products more comfortable, convenient and discreet. Also, if you have not seen your WOC (ET) Nurse in a while, this may be the time to get a check up and check out new products.

Q. I havent made any changes, but for some reason my pouch is not lasting as long as it used to. Am I doing something wrong?

A. Not necessarily. One common explanation is that your body may have changed. As we age, our skin becomes less firm and the pouching system may not fit the same way to the skin. You may also have developed a hernia around the base of the stoma, which could change the way your product fits and decrease wear time.

Q. The nurse gave me some powder to use on the skin around my stoma. Should I keep using it?

A. Usually the powder treats a specific skin problem. Once your skin is healed and intact, stop using the powder. If you have any questions, contact your healthcare professional.

GO ON SMILE!! What Do Fish Say When They Hit a Concrete Wall? Dam. What Do Eskimos Get From Sitting On The Ice too Long? Polaroid's What Do You Call a Boomerang That Doesn't work? A Stick

What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours? Nacho Cheese. What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand? Quattro Sinko. What Do You Get From a Pampered Cow? Spoiled Milk.

Hints, Suggestions, and Tips from the By-Pass, Raleigh NC

To keep up with your fluid intake, have an 8 ounce glass of water, juice or soda each time you empty your pouch. This will help you to avoid dehydration. Jane Fellows If you use a 2 piece pouching system, before snapping the pouch on the flange, apply a little bit of baby oil to the ring of the flange; this will allow the two pieces to snap together with ease. Leanne Richbourg Keep Charmin wipes, cut in half, to clean out the bottom of the pouch. I travel with a box and keep a box in the bathroom. Bonnie Sessums Eat Mexican salsa BEFORE 4:00pm!!!!!!! Frank Ricciutti If you have an ileostomy, check with your doctor before taking timed release or extended release medications. Since you don't have a large intestine, these meds may not be absorbed fully, and therefore may not take full effect. Jennifer Higdon

One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.

THE MID-ATLANTICS 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

Weve 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: Delivery anywhere in the United States 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 available

In-house Medicare and insurance billing specialists

Personalized 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

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: KEITH CAPPS Phone: (410) 254 2055 x249 Fax: (443) 740 9297 kcapps@northernpharmacy.com

May 2015 The Rambling Rosebud

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YOUR URINARY OSTOMY From Philadelphia (PA) Ostomy Association, via S. Alameda County (CA) Newsletter & S. Brevard (FL) Ostomy Newsletter.

The urinary ostomy requires three kinds of preventive attention: care of the stoma; care of the skin around it; and care of the kidneys.

Your routine care of kidney function includes:

1. Drinking, at the very least, one quart of liquids daily, such as tea, coffee, juice, soup, colas, water, beer, etc. These should be decaffeinated preferably.

2. Getting your urine tested every six months.

3. Having an Xray taken (IVP intravenous pyelogram) of the kidneys once every two years.

Observations to be made:

1. Stoma changes in size. After initial healing is complete (about six months), measure with paper measuring gauge every six months; change to equipment with correct opening, Appearance of stoma: does it appear different from usual (color, shape, little white r red spots, etc.?). Look for this at each change of appliance, show to surgeon or ET nurse.

2. Skin signs of irritation: Are there pink spots, tiny pimples, reactions to adhesive etc.? Look for this at each change of appliance; learn methods of dealing with routine minor irritations. Soreness, raw or infected area: do not delay see doctor or ET nurse right away. White deposits or whitish appearance of skin around base of stoma; look for this at each change of appliance; drink at least 8oz of cranberry juice daily. Soak appliance in water/vinegar solution (3 parts water to 1 part vinegar). If no improvement in two weeks, call your urologist or GU clinic.

3. Kidneys nature of urine. Look at it every day. Is it dark? Drink more liquids. Is it gritty? Tell your urologist. Is there some mucus? This is normal. Is there a persistent unpleasant odor? This is a sign of infection and must be treated by your urologist.

The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. Moliere

Is it Always Necessary to Use Sealant On My Skin? Via Inside Out & GB News Review You should try applying your pouch without this product a few times to see if you really need it. Some people get excellent wear time without using sealant. Others may find it improves skin health and pouch adhesion. Skin sealants such as Skin Prep by Smith & Nephew Skin Gel Wipes by Hollister, Allkare by Convatec and Bard Skincare Protective Film are available in different forms, such as small wipes, sprays or applicator bottles. These products contain a plastering agent as their main ingredient and are used to provide a think protective film on the skin during appliance removal. It also acts as moisture barrier. For people with dry skin, the film actually improves appliance adhesion. Skin sealants also contain variable amounts of isopropyl alcohol. Because of the alcohol content of the sealant, burning and stinging often occur when the sealant is applied to damaged skin. Therefore, skin barrier powder should be used rather than a skin sealant on irritated skin. It is also important to know that skin sealants may not be recommended for use under certain skin barriers. The protective film may reduce the adherence of the barrier.

**************** WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED via email Men are just happier - what do you expect from such simple creatures? Their last name stays put. The garage is all theirs. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. They can be President. They can never be pregnant. They can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. They can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell them the truth. The world is their urinal. They never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. They don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at their chest when they're talking to them. New shoes don't cut, blister, or

May 2015 The Rambling Rosebud

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mangle their feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. They know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. They can open all your own jars. They get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite them, he or she can still be their friend.

Their underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. They are unable to see wrinkles in their clothes. Everything on their face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. They only have to shave their face and neck.

They can play with toys all their life. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons. They can wear shorts no matter how their legs look. They can 'do' their nails with a pocket knife. They have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

They can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

SWIMMING WITH AN OSTOMY Via: Chicago North Suburban Chapter Ostomates swim. We put together a few little items we have gathered to help make you feel more secure. First, allow some time after changing a barrier before swimming so that the seal is secure. Overnight is best, but even taking that extra minute to let the barrier seal should be fine. The newer barriers actually melt to obtain adherence. You have to make sure this chemical action has taken place. To be extra secure, it may be best to picture frame the barrier with a waterproof tape. There is a "pink tape" available through most suppliers that works well to assure the appliance stays on your body. Hollister's new skin like tapes as well as other similar types may be made more waterproof by covering them with a skin prep after they are in place. Cloth belts stretch in water. If you wear a belt, it may be preferred to substitute a rubber one while you are swimming.

Swimsuits, with busy patterns camouflage the appliance better than solid colored suits. Wearing solid colors will reveal the appliance more easily. Skirts, bows, sashes, ties, drapes on a swimsuit may also help camouflage the appliance. Boxer-style trunks work well for men. A tight garment under your swimsuit can help hold the appliance in place. Depending on how active you are and the level of comfort you desire some of the following are good suggestions: A lightweight two-way stretch panty girdle; the top part of old panty hose; biking shorts; or sewing a pocket in the lining of your swimsuit to support the pouch. These are unisex ideas. Men can also try a pair of jockey shorts for similar support. Mini, non-drainable pouches are an alternative to people who use two-piece systems. They may be more comfortable and have a lower profile under swimsuits than your usual pouch. They may be used over and over if you rinse them out and air dry after every use. Avoid pouches with built-in filters for swimming. Water can get in, and make a real mess.

Try and plan ahead for swimming. Even non-ostomates should wait two hours after eating before going swimming. Try to roughly calculate your transit time, how long it takes food to get from mouth to pouch, and eat your meals at a time that will allow you to have the least amount of output when you plan to swim. For most people, the first few hours after getting up in the morning will be the time of least output. The conclusion to all of this, the main reason for writing this article is so that you go swimming. An ostomy does not stop you, or even slow you down from swimming and enjoying all the different type of water activities like hot tubs, beaches, pools, scuba diving, snorkeling, diving, swimming, etc. Enjoy ityou have been given a new life.

Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.

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