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Rambling
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
MARYLAND
Ro ebud
OSTOMY ASSOCIATION, INe.
P.O.BOX 847
GAMBRILLS, MD 21054

OFFICERS BOARD OF D~CTORS

President: Paul Rossi 410-647-6171 Dennis Fila Joan Gardner
Ginny Gross Lyn Rowell
Janice Winters Allyn Mellits

Vice President Stan Novack OSTOMY ADVISERS:

Secretary Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN
Treasurer Stan Baker Michelle Perkins, RN, BS.
Youth Rally Coordinator Melissa Blood
Webmaster: Janice Winters

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

Volume 37 Number 4 February 2011

Membership 110 www.annearundelostomy.com

CURRENT -MEETllNG
February 3,2011 * Sharon Musterman, Bright Star Life Care Service

FUTURE MEETINGS

March 3,2011 * 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 inside cover for-directions. If AA County Schools are
closed due to inclement weather, there will be no meeting.

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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 support of our OSTOMY ADVISORS

Chapter to: The American Cancer Society, especially the FOR STOMA HELP
office in Gambrills, for essential help with our newsletter; and We are fortunate to have available the services of
Anne Arundel Medical Center for providing rooms for our Enterostomal Therapy Nurses serving our local area:
regular meetings and special events. We appreciate their
To consult with one of them, a physician'S referral is
support and assistance.
necessary and a fee will be charged. Call for an
appointment.
NOTICES
BALTIMORE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL
The display, description, demonstration or distribution of
Carol Canada RN, BSN, CWOCN
products at our meetings, or in the newsletter, or by the
410-787 -4578
recommendation of a member of our Association, does not
constitute an endorsement of that product by the AACOA. ANNEARUNDELMED~ALCENTER
Irene B. Repka RN, BS, CWOCN
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR or ET Nurse before using any Michelle Perkins, RN, BS
products or methods published in the AACO newsletter or Kelly Heffron, BSN, CWOCN
suggested by a member of the AACOA. Your own doctor or ET 443-481-5508
nurse provides medical advice that is best for you.
Private Consultants
Items from this newsletter may be reprinted in other ostomy Joan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN
newsletters, provided proper credit is given as to source of 410-932-7312
material. Mary Lou Thomas, RN, BA, CWOCN
410-255-1149
_ Directions to Health Science Building_ _
Anne Arundel Medical Center
From Annapolis and the Eastern Shore: Take Route
50 West to Jennifer Road exit (Exit 23A). Go through the
traffic light onto Medical Parkway.
From Baltimore: Take 1-97South to Route 50 East, to
Parole exit (Exit 23). Turn right onto West Street then right ...
\
onto Jennifer Road. Go approximately one mile, and turn . \
i ,
left at traffic light onto Medical Parkway. 'j
From Washington DC: Take Route 50 East to Parole
exit (Exit 23). Turn right onto West Street then right onto
Jennifer Road. Go approximately one mile, and turn left
at traffic light onto Medical Parkway.
Alternate to 1·97 from Crofton/Odenton area - Take
178 South through Crownsville towards Annapolis. Turn
left on Bestgate Road and then right on Medical Parkway.
REMEMBER!!! The entrance to the medical center is
FROM THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE PARKING
GARAGE. Once inside the building you will be on its BOARD MEETINGS - 7:30pm
second floor - take the elevators inside up to the 7th floor. For those serving on the board, the NEXT
When leaving, take the elevator the second floor and go board meeting will be on March zi" 2011
through the doors onto the 2nd floor of the parking garage.
Northern Pharmacy is your OSTOMY SUPPLY SPECIA.lIST!

Northern Pharmacy & Medical Equipment

is a full service pharmacy that is family owned
and operated.

Our Ostomy Department provides a full range of

comprehensive services and quality products from
trusted brands you can rely on.

PRODUCTS: 'SERViCES: TRUSTePBRANPS INCLUDE:

•• 'Incontinence Pants • Medicare andinsurance •• Squibb
andDe;i~~~ ,.. c;ompanypi1ling
- llqJlister
•• Catheters .Fr~eh()medeliveryahdnext . -(Jnited '
• .Intermitteht Cafget:ers " dCiydelivery·.. ..
.-. ... -.. . .Nu~Hope
•• Male ExternalCatheters eMailingahywhere .
-Grieb'
-Irrigation
.

Trays
.
e. 'F,r~e. Ohql,e euttifl;g,,··.·. -Greer'
• brainag~eitgs 0'. ty~ElcceptfV,f?$t~rC~rd;Visi;lf
Clhcl,Ariierican ,Expre;;{ -Cqloplast
• Insertion Trays, ., -Mar/fm
•• 100%Scitisfcidion
•• DisposableUriderqarments G0~;~nte~d!' ... epailsac
"' .. - .
• Urinary Leg Bags ·.i3'ard
•• And much, much more!
-ConvaTec
•• Mason

!e c¥,.
NORTHERN
:i;,r"
PHARMACY
& Medical Equipment
 - ----.-.----------~

4
February 2011 The Rambling Rosebud

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
During these cold, short days of winter, consider coming to a warm, friendly, meeting at the spacious,
scenic conference room in the new Health Sciences Building. You'll find a friendly group that is
always anxious to talk to others that have had ostomy surgery.

As always, we are looking for help - please volunteer - it won't take much of your time - and you'll
be doing a lot to help keep our support group going.

Paul

" fu"TN Al'O L I S----:-: ::;---._ ~ EMPIRE

--_~IIealthcare Supplies
./t)1"1lll'rly. \dClIllS ."nllcCll
PROFESSIONAL PHARMACY
EMPIRE MEDICAL BUILDING
RENTAL • SALES • SERVICE 200 Hospital Drive
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Walkers-Mobility Devices
Ostomy- Incontinence Supplies
410-787-0030
Bathroom Safety Aids .:. 10% discount on ostomy supplies and
Nebulizers- Blood Pressure Equipment prescriptions for members of AA. Co.
Hospital Beds Ostomy Association
.:. We bill Medicare and Blue Cross for you

NATURA OSTOMY DEALER

HOLLISTER. BARD
SWEEN CREAM SKIN BOND
Members of the Anne Arundel Co. Ostomy PERI CARE SKIN PREP
Association Receive 10% OFF! SURGI-KLEEN BANISH"
SHUR-CLEANS STOMASEAL
HI BI CLENS HYPO-ALLERGENIC TAPE
SCISSORS Curved & Straight

Monday through Friday 8:30am to 6pm

117 Gibralter Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 Open Saturdays 9am to Noon
www.annapolishealthcare.com
Billing Department
Monday through Friday 9am to 4:30pm

Three guys had to cross a lake. The first one prayed to God for the strength, he swam across the
lake, but almost died 5 times.

The second guy prayed to God for the strength and the tools, and made a boat and rowed himself
across the lake, but he almost died 3 times.

The third guy prayed to God for the strength, the tools, and the brains. He turned into a woman,
walked 4 yards, and crossed the bridge.
February 2011 The Rambling Rosebud
Management of a Flush or Retracted Stoma
By Gloria Johnson, WOCN, via The Journal, Philadelphia
Ostomy Assn
The ideal stoma is one that protrudes above the
skin, but this is not always possible and a flush (skin
level) or retracted (below skin level) stoma may
result.
The surgeon may be unable to mobilize the bowel
and mesentery (membrane that attaches organs to
the abdominal wall) adequately or to strip the
mesentery enough without causing necrosis or
death to the stoma. Some causes of stoma
retraction after surgery may be weight gain,
infection, malnutrition, steroids or scar tissue
formation.
Stomas that are flush or retracted can lead to
undermining of the pouch by effluent (drainage).
This continued exposure can lead to irritated and
denuded skin, as well as frequent pouch changes.
These problems can be very stressful and
expensive.
The inability to maintain a pouch seal for an
acceptable length of time is the most common
indication for a product with convexity.
Convexity Requirements
Shallow - For minor skin irritations and occasional
skin leakage.
Medium - Stoma in deep folds; severe undermining
and frequent leakage.
Deep - Used when medium convexity is not
sufficient, stoma is retracted or in deep folds, or
leakage is very frequent and skin is denuded.
Ways to Achieve Convexity
Convex inserts: Inserts can be applied to a two
piece system by snapping an insert into the ring of
the flange. The outer diameter must match the
flange size. This can be cost effective as this insert
can be cleaned and reused.
Pouches Designed With Convexity: These are
available in both one and two piece systems. They
can be shallow, medium, or deep. They come either
as precut, cut or cut to fit.
5
Addition of Skin Barrier Gaskets: These are used
around the stoma and can be cut or purchased
precut. One layer or several layers can be used.
Eakins Wafer/Coloplast Strip Past: These are
products that can be pressed into shape around the
stoma to protect the seal.
Other Ways to Increase Wear Time and Prevent
Leakage
An ostomy belt may be helpful. The opening should
clear the stoma one-eighth inch only to give skin
maximum protection.
Use ostomy paste for "caulking". Always read and
follow the manufacturer's directions for product use.
Most ostomay companies make pouches with
convexity and carry inserts as well as belts.
Editors Note:
Talk to your WOCN if you are unsure what you
might need.
I'm Alive ... You're Alive - We Both Have
Ostomies
Ostomy Support group of Central Indiana
They did not perform this surgery on us just for
fun. They did not call it elective surgery. They
hustled us off to the operating room to save our
lives.
They told our husbands, wives and other loved
ones that it was necessary or we would die ...
maybe not today, but sometime very soon, too
soon. So now, we have an ileostomy, a
colostomy, an ileal conduit=-or maybe two of
these-and we are alive. We are alive because
of this surgery and we can accept this or reject
it. We can live a secret sheltered life. We can
be embarrassed and not talk about our
affliction . . . or we can say thank you for
another chance to live this life in a helpful,
hopeful way . We can tell people that an
ostomy is not the end of a normal life.
Sometimes they may have a loved one who
must face this surgery. We can hope that
because we were normal, happy, well adjusted
and alive, and told someone about our ostomy,
his/her loved one would fare better, perhaps, as
February 2011 The Rambling Rosebud
well as we did. Try it. Would it not make you
feel good to think someone could benefit from
your experience?
************
EVER WONDER ..•
Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our
skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their
mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic
Wins Lottery'?
Why is it that doctors call what they do
'practice'?
Why is the man who invests all your money
called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic
called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal
injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is
used on airplanes? Why don't they make the
whole plane out of that stuff?!
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
****************
Q My stoma seems to protrude more one day
than another day. Is this OK or should I
worry?
A The contents of the bowel are pushed along
by progressive, simultaneous contractions and
relaxations of the muscles in the bowel wall.
This is known as peristalsis. This wave of
movement can sometimes be seen traveling
through the ostomy itself, causing the stoma to
wiggle, swell a little and contract. All this is
perfectly normal.
afo",eva.,r
A stoma that is flatter when one is lying down
but protrudes significantly when sitting or
standing may indicate a prolapse. This is often
associated with a peristomal hernia or
6
excessive weight gain after surgery. Although
there is no urgency to this, it is a good idea to
have it checked out by your physician or woe
nurse.
Answer by Angela Kelly, RNET, Vancouver
General Hospital
Winter Ostomy Concerns
The Greater Louisville Newsletter
For those of us who live in northern climates
and have undergone ostomy surgeries, it is
important to use caution when shoveling snow.
Because we have had abdominal incisions, we
are at higher risk than the general public and
must protect ourselves from stoma injury.
Keep in mind the following safety precautions
when shoveling your way through the piles of
snow that await us this winter. Because we are
all different, check with your doctor to see if
there are weight limitations for you to push or
lift. Do a little at a time and rest in between; it
does not usually have to be done all at once.
Pushing snow may be easier than lifting every
shovelful. Hold the handle slightly to the side
of your body as you push the shovel along; that
way if you were to hit an uneven part of the
driveway or sidewalk, the handle would not
suddenly poke into your abdomen or stoma.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after
shoveling. Shoveling is strenuous exercise.
Do not hold your breath while straining to lift
heavy snow, breathe through the lift. Wear
boots that have good grip, not ones that may let
you slip and fall. If you are not physically up
to shoveling safely, hire someone to do it or
ask a relative or a friend to do it for you. It is
not worth injuring yourself or facing additional
surgery just to get it done.
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t'r~ lo\Je ~ be,
it i~ ~~, 60 tllcat
t~~ JriendclUp.
February 2011 The Rambling Rosebud 7

FUTURE MEETINGS The four L's of the ostomy patient are:

Monthly Meetings are held on the 7th floor of
the Health Science Building. Learn - through the ostomy association
Parking is available behind the Health Science
chapter;
building and can be accessed via Jennifer Lean - on each other;
Road or Medical Parkway. The Building is Laugh - through troubles and with a positive
right next door to the Sajak Building. outlook;
Next meeting is February 3, 2011
Lead - others through your time, by
volunteering.
Meetings in 2011, March 3, April 7, May 5,
June 2, July 7, Aug 4, Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3 and
Dec 1.

*********************************************

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 monthly.

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