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OFFICERS

President: Paul Rossi 410-647-6171

268 Shakespeare Drive

Severna Park, MD 21146

Vice President Stan Novack 410-255-6802

Secretary Jamie Darr 410-987-0094Treasurer Lyn Rowell 410-672-6983

Youth Rally Coordinator Melissa Blood

Webmaster: Janice Winters

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dennis Fila Joan Gardner

Ginny Gross Stan BakerAllyn Mellits

OSTOMY ADVISERS:

Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCNMichelle Perkins, RN, BS.

Were on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com

Volume 39 Number 3 January 2013

January 3, 2013 * To Be Announced

February 7, 2013 * Dr. Zagula

Note: Regular meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:30pm on the 7th floorof tnew 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.

DIRECTOR EMIRITUS - Mary Lou Thomas, RN, BA, CWOCN

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A WORD OF THANKS for their constant support of our

Chapter to: The American Cancer Society, especially theoffice in Gambrills, for essential help with our newsletter; andAnne Arundel Medical Center for providing rooms for ourregular meetings and special events. We appreciate their

support and assistance.

NOTICES

The display, description, demonstration or distribution ofproducts at our meetings, or in the newsletter, or by the

recommendation of a member of our Association, does notconstitute 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 orsuggested 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 ostomynewsletters, provided proper credit is given as to source of

material.

Directions to Health Science BuildingAnne Arundel Medical Center

From Annapolis and the Eastern Shore: Take Route 50West to Jennifer Road exit (Exit 23A). Go through the trafficlight onto Medical Parkway.

From Baltimore: Take I-97 South to Route 50 East, toParole exit (Exit 23). Turn right onto West Street then rightonto Jennifer Road. Go approximately one mile, and turn leftat traffic light onto Medical Parkway.

From Washington DC: Take Route 50 East to Parole exit(Exit 23). Turn right onto West Street then right ontoJennifer Road. Go approximately one mile, and turn left attraffic light onto Medical Parkway.

Alternate to I-97from Crofton/Odenton area Take 178South through Crownsville towards Annapolis. Turn left onBestgate Road and then right on Medical Parkway.

REMEMBER!!! The entrance to the medical center is FROMTHE SECOND FLOOR OF THE PARKING GARAGE. Onceinside the building you will be on its second floor take the

elevators inside up to the 7th floor. When leaving, take theelevator the second floor and go through the doors onto the2nd floor of theparking garage.

Forthoseservingontheboard,thenext

boardmeetingisJanuary21stat7:30pm

OSTOMY ADVISORS

FOR STOMA HELPWe 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 anappointment.

BALTIMORE WASHINGTON HOSPITALCarol Canada RN, BSN, CWOCN

410-787-4578

ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER

Michelle Perkins, RN, BSKelly Heffron, BSN, CWOCN

443-481-5508

Private ConsultantsJoan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN

410-932-7312

TRANSPORTATION TO MONTHLY MEETINGSSome 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 atwebmaster@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 ableto get you a ride, but we will try.

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January 2013 The Rambling Rosebud

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PRESIDENTSMESSAGE

Thanks to everyone who attended the Holiday Party and brought food. We all enjoyed the deliciousvariety 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 thatcoming 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 eitherfor the day or if evening activities are cancelled, we will NOT have a meeting that night.

Burialatsea!!

ChrisyandBarbie,twoblondesistershadpromisedtheiruncle,whohadbeenaseafaring gentlemanallhislife,toburyhimatseawhenhedied.

Ofcourse,induetime,hedidpassawayandthetwoblondeskepttheirpromise.Theysetofffrom

ClearwaterBeachwiththeiruncleallstitchedupinaburialbagandloadedontotheirrowboat.

AfterawhileChrisysays,'Doyouthinkwe'reoutfarenough,Barbie?'Barbieslippedoverthesideand

findingthewateronlykneedeepsaid,'nope,notyetChrisy'.Sotheyrowalittlefarther.AgainChrisy

asksBarbie,'Doyouthinkwe'reoutfarenoughnow?

OnceagainBarbieslipsoverthesideandalmostimmediatelysays,'No,thiswillneverdo,thewateris

onlyuptomychest.'Soontheyrowandrowandrow,andfinallyBarbieslipsoverthesideand

disappears.QuiteabitoftimegoesbyandpoorChrisyisreallygettingworriedwhensuddenlyBarbie

breaksthesurfacegaspingforbreath.

'Wellisitdeepenoughyet,Sis?'

'Yes,finally.Handmetheshovel.'

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AnneArundelCountyOstomyAssociation

MembershipApplicationPleasePrint

FullName___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Last FirstM.I.

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

StreetAddress Apartment/Unit#_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City State ZipCode

Phone:()DateofBirth:Gender:

EmailAddress_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reasonforsurgery:____Crohns____UlcerativeColitis_____Cancer_____Other__________________________

Emergencycontactifweareunabletoreachyou:______________________________________________________________________

Tohelpuscompleteourrecords,pleaseanswerthefollowing:

Whattypeofsurgeryhaveyouhad?

Colostomy Urostomy Spouse/FamilyMember

Ileostomy Parentofchildwith Other(pleasespecify)

Iwouldliketohelpwiththefollowingcommittee(s)oractivities:

Finance Hospitality Membership Newsletter

Program Refreshments Sunshine Visiting

Howdidyouhearaboutus?

InternetSearch ET/WOCNNurse Other

Hospital Physician

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 acolostomy, 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 newslettermonthly.

Please complete the form and send along with your check in the amountof $15 payable to

AACOAc/o Stan Baker958 Fall Ridge WayGambrills MD 21054-1454

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

Membership benefits includeMonthly meetingsMonthly newsletterSupport informationSocial Events

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January 2013 The Rambling Rosebud

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DIARRHEA CONCERNSLyn Rowell

As well as colds and flu, it seems that the winteroften brings its share of stomach issues. Whether

caused by a bug or virus, or just from overindulgence, diarrhea can affect an ostomate a

little more seriously.

For those with a colostomy that is irrigated it isusually 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 isimportant to try to replace lost fluids but while

drinking more water is useful, increasing fluidsthat 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, crackersare helpful as is following the BRAT diet

bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. If thediarrhea and/or vomiting are severe and show no

sign of slowing down, call your doctor as youmight need IV fluids.

In the ileostomate, however, diarrhea and

vomiting accompanied by acute abdominal painmay be a symptom of a partial obstruction. In

that case, you should seek prompt medicalattention as this will not go away by itself.

For the urostomate be careful to keep yourself

well hydrated using the suggestions above. Ifdehydration becomes an issue, seek medical

attention.

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 soda1 TBSP White Karo Syrup

6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate

Mix ingredients together and add enough waterto make up to 1 quart. Sip throughout the day.

POWDER YOUR STOMA?Ms. Schwankweiler, RNET via Ostonoma NewsPowder 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 usedto treat irritated skin or a fungal infection. Yeast

(fungal) infections are very common, especiallyduring summer or when one perspires during

regular exercise. Micro granulated anti-fungal

powder is used only when there are signs of ayeast infection, i.e. an itchy rash and raised redbumps.

Use the powder until the infection clears, then

discontinue. Pectin based powders, likeStomashesive or Karaya type powders, are used

to treat irritated skin. To apply any kind ofpowder, gently rub it around and the brush off

the excess. The barrier can be applied directlyover the powder. You may also seal in the

powder by applying a skin sealant over thepowder and allowing it to dry.

Be careful: skin sealants retard the adhesion of

the extend wear barriers and are notrecommended! The barrier is applied over the

sealant covering the powder.

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January 2013 The Rambling Rosebud

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***************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 POUCHFrom Coquitlam (BC) Connection & S. Brevard(FL) Ostomy Newsletter

Many patients having ostomy surgery worry

about bacteria. Those with colostomies andileostomies ask if their stomas will become

infected with the discharge of stool. This is amyth! The stoma is accustomed to the normal

bacteria in the intestine. Keep the skin aroundthe area clean and be careful of adjacent wounds.

You may want to keep fecal drainage away fromthe 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 ofostomies. Urine is usually sterile. It is importantto keep the urinary pouch very clean. On days

that it isnt changed, it should be rinsed with asolution of 1/3 white vinegar to 2/3 tap water.

This can be allowed to run up over the stoma andwill 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 cleanseddaily. White vinegar and water can be used for

this too. Perhaps some of you use a specialdisinfectant or diluted Lysol solution. When the

drainage bag has sediment that cannot beremoved by cleaning, it should be discarded.

Drinking plenty of fluids is important for all

ostomates, but especially for the urostomy

patient. Many urologists also prescribe vitaminC to help keep the urine acid and less susceptible

to infection. (Check with your doctor first, assome 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 preventinfection) and drink sufficient fluids. Dont live

in fear of infection.

My Ostomy Songby Mike Leszcynski, Merrimack (NH) anileostomatesince 1976. Sung to the tune of the Beatles' song

"Yesterday":

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

An older man was on the operating tableawaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a

renown surgeon, perform the operation.

As he was about to receive the anesthesia heasked 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 somethinghappens to me..... your mother is going to

come and live with you and your wife."

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January 2013 The Rambling Rosebud

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A Little Ostomy Test

via Hemet-San Jacinto (CA) Stoma-Life & Stillwater-

Ponca City (OK) Ostomy Outlook

1. Your appliance has been on for 2 days and

you experience a burning, uncomfortablesensation 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 maystay on for five to seven days. However, if you

experience burning or itchiness around thestoma, discomfort or pain around the stoma or

discoloration of the adhesive, change yourappliance regardless of the day. These signs

usually indicate leakage. Stool or urine on theskin is very irritating. In addition, itching or

irritation under the pouch can be due todehydration. If you are pretty sure the appliance

is not leaking and there is nothing externallywrong with it, try drinking a few glasses of water

instead of removing the appliance. Don't be ahero. When it bothers you, change.

2. When you remove your appliance, you noticethe skin around the stoma is reddened. To treat it,

you:

a) Apply cool compresses for a short period oftime before reapplying your appliance.

b) Apply a protective powder such asStomahesive or Karaya to reddened skinareas, remove any excess, and continue

with reapplying your appliance.c) Apply a soothing cream or ointment to the

reddened skin areas.d) Use an alcohol wipe on your peristomal

skin.

The answer is b. It is important to observe the

skin around the stoma. Use a mirror to helpobserve the skin and stoma. If the skin appears

reddened, irritated or weepy, you may require aprotective powder. You may need to change your

appliance every two or three days until the skinheals. While creams and ointments may be a

reasonable solution for skin irritation in otherareas of your body, they may not be useful

around your stoma because your appliance will

not adhere to moist or oily skin. Cool compressesmay 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 thestoma can be quite painful when removing the

appliance. Remove excess hair with an electricrazor or scissors. A straight edged or safety razor

should not be used because of the risk ofirritation to the skin and cutting the stoma.

Ostomy adhesive removers may help reduce hairpulling when removing the pouch.

3. Your neighbors invite you to a pool party.You:

a)Decline the invitation since you cannot swimwith an ostomy.

b)Limit your fluid and food intake for 12 hoursprior 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 extrasecurity while swimming, you may want to

picture-frame the adhesive part of your appliancewith paper or waterproof tape or apply a skin

sealant, for example - Sween prep, directly overthe adhesive. Printed rather than solid colored

bathing suits help to camouflage the outline ofthe appliance. Some women prefer bathing suits

with skirts and some men prefer boxer-styletrunks, but snug fitting suits may be worn. A

lightweight panty girdle may be worn to hold the

appliance firmly in place. If you have anileostomy, limiting food and drink will not stopyour ostomy from functioning. When the

stomach is empty, the discharge is liquid, highlyacidic and gassy. Skipping meals or limiting

fluid intake leads to dehydration and/orelectrolyte imbalance.