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 10 July 2018

Thank you Anne Arundel Medical Center for printing our newsletter.

Note: Meetings are held at 7:00pm, 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

July 5th – Group Discussion August 2nd – Presentation on UOAA’s Youth Rally

DON’T FORGET WE START AT 7PM

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

"We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us."

—Jenny Uglow

2017-2018

Parastomal Hernia

Parastomal hernia is the most frequent complication following the construction of an ostomy. It is a type of incisional hernia that allows protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall defect created during ostomy formation. The construction of the stoma requires an opening that’s made through layers and structures that produce areas of weakness. This allows for the intra-abdominal contents to push forward and create a “bulge” around the stoma. Hernias are not reversible or self-healing. The incidence of parastomal hernia varies, is related to the type of ostomy constructed, and is reported as ranging from 0 to 50 percent. One review cited the rate of parastomal hernia formation is greater for colostomy than for ileostomy. There are many reasons for hernia development ie. strenuous activity , infection , trauma, poor or delayed healing. Other factors that contribute are obesity, steroid use, excessive coughing, and abdominal strain. Parastomal hernias are unfortunately very common. Some are small but others can become large and uncomfortable, creating an unsightly bulge and appliance failure. If the hernia size increases and becomes symptomatic, surgical repair may be considered and should be discussed with a surgeon who frequently (and successfully) performs this type of surgery. Efforts to help prevent a parastomal hernia include preoperative stoma site marking within the rectus muscle, and surgical fixation of the stoma to the fascia (wall). Use of abdominal support postoperatively for 6-8 weeks ie. “splinting” with the hands when coughing/sneezing is important. Also helpful are the many types of support belts and garments available today. They will not heal or eliminate a hernia, but are used successfully to prevent hernia enlargement and disfigurement. If you have additional questions about parastomal hernias, or are interested in learning more about support belts, contact the nurses at Austin Pharmacy & Medical Supplies at 410-773-0300. Schedule Your Ostomy Consultation Today!

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

July 2018 The Rambling Rosebud

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Our June meeting was the first one with our new starting time of 7 pm. All those who attended were on time. With just seven people there, it might seem as if summer meetings are not important. But that would be wrong. To paraphrase Claire LeCompte, one of our founding members and guiding light of our group would say: Ostomies don’t take a day off and neither should we. Our Association is dedicated to serving those who need our help. If we aren’t available when they need us, we fail them and ourselves.

The next two meetings, in July and August, will not have speakers. Rather, we will have discussions of topics of interest. At our June meeting, we spent time exchanging tales of some of our “favorite” hospital visits. We ended our meeting early so that everyone could be home in time to watch the Caps hockey game.

Have a safe, comfortable summer and Don’t forget we now start at 7pm.

Stan

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS August – Presentation on Youth Rally September – WOCN Presentation October – representative from AA County Department of Aging November – Charlie Black, AquaFit Physical Therapy December - Holiday Party

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)

I never feel lonely if I've got a book - they're like old friends. Even if you're not reading them over and over again, you know they are there. And they're part of your history. They sort of tell a story about your journey through life. Emilia Fox

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

July 2018 The Rambling Rosebud

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IRON SUPPLEMENTS by Lyn Rowell, Rambling Rosebud Editor

Iron deficient anemia can be a problem for ostomates and non-ostomates alike. In a patient who has a normally functioning digestive tract iron pills are prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. However, in someone who has a shorter digestive tract there may not be enough time for the iron pills to dissolve and be absorbed. I discovered that myself the hard way after being on iron pills for a week. I went to clean the toilet and was trying to figure out what was in the bottom – it was my iron pills minus their colored coating.

So the alternative is liquid iron and quite frankly that is not a pleasant thing to take as it has a strong and rather unpleasant taste (in my opinion). To help the body absorb iron, it is advisable to take it with vitamin C. For a number of years, I would take a small glass of orange juice and add the liquid iron to it and drink it as fast as I could. The orange juice made it a bit more bearable but it certainly wasn’t enjoyable.

Recently I discovered a brand of liquid iron that is definitely more palatable. NovaFerrum 125 Liquid Iron comes in a raspberry grape flavor. It says that it doesn’t have a metallic aftertaste and I haven’t noticed one. However it is very thick and I can’t imagine trying to take it off the spoon as it is. I have found it pleasant to mix the dose of iron with cold water. Any liquid iron will stain your teeth so on the advice of my dentist I drink it with a straw. My dentist had suggested wiping my teeth with a piece of guaze and when I did that it was stained. However I now rinse my mouth out after I take the iron and then I wiped my teeth and found that the guaze was clean – no trace of iron on it. So now I just rinse with water after taking it.

While it is advisable to take vitamin C with your iron I wouldn’t recommend mixing this particular brand with orange juice since it

already is flavored. I tried that once and it is better just mixed with water.

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Prepare for Take Off by Wil Walker, Manager, Clinical Education, Hollister Incorporated Via UOAA

Pack These Tips and Advice When Traveling with an Ostomy

Traveling with an ostomy does not have to slow you down. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, here are some suggestions on how to make your trip worry free.

How many extra ostomy supplies should I pack when traveling? When traveling, you should pack double the number of supplies you would normally need to make sure you have plenty of pouches and supplies on hand. That way, you are ready for the unexpected, such as a delay in returning home, lost pouches, or changes in climate and environment that call for more pouch changes than usual. In the event that you do need additional supplies while traveling, most manufacturers have products available around the world. Before you leave home, check to see where you can purchase new supplies in the areas where you plan to travel.

Which supplies should I keep with me in my carry-on when I fly? Your short-term items should go in carry-on luggage so they remain with you at all times and are within easy reach. It’s advisable to keep these supplies in a separate, small travel kit to make visits to the toilet simple and discreet.

On long car trips, what should I do about emptying my ostomy pouch? It could be very messy to attempt emptying an ostomy pouch during a car trip, especially

July 2018 The Rambling Rosebud

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on bumpy roads without the correct type of receptacle in which to empty it. Frequent restroom stops are recommended for the most hygienic emptying.

What should I expect when going through airport security? Pack all of your ostomy supplies in a separate, small travel kit that can go through security independently from your other carry-on items. Your hand luggage will be inspected at the security baggage check before boarding an aircraft. If you have any prescription drugs with you, have your healthcare professional prepare a card explaining that they are medical supplies. You may be searched before boarding the aircraft, so be prepared to explain about your stoma and ask to be searched in a private area for medical reasons.

I heard that I can get a special travel certificate explaining what I am bringing on the plane. What is this and how do I get one? Travel certificates available through ostomy associations are available to help explain your need to carry ostomy pouches, skin barriers and medications. It is recommended to search online for travel certificates available for ostomy patients. Read: UOAA’s Travel Communications Card

What if I have to use the restroom when the “fasten seat belt” sign is on? Government and airline restrictions could interfere with your access to the restroom during flight. Plan accordingly by emptying your pouch before takeoff. You may also want to consider a private conversation with the flight attendants to inform them that you require restroom trips throughout the flight, and ask them to help you plan accordingly based on your flight schedule.

Editor’s Note: On one flight the seat belt sign remained on and although I had emptied prior to departure, I needed to do so again. The cabin crew were moving around serving drinks and snacks to I told one of them my dilemma. They told me they wouldn’t physically try to make me stay in my seat but just advise me that I ought to. So I got up and made a quick trip to the bathroom.

Will the pressure in the cabin affect my pouch? A change in cabin pressure on a plane could create a small amount of gas in the pouch. You may consider using a pouch that includes a filter while traveling to help deodorize and slowly release gas from the pouch. Hollister Secure Start services provide ongoing support to people living with an ostomy. We are here to help! Call us today at 1.888.808.7456.

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There is a possibility that when summer arrives (because so far heat isn’t a problem!) that you may become dehydrated. If you are involved in strenuous activity in the heat, then it is important that you maintain your electrolytes.

If you dislike Gatorade and you want to restore your electrolytes, you may find this brew more to your liking:

OSTOADE Solano Ostomy News

1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 TBSP White Karo Syrup 6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate

Mix ingredients together and add enough water to make up to 1 quart. Refrigerate and sip throughout the day.

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