. ~ 'Cbe. .

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

~~~,.-
MARYLAND
OSTOMY ASSOCIATION, INe.
P.O.BOX 847
GAMBRILLS, MD 21054
Rosebu
A Chapter of the United Ostomy Association, Inc.

OFF1CERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Paul Rossi Dennis Fila Alice Scarborough
Ginny Gross Lyn Rowell

Vice President Guy Lupero

Secretary Wilamae Day OSTOMY ADVISERS:
Treasurer Stan Baker Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN
Youth Rally Coordinator Melissa Blood Michelle Perkins, RN, BS.
Immediate Past President

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

Volume 36 Number 4 February 2010

Membership 110 Circulation: 325

CURRENT MEETIING

~~
'
February 4, 2010 * To be Announced

~0 00
0 D (J
e":
co
e'
FUTURE MEETINGS

March 4, 2010 * To be Announced

Note: Regular meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:30pm in room A on the 7th
floor of the new Health Science Building. See pag.e4 for directions. If AA County Schools are closed
due to inclement weather, there will be no meeting.
,
lJJO11,'t
be too bw,~~~~~ "f M°1U'troJ,~ t~t MOM,
Jorwz,t
to ~O",n!- ~Of,f,7'bLe~~i~~. - paJ't(,phr/A-Se.cl. - CUvthor U/h-k/Wwf'L
, 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.

A WORD OF THANKS for their constant COMMITTEE CHAIRS

support of our Chapter to: The American Cancer
Society, especially the office in Gambrills, for Visiting
Hospitality
essential help with our newsletter; and Anne
Arundel Medical Center for providing rooms for
our regular meetings and special events.
appreciate their support and assistance.
We
Refreshments
Program
Sunshine
Wilamae Day ---
Alice Scarboroughl
Newsletter Lyn Rowell, Stan Baker
NOTICES Membership
Library
Finance Stan Baker
The display,description,demonstrationor distributionof
productsat our meetings,or in the newsletter,or by the
recommendation ofa memberof ourAssociation, doesnot
constitute
anendorsement
ofthatproduct
bytheMCOA..
MEDICAL
ADVISORS

OSTOMYADVISORS WilliamA. Cassidy,MD

CONSULTYOUR DOCTORor ET FORSTOMAHELP John E. Danneberger.MD
Nurse beforeusinaany productsor We are fortunate to have available the L. DeanHoover,MD
methods publishedin the MCO services of Enterostomal Therapy Nurses J. StephenLattimer,MD
newsletteror sugoestedbv a member servingour localarea: DavidE. Matteson,MD
f ~
oftheAAeOA:---Your
own""doctororE'T
- - StephenProshan,Mo -
nurseprovidesmedicaladvicethat is To consultwith one of them,a physician's DavidStrobel,MD
bes~for you.
referral is necessaryand a fee will be RobinM. Ullanow,MD
charged.Callfor an appointment. DouglasDykman,MD
GinaMassogliaMD
BALTIMOREWASHINGTON HOSPITAL EdwardZagula,MD
Itemsfrom this newslettermay be
CarolCanadaRN,BSN,CWOCN
reprintedin otherostomynewsletters, 410-787-4578
providedpropercreditis givenas to
sourceofmaterial. ANNEARUNDELMEDICALCENTER ATTENTION
IreneB.RepkaRN,BS,CWOCN
If you do not wish to receiveour MichellePerkins,RN,BS Statements, articles
newsletter,pleaseinitial and return KellyHeffron,BSN,CWOCN and comments
the mailingcoverwith the address 443-481-5508 printed in this
attached. newsletter are
PrivateConsultants general information
If you need a ride to one of our JoanM.Sullivan,
MAS,RN,CNA,CWOCN and not printed
meetings,call one of the officers 410-932-7312 with any particular
individual as the
listedon thefrontpage. Wewill do focus.
MaryLouThomas,RN, BA, CWOCN
ourbesttoarrangea ride. 410-255-1149

Pleaseadviseus,in advanceif possible,of anyaddresschanges.Thiswillhelpkeepourmailinglist I'

currentandsavethechapterreturnpostageandaddresscorrectioncosts

~
I~~

February 2010 The Rambling Rosebud 36.4.3

- -.-- - -,- - - - --

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A belated Happy New Year to all. First of all,
I want to thank all of you for your support and
prayers during my surgery and recovery. All
went well and I continue my recovery. As I
have heard others say, my ostomy was the least
of my problems. This may be hard for
someone with a recent ostomy to believe, but it
has been true it my case. I also learned
something new (for me) even after 30 plus
years with an ostomy. After my surgery, which
was on my neck, I was unable to stand and
look down to change my appliance. I
"learned" that I could sit and use a mirror to
change it. You can teach an old dog new
tricks! .
Without the support of individuals and
organizations, FOW-USAwould not have had
the ostomy products or the financial capability
to provide this aid. We do not know how soon
more aid will be needed in Haiti or where the
next crisis might be. You can help us to be
prepared to provide help where ever it might
be needed by sending supplies to restock our
shelves and financial support to pay for the
shipping costs.
Thanks for whatever role you have played in
getting FOW-USA to be in position to provide
this support.

ANNAPOLIS-
,..,.. .,. f'" ...
I want to especially thank Guy Lupero, Stan 1,-, t:J.
3-' L;- r- 0 '1<"'u ,., pc
... ..1; " "" (,' \,., I..J..." 1y ;.:)
Baker, Lyn Rowell, Irene Repka, and Wilamae .til/'/I/a[.\'. Idill I/S .\ll'<iil'<l[ ..
Day for all their hard work keeping everything
going in my absence. They did this in addition RENTAL. SALES. SERVICE
to the other work they do all year for this
Walkers-Mobility Devices
Association. Again, my thanks to all of you.
Ostomy- Incontinence Supplies
I hope to see all of you at our next meeting. Bathroom Safety Aids
Nebulizers- Blood Pressure Equipment
A letter from the FOW-USA Hospital Beds
':' . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . '.
This was provided to us by Stan Baker who has given
extensive support to the FOW - Friends of Ostomates
... WE BilL MEDICARE FOR YOU! ...
~ ~

Worldwide . .............................................. .
Greetings Board Members and Past Board
Members,
Members of the Anne Arundel Co. Ostomy
AssociationReceive 10% OFF!
The Haitian people are dealing with the worst
catastrophe in their lifetime. They need water,
food, security and medical care. FOW-USA
was able to respond quickly to a request for
ostomy supplies. Thanks to the volunteers in
~ 410-295-7300 IY5A"I
117 Gibralter Ave Annapolis, MD 21.401
Louisville, Yusen shippers and the Catholic www.annaQolishealthcare.com
Medical Mission Board, who have an
organization in Haiti to ensure the supplies to
get where they are needed, three pallets of ,
ostomy supplies are on the way to Haiti.

3
 "

Fe bruary 2010 . The Rambling Rosebud 36.4.4

.,..-,. ~.- _.. '.,. ..'>.. - "-- -"~--- --""""~'" .. .-- .-....- --. .., ...'

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FUTURE MEETINGS ~..\>.d 7" C>
s.~\\1 . -g,\ o$- ~
Room A on the 7th floor of the Health ... y.'l>"(j 1,,-:;
'< ~j~ /\
"'~ICJ
.~ ~q %~~ ;.
q v, q~' Adm~"101
Science Building. '"
,'i,p"
February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June c!"'!'onp~
3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October Anne A'un<ie'
Modica' Center
-,., ,,0
7, November 4, December 2
J.,mIleI Rd.. je~' ?J'5t
~
Parking is available behind the Health
Science building and can be accessed via
Jennifer Road or Medical Parkway. The
.. ~ ,J

t&fJ~~~~~'?9~
Q c" . ~,Q~ <5-
Building is right next door to the Sajak ~ .l <:!
, '<~
~f§3 " ,,\~J'
"
Building. )
;- Lorena
1111 - Helghls fj'"
Directionsto AA Medical Center \

From Annapolis and the Eastern Shore: BOARD MEETINGS - 7:30pm

Take Route 50 West to Jennifer Road exit I For those serving on the board, the board
(Exit 23A). Go through the traffic light onto meetings will be on:
Medical Parkway. March 15, May 17, September 20, and
From Baltimore: Take 1-97 South to Route November 15.
50 East, to Parole exit (Exit 23). Turn right
..JEt~~~~t ~treet then]igl!.t2~to JemIifer
Road. Go approximately one mile, and turn
EMeIRE
left at traffic light onto Medical Parkway. 51 NAL PHARMA Y
From Washington DC: Take Route 50 East EMPIRE MEDICAL BUILDING
to Parole exit (Exit 23). Turn right onto West 200 Hospital Drive
Street then right onto Jennifer Road. Go Glen Bumie, MD 21061
approximately one mile, and turn left at 410-787-0030
traffic light onto Medical Parkway. .:. 10% discount on ostomy supplies and
Alternate to 1-97 from CroftoniOdenton prescriptions for members of A.A. Co. Ostomy
Association
area - Take 178 South through Crownsville .:. We bill Medicare and Blue Cross for you
towards Annapolis. Turn left on Bestgate
Road and then right on Medical Parkway. NATURA OSTOMY DEALER
HOLLISTER. BARD
REMEMBER!!! The entrance to the medical SWEENCREAM SKINBOND
center is FROM THE THIRD FLOOR OF PERiCARE SKINPREP
SURGI-KLEEN BANISHIi
THE PARKING GARAGE. Once inside the SHUR-CLEANS STOMASEAL
building you will be on its second floor - take HIBICLENS HYPO-ALLERGENIC
TAPE
SCISSORSCurved& Straight
the elevators inside up to the 7thfloor. When
leaving, take the elevator the second floor
MondaythroughFriday8:30amto6pm
and go through the doors onto the third floor OpenSaturdays 9amtoNoon
of the parking garage. ,
BillingDepartment
MondaythroughFriday9amto 4:30pm

y-

(
February 2010 The Rambling Rosebud
- --- -- -- -~ - --
Frequently Asked Questions
Via Green Bay Area Ostomy
Q. I have successfully used the same product
for years. Isthere 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 woe
(ET)Nurse in a while, this may be the time to
get a check up and check out new products.
Q. I haven't 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
decreasewear time.
Q. The nurse gave me some powder to use on
the skin around my stoma. Should I keep using
~? .
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.
Long ago when men cursed and beat
the ground with sticks, it was called
witchcraft. Today, it's called golf.
5"
36.4.5
- ~- - - - - -
Is it AIwavs Necessarv to Use Sealant On Mv
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.
The real art of conversation is not only
to say the right thing at the right time,
but also to leave unsaid the wrong
thing at the tempting moment.
One of the many things no one tells
you about aging is that it is such a nice
change from being young. Ah, being
young is beautiful, but being old is
comfortable.
 (Wishing cqPou a:CffJ* &
c#eappp&a!! CffJtJason
.. Autumn 5onu5 Special
..
10%Off An-yf urchase*
'Not applicabl~on it~m5bill~dthrough in5uranc~. Applicabl~ to Out ot F'ock~t purcha5~5 onl.';!.
-'-
-. --=~-~ -- ~ - --+. -- ~- ~

SERVING ALL OF YOUR OSTOMY AND MEDICAL SUPPLY J.VEEDS

Carrying Ostomy, Fistula and Wound Supplies By The Following Manufacturers

Bard " Blairex '" BSN Jobst" Colo-MfJiic" Coloplast " Convatec " Cymed " Hollister
Marlen '" Medline" MolnlyckeWoundCare '" MontrealOstomy'" Nu-Hope " Osto-Fresh
PetmaType" Smith&Nephew" SafeN'Simple " StomaCareLaboratories" Torbot " 3M

&' olfodioal GrJuppljdf

A..ustln 9!2hrmncmp
6729 qom* 00.Jad
CS&r!tzinortJ,e:A(aq;hnd 27212

(pJ ~J 0-311-S300
[!J .If J 0-311-S302
J-800-S26-#32

Austln Y!?hi'i!7l1af{p &' cM'edil%il OfJuppba if C6l1wl1ientlp h«dM ewe mile seuth tfrclJlPsel1 'li3l1iwrsltp.

@!)ur bllflniZS hellJj are J am - 6' pm IPxlrdaps, iIl1d J «.m - 2 pm OfJaturdaps.

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.. .".
February 2010 The Rambling Rosebud
-.-- - - -- - '-
How Does Fiber Affect IIeostomates?
, By Kay Peck, Registered Dietician
Whether or not to include fiber, and to what
extent, should be based on the ileostomate' s
tolerance of foods. The intestine has a
remarkable capacity to adapt. Matter digested
food in the small intestine is quite watery, and
after it moves in the larger intestine, a good
portion of the water is reabsorbed into the
body.
Most fiber is indigestible material (from plants)
hat acts like a sponge, soaking up water and
increasing the bulk of the intestinal contents -
making water move through the system
preventing constipation and keeping a person
regular". This is the main function of fiber.
Another theory about fiber is that it promotes
mucosal growth, thus keeping intestines
healthier, promoting gut function.
Usually a person without a colon (ileostomy)
doesn't have a problem with constipation, and
may have mostly watery stools or diarrhea.
Again, over time, a person may adapt,
especially if the last section of the bowel
(ileum) is still intact. So, consuming too much
fiber, or too much "insoluble" fiber, may
aggravate a person's diarrhea or watery stools.
If this is the case, limiting insoluble fiber (bran,
popcorn hulls, seeds, nuts, skin/stringy parts of
fruit and vegetables) may be helpful.
However, another type of fiber is soluble and
may be beneficial. to the ileostomate. The
function of soluble fiber is to make intestinal
contents "thicker" and can prevent diarrhea.
This fiber is found in oatmeal, barley, fried
beans, peas, Metamucil and in the pulp of fruits
and vegetables. Most foods have a
combination of both types of fiber, but the
above examples show the difference.
Note from the Author: I worked with a lady
who had a short bowel syndrome - all of her
7
36.4.7
-.. --- -. -.. --- --,
colon and a significant part of her small bowel
had been removed She found that adding
pectin (Certo used to makejelly) in applesauce,
to her diet daily helped to minimize diarrhea.
Flu Season and You
Tips From Here and There
By:: The New Outlook, Chicago's North Suburban
Chapter UOA&Jacksonville Mailbag.
Once again winter is upon us, and you know
that means a risk of the Flu. It's best to be
prepared and know what to do.
For new ostomates, this could be a time of
real concern and a new experience in coping,
for flu not only brings on headaches, muscle
aches and pains, and upset stomach. That
"bogeyman" for the ostomate, diarrhea,
often occurs. Whether induced by flu or
other causes, diarrhea can present a serious
challenge to ostomates. Vomiting must also
be taken seriously because of the risk of
dehydration.
The first advice for any person--ostomate or
not--suffering flu is: always drink plenty of
liquids and get proper rest! By all means,
call your doctor if either vomiting or
diarrhea symptoms are severe and
continuing.
Ostomates must take special care not to take
medicine for pain or a laxative without a
doctor's order. That goes for antibiotics,
too! Antibiotics have no effect on a virus but
do kill bacteria, both friendly and unfriendly,
and can change the proper balance of
normal bacteria in the colon, if you still have
one. Disturbing this balance can actually
bring on or exacerbate diarrhea.
Your diet will change during flu, but during
recovery, adopt a fiber- free diet at first,
gradually moving to a regular, normal diet.
Prompt attention to symptoms of colds and
flu should bring to each of us a happy and ,
hopefully healthy winter season. Now to
 February 2010 The Rambling Rosebud
~,- --"...-
the specific tips for each category of
ostomate:
The colostomate with diarrhea would be
wise not to irrigate, for nature is actually
doing the job. After the diarrhea stops, the
colon will be sluggish for a few days, so
leave it alone a little longer. Give the colon a
chance to return to normal before resuming
irrigation. '
Carry an extra supply of "security" pouches.
Editors note: I customarily wear a closed
appliance, but when diarrhea strikes, I wear
a drainable bag until the siege is over. My
diet during stomach flu is hot tea, ginger ale
and pretzels.
Drugs or certain foods can cause
constipation in colostomates recovering
from flu, or at any other time, but this can be
prevented by drinking plenty of fluids.
Diarrhea can present an even greater
problem to the ileostomate. Besides an
excess
- , ~ of discharge,
'"'i , ,,~-
the ileostomate
'" ~
will
suffer loss or electrolytes and vitamins
necessary to maintaining good health. You
may experience thirst, slowly rising fever,
weakness, mental fuzziness, and reduced
urine output.
Drinking plenty of fluids will increase urine
output and will not cause increased water
discharge through the appliance during
colds or flu. More serious results could be
muscle contractions, abdominal distention,
lack of alertness, and, in extreme cases,
convulsions.
The ileostomate must restore electrolyte
balance as soon as possible; Eliminate solid
foods. Regain lost potassium by drinking
tea, Gatorade, bouillon, ginger ale, and
plenty of water. Regain lost sodium by
eating saltine crackers or salted pretzels.
.The urostomate should take special care to
keep electrolytes in balance and follow the
,..
.
.'
36.4.8
,.~-",,' '" ,-, -", -, -" ,
same general instructions as for persons
without ostomies.
Tips of the month
from www.sgvmedical.com
Via The Bypass Raleigh NC
Remember to allow 1/8" - 1/16" between
the edge of the stoma and the opening in the
wafer (skin barrier). Too large an opening
may expose skin to stool or urine content.
Too small an opening may cause lacerations
due to rubbing of the pouch or skin barrier.
Lengthy sitting in one place can force the
pouch contents upward around the stoma
and cause leakage. Getting up occasionally
will help.
Put toilet paper in the toilet bowl before
emptying your pouch to 'prevent splashing.
Hints,Suggestions,andTipsfromthe By-Pass,
RaleighNC
To keepupwith yourfluid intake,havean 8 ounce
glassof water,juice or sodaeachtimeyouempty
your pouch.Thiswill helpyouto avoiddehydration.
JaneFellows
If youuse a 2 piecepouchingsystem,before
snappingthe pouchon theflange,applya littlebitof
babyoil to the ringof the flange;this will allowthe
two piecesto snaptogetherwithease.Leanne
Richbourg
KeepCharminwipes,cut in half,to cleanoutthe
bottomof the pouch.I travelwitha boxandkeepa
boxin the bathroom.BonnieSessums
EatMexicansalsaBEFORE
4:00pm.!!!!!!!
Frank
Ricciutti
Ifyouhaveanileostomy, checkwithyourdoctor
beforetakingtimedreleaseorextendedrelease
medications.Sinceyoudon'thavea largeintestine,
thesemedsmaynotbeabsorbedfully,and
thereforemaynottakefulleffect.JenniferHigdon
,
CJ
 '
r ~' """

February 2010 The Rambling Rosebud 36.4.9

..~' <-~<---,-, ~,-<"---<--< "-,, 0,._- '-"'-'-'-,-'---"'-'-"

"WARNING: MRI Scans May Burn Patients

Wearing Transdermal Drug Patches"
The April 2009 issue of Public Citizen
Health Research Group's Health Letter, Vol. 25,
No.4, carried a significant warning to those
who wear transdermal drug patches. "On
March 5, 2009, the FDAsent a public health
warning to patients and doctors that
transdermal drug patches containing metal
may overheat during a MRI scan, causing skin
burns."
Approximately one third of the 60
kinds of trans dermal patches on the market
may contain metal which is not always visible.
Some do not carry a warning.
If you wear a transdermal patch, there are
some ways to help protect yourself.
. Checkwith your doctor who prescribed
the patch to determine if it contains metal.
. If you have to remove the patch, find out if
it can be reapplied or has to be replaced.
. Tell the MRI facility that you wear a
transdermal patch when you schedule an
appointment.
. At the time of the appointment, remind the
staff that you wear a trans dermal patch.
In the article, the authors presented a chart
which listed about half of the 60 kinds of
patches, but they did not indicate which ones
contained metal. As with everything else in
the world of ostomies, check with you doctor
or WCONfor guidance.
Thanks to Stan Baker for passing this on.

Join the Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Ostomy Association, Inc.

The Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Ostomy Association, Inc. (AACOA) is a volunteer-based
association dedicated to providing education, information, support, and advocacy to people who have
had or will have intestinal or urinary dIversions. Members receive The Rambling Rosebud montWy.

Complete the form and send it with your check for $15.00 made payable to
AACOA
c/o Stan Baker
958 Fall Ridge Way
Gambrills, MD 21054-1454
Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Ostomy Association - Membership - Please Print
Last name First name Initial

Address

City State ZIP

Telephone Age Gender

E-mail

Kind of ostomy: - colostomy - ileostomy - urostomy - other (please identify)

I would like to help with the following committee(s) or activities: ,

( ) finance () hospitality () library () membership () newsletter
( ) program () refreshments ( ) sunshine () visiting

9
 "
',.
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A.A.C.O.A. BULK RATE

NON-PROFIT ORG.
P.o. BOX 847 US POSTAGE
GAMBRILLS, MD 21054 PAID
PERMIT NO.15
GAMBRlLLS, MD 21054
Forwarding and
Return Postage Guaranteed

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PLEASE EXPEDITE - TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION

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