SparrowAugust 2017 • Lincoln Ostomy Association

United OstomyAssociationsof America, Inc.

LINCOLN OSTOMY ASSOCIATION

UOAA

Since July 1, temperatures in Lincoln and surrounding areas have averaged 89 degrees. That can take a toll on people with ostomies. Local Wound and Ostomy Nurse Ann Lif, RN, CWOCN, said these challenges shouldn’t prevent people from enjoying summer fun at the beach, swimming pool or park. “I always encourage people to stay active and enjoy their time,” Lif said. “Ostomates just

need to take a few extra steps along the way.” Lif suggests applying a new pouch about an hour before swimming to have a brand new seal. She said tape the edge of the barrier with a waterproof tape, or a high adhesive low trau-ma tape. Men might consider bike shorts under a bathing suit with swim trunks and a long tank top.

Bathing suits with colors or patterns help hide a pouch. Women can buy a swimsuit with an internal liner, or a swim wrap to wear under their suit. Hot weather accelerates barrier breakdown. It may need changed often, or an extended wear barrier may help, Lif said.

Enjoying the

LOA website sees popularity jump Since it’s launch in April, the Lincoln Ostomy Association website — ostomynebraska.com/lincoln — has seen hundreds of visitors and fostered many connec-tions to the association and to local health resources. Shield HealthCare joins Parthenon Ostomy and Wound Supply as sponsors on the site which announces upcoming meetings, provides education for new and experienced ostomates and links to other resources around Lincoln and beyond. Remember to visit the site often and bring your requests to Lincoln Ostomy Association meetings the first Sunday of the month.

Drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. That

means a 200 lb person should drink 100 oz of

water per day. Osto-mates - add one to two

additional glasses daily.

Continued on Page 2

waveHEATwave

Hot weather ideas for ostomates

Before placing a skin barrier, ensure the peristomal skin is free from sweat or moisture from the shower. Avoid applying a barrier adhesive in a humid environment, or using lotions and moisturizers around your stoma (including moisturizing soaps).

Continued from Page 1 If perspiration causes a rash, stoma adhesive

powder and skin barrier wipe may help. If rash remains, call an ostomy nurse for as-

sistance. Buy a good water bottle to

carry with you, and sip on water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Warm weather and increased perspiration can change how a pouch seal works. On average, people change their drainable pouch every four days. It may need changed more frequently in the heat, according to Lif. Consider extended-wear adhe-sives made to withstand moisture. Use skin barrier paste, strips or tape to caulk edges of the barrier for security.

Most systems have water-resistant adhesive around the outside to prevent leakage in water. Extra paste and tape can keep a pouch seal in place while swimming. Swim wear with stretch material or inner support garments keep a pouch flat and provides concealment. To test your seal and swimsuit, sit in a bathtub with warm water for 30 minutes to check for leaks and concealment issues, recommends UOAA. On vacation, pack two to three ostomy supply changes. In case of lost luggage, pack supplies in a carry-on. Since scissors are restricted on planes (see TSA rules), consider pre-cutting your pouches and leave scissors in luggage. Keep supplies cool and avoid hot cars so the adhesive stays intact. Most importantly -- DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!

Back to work following surgery

Laura Cox, Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist, will bring personal video messages to Lincoln Ostomy Association members via our website at ostomynebraska.com/lincoln.

• Keepextraostomysupplieseitherinyourcarorinadeskdrawer. In case you have a leak, you’ll be well-prepared.• Itmayalsobehandytokeepaheatingpadinadrawerifyou go back to work while your abdomen is still sore. “Hopefully these tips were helpful to get you back to your way of life in no time!” said Laura Cox from Shield Health Care. “We hope you’re healing is going smoothly and that you’re happy and healthy.”

Shield Health Care is taking ostomy care beyond products to education and support. They’ve hired Laura Cox, an experienced ostomate to provide videos and articles that Lincoln Ostomy Association members will find helpful.  People recovering from ostomy surgery might need to ease into work in order to heal and get up to speed, said Laura Cox, Shield Health Care ostomy specialist. “Having a reason to stand up and walk improves stamina and gets people back into a daily routine,” she said. Cox recommends new ostomates approach their employer about beginning with part-time and increasing hours until full-time work can be done.  A doctor’s letter helps people approach human resources about any accommodations needed. “I’d say make an appointment with a direct supervisor to address concerns and communicate what to expect in  the next couple months,” Cox said. “Open dialog about your needs (like longer breaks, late arrival, etc.) and explain why you have those particular needs.” Shield Health Care provides these transition tips to get back to work as smooth and easy as possible:• Tryonworkclothespriortogoingbacktoworkandfindout-fits that are comfortable for you. Find elastic waist bands to avoid overly tight regular dress pants.• Consideratemporaryhandicappedparkingpassifwalkingstill takes a lot of energy for you.• Keepmedicationinyourdeskdrawer.Ifyouareinabitofpain or have loose stool that is causing you to be dehydrated, you have what you need to take care of your issue without having to go home to get your medications.

Laura Cox and Shield Health Care have agreed to partner with the Lincoln Ostomy Association by providing ostomy-related videos to enhance the Lincoln Ostomy Association website at ostomynebraska.com/lincoln. Cox experienced weeks in the hospital, rounds of Remicade, sepsis, jpouch, illeostomy and more. She endured and thrived making videos and even appeared on Comedy Central at one point to spread awareness in a fun way.

Ask your pharmacist about medications after an illeostomy surgery. Antibiotics and antac-ids can cause diarrhea. A sustained release 12-hour medication may not work well. A liquid formation of your medication may work better because it is absorbed faster.

Get prescription from doctor for “standing wound ostomy care to outpatient clinic” (covered by your insurance if applicable) that has a certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse or Ostomy Management Specialist. This will allow you to see the nurse whenever there is a skin issue or continence issue that they can assist you.

Navigateyour health care visits

The physicians and staff of Gastroenterology Specialties and Lincoln Endoscopy Center specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, gallbladder, liver and pancreas; including colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, liver disease, Crohn’s disease and more.

4545 R Street Lincoln, NE 68503Phone: 402-465-4545

INDIGESTIVE DISEASE

3838 N 63rd St., Lincoln, NE 68507

McShane encouragespatients to speak upLincoln Ostomy Association recently welcomed Carol McShane, RN, MS, CMC, from the Nebraska Nursing Consultants to the monthly meeting to encourage members to speak up for their own health care. McShane quoted from the book, “My Mother. Your Mother,” by Dennis McCullough, MD. McShane suggested that children help their parents navigate doctors visits and don’t always agree to the constant diagnostic testing and changes to medication. A pill that’s live-saving at 75 might cause big problems at age 95. Pharmacists ought to be consulted, she said. McShane provides consultations and care management for Nebraska Nursing Consultants. Visit NebraskaNursingConsultants.com or call 402-473-3832 for more info.

SIMPLESTART Ostomy Care KitAccessory Products Designed to

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Products Included in Kit:- Peri-Stoma Cleanser & Adhesive Remover - No-Sting Skin Barrier Wipe- Ostomy Skin Barrier Powder- Skin Barrier Conforming Seal- Skin Barrier Arcs 1”- Skin Barrier Arcs 2”- Assure C Odor Eliminator- Transparent CTF Drainable Pouch & Clip

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Hy-Vee hosts LOA The May 7 Lincoln Ostomy Group met at Hy-Vee Grocery Store where Becky Guit-tar, RD, LMNT tailored her diet and nutrition program to ostomates. Guittar introduced the benefits of a Mediterranean Diet which centers on foods that offer good cholesterol, omega-3 fats, dessert alternatives and even a hint of healthy alco-hol. “There is more to the Mediterranean Diet than just food, it is a way of life,” she said. “We look at diet, activity and social habits from the population residing in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.” Guittar said the American Heart Association Science Advisory strongly recom-mended the adoption of the Mediterranean Diet in the U.S. in 2001.The diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish and plant foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid like leafy vegetables, dark chocolate, soybean/canola oil, flax seed, flax oil, chia seeds and omega 3 eggs. Guittar graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree in clinical dietetics, completing a coordinated undergraduate experience at Texas Medical Center. She’s available Monday through Friday and on varying Saturdays and Wednes-days. She can be reached at 402-467-5505.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses bring more effective care Wound, ostomy and continence nurs-ing is one of the few specialties recognized by the American Nurses Association. Evidence has shown that patients in agencies with WOC nurses, compared to those without WOC nurses, had signifi-cantly better outcomes (Westra, Bliss, Savik, Hou & Borchert, 2013). Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) nurses are trained clinicians who treat complex wounds, ostomy issues and incontinence. WOC nurses serve in a variety of roles, to help patients like you, including educator, consultant, researcher and administrator. The Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society® provides education and certification to specifically address the needs of ostomates.

TO OUR LINCOLN OSTOMY NURSES:Thank you! Ann Lif RN, BSN, CWOCNBryan Medical Center402-481-2018Amanda Paprocki RN, BSN, CWOCN Bryan Medical Center402-481-2018Cindy Skinner RN, BSN, CWOCNBryan Medical Center402-481-2018Lisa Jones RN, MSN, CWOCN, CFCNBryan Medical Center 402-481-2018Annie Ocampo MSN, RN, CWOCNMadonna Rehab402 413-3652Joan Junkin RN, MSN; wound/ostomy consultantThe Healing Touch, Inc.joanjunkin@gmail.comRhonda R. Souchek, RN BSN CWONInpatient Wound & Ostomy NurseCHI Health St. ElizabethRSouchek@stez.org

Becky Guittar, RD, LMNT

A new study says:

Those with Chrohn’s Disease, eating a fiber rich without carbs might result in fewer hospitalizations and surgeries. Donuts and processed foods interfere with healthy bacteria (which grows on the fiber) in the gut. Sugar and salt might cause bacteria to eat at your own guts.

— Becky Guittar, RD, LMNT

ACROSS1. Awry6. Acid found in urine10. Flat-bottomed boat14. Whitefishes of the genus Coregonus15. Swimming hole16. “____ la Douce”17. American portrait and landscape painter Henry _____ (1801-1846)18. Rational19. Certificate of ownership20. Undressed22. Declare without proof24. Put forth25. Leg protector26. Game involving a bat and a small pointed stick29. Observed30. Char31. Gaudiness37. _____autics = science of flight39. Embrace40. Stiff hairs or bristles41. Roused again44. Eroded45. Dross from metal refining46. Unfasten48. Clap52. Jump53. King of England (1066 AD)54. Places in a certain circumstance58. Inventor of the safety elevator59. “____cchio” = Italian for “Knee”61. Reproductive cell of micro-organisms62. Green citrus fruit63. ____onomics = science of wealth distribution 64. Weird65. One who accomplishes66. Stitches67. Astrological sign

1. Corrosive2. A very short skirt3. Doctrines (slang)4. Found in corn fields5. Town in western California’s wine country6. Tipped over7. Street8. Charged atom9. Less dirty10. Walk timidly11. Move stealthily12. Last letter of the Greek alphabet13. Walked through deep water 21. Nautical fastening post23. Type of consonant25. Pull a ship along by its anchor26. Russian emperor27. Electrical engineering group28. Prefix indicating “Beside” or “Beyond”29. Often done with a baseball bat32. Forward33. Information journal34. English college35. A people of the Central African Republic36. Ooze 38. Pertaining to the nose42. Clumsy solutions43. A song for 247. Dizziness48. Grasp49. Area for outdoor lounging50. Most important51. One who has been defeated52. Kings of the jungle54. Crystalline precipitation55. Actress ____ Spelling56. Great Lake57. Visually perceive60. Frozen water

George Carlin wisdom:

• If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?

• If all is not lost, where is it?

• Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant.

• If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees.

• If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

The new Brava® Protective Seal has a polymer formulation that is de-signed to protect against leakage and help maintain healthy skin in two dis-tinct ways. Firstly, it absorbs moisture from the skin surface. Secondly, when removed, it leaves minimal residue behind, which makes the skin easier to clean. The seal goes on easily and can be shaped to fit snugly around the stoma – even when the skin around the stoma or the stoma itself has an irregular shape.

Coloplast brings new seal to help keep skin healthier

Are you acting like a child? Good. Children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day.

to Shield Healthcare for sponsoring the printing of our Lincoln Ostomy Association Sparrow!Thanks!

President Denise 402-464-7544Vice President Melinda 402-421-7636Secretary Ann 402-525-0986Treasurer Val 402-489-7709Visitation Sally 402-419-8817Communications John 402-310-3496

Lincoln Ostomy Home VisitsLOA provide an ostomy visitors program which offers one-on-one support by a trained certified visitor. Visits can be made in person to the hospital, home or by telephone to answer initial concerns of the new patient. A visitor serves as a positive role model for a new Ostomate. Visitation Coordinator: Sally (402) 419-8817

UOAA National ConferenceAug. 22-26 in Irvine, California

Support group meetingsBryan East Medical Plaza Classroom #11600 S 48th St., Lincoln, NE

• Aug. 6, 1-3 p.m. Inside picnic potluck• Sept. 3, 1-3 p.m. Amanda Paprocki, Bryan LGH• Oct. 1, 1-3 p.m. Jason Hackel, Hollister• Nov. 5, 1-3 p.m. Convatec Speaker Chris Huebener

Lincoln Ostomy Association MissionLincoln Ostomy Association is a resource for information and support for people who experience an ostomy. We wel-come families, suppliers and profession-als as well. Join LOA for support group net-working, personal visits, connections to resources and supplies or to donate supplies you no longer need to others. Contact or visit LOA to learn more about support group meetings, ostomy products and educational opportunities. lincolnostomy@gmail.com

Sparrow is a quarterly publication for the Lincoln Ostomy Association. If you’d like to advertise or to submit an article, email lincolnostomy@gmail.com

“We’re each single threads woven together in a tapestry God has cre-ated. Only He sees the full picture. Not even a sparrow falls without His knowing.”

― Francine Rivers, A Voice in the Wind

Lincoln Ostomy Association Sparrow7400 Helen Witt DrLincoln, NE 68512lincolnostomy@gmail.comUnited Ostomy

Associationsof America, Inc.

LINCOLN OSTOMY ASSOCIATION

UOAA

Recently, while most were sipping coffee and planning their Sunday leisure, Laura and Joe Frey took a call from St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.  An ostomate from Wisconsin visited the hospital because her supply of pouches were defective and she had no choice but to ask for help. “We want to be that kind of business,” said Joe Frey, owner at Triumph Home Health Supplies. “Laura (Frey) was also from Wisconsin and we had a great time connecting with her.” Triumph supplies ostomates throughout Nebraska and the Midwest.  They recently moved headquarters from Cornhusker Highway to 3838 N 63rd St. near Havelock. Triumph learns customer preferences and anticipates upcoming orders, providing reminders that allow customers to receive their supplies in a timely fashion and well before they run out.. The Lincoln-based company scores five stars on Google and provides advice and support to the Lincoln Ostomy Association. Triumph offers almost every supply an ostomate needs, in addition to catheters, incontinence and com-pression. Triumph provides at-home delivery with one call (402) 434-5080.

Triumph makes home health personal

From left, back row, Laura and Joe Frey, Jonathon

Jacobs. Front, James McCombs, Lindsay Grams

and Kim Shrader proudly serve the home health

supply market from their new facility at 3838 N 63rd

St. near Havelock.