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ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

~~,.-
MARYLAND
OSTOMY ASSOCIATION,INC.
P.O.BOX 847
GAM6RILLS, MD 21054
www.annearundelostomy.com
Rosebu
A Chapter of the United Ostomy Association, Inc.
-
OFFICERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Paul Rossi Dennis Fila Joan Gardner
Ginny Gross 'Lyn Rowell
-" Janice Winters

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 LouThomas,RN, BA,CWOCN

Volume 37 Number 2 December 20 10
Membership 110 Circulation: 325

Please Come to our Annual Holiday Party I

Date and Time: Thursday December 2ndat 7:30pm
Location: Usual place at Anne Arundel Medical Center
Bring: favorite treat to share and enthusiasm
Optidhal Gift Exchange for those wishing to participate (please keep your gift under $10)

S1S~You! A'f ~H~ M~Ej\NGr,~

Note: Regular meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:30pm on the 7th floor of the
new Health Science Building. Check with the 1h 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.
I
The Anne Arundel County, Maryland,Ostomy Association,Inc. (AACOA)is a non-profit,volunteer-based organization
r dedicated toprovidingreassurance
andemotionalsupportforpeoplewhohavehadorwillhavesomekindof ostomysurgery,such
as a colostomy,ileostomy,urostomy(urinarydiversion)or a continentprocedure.Thegoalof theAACOAis to providemoral
support,information,
andeducationto peoplewithostomiesandtheirfamiliesandfriends.

A WORDOF THANKSfor their constant support of our OSTOMYADVISORS

Chapterto: The AmericanCancerSociety, especially the FORSTOMAHELP
officein Gambrills,for essentialhelpwithour newsletter;and We are fortunate to have available the services of
Anne Arundel MedicalCenter for providingroomsfor our EnterostomalTherapyNursesservingour localarea:
regularmeetingsand specialevents. We appreciatetheir
To consult with one of them, a physician'sreferral is
supportandassistance.
necessary and a fee will be charged. Call ~for an
NOTICES appointment.
BALTIMORE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL
The display, description,demonstrationor distributionof
Carol Canada RN, BSN, CWOCN
productsat our meetings,or in the newsletter,or by the 410-787-4578
recommendation of a memberof our Association,does not
constitute
anendorsement ofthatproductbytheAACOA. ; -.. ANNE ARUNDELMEDICALCENTER
IreneB.RepkaRN,BS,CWOCN
CONSULTYOURDOCTORor ET Nurse beforeusingany MichellePerkins,RN,BS
productsor methodspublishedin the AACOnewsletteror KellyHeffron,BSN,CWOCN
sUQQestedbya memberoftheAACOA..Yourowndoctoror ET 443-481-5508
nurseprovidesmedicaladvicethatis bestforyou.
Private Consultants
Itemsfromthis newslettermaybe reprintedin otherostomy JoanM.Sullivan,MAS,RN,CNA,CWOCN
newsletters,
providedpropercreditis givenas to sourceof 410-932-7312
material.
MaryLouThomas,RN,BA,CWOCN
410-255-1149
Directions to Health~Science~Building
Anne Arundel Medical Center
FromAnnapolis and the EasternShore: TakeRoute
50 Westto JenniferRoadexit (Exit23A).Go throughthe
trafficlightonto MedicalParkway.
From Baltimore: Take1-97Southto Route50 East,to
Paroleexit (Exit23).Turnrightonto WestStreetthenright
ontoJenniferRoad.Go approximatelyone mile,andturn
left at trafficlightonto MedicalParkway.
From Washington DC:TakeRoute50 Eastto Parole
exit (Exit23).TurnrightontoWestStreetthen rightonto
JenniferRoad.Go approximatelyone mile,andturn left
at trafficlightonto MedicalParkway.
Alternateto 1-97from Crofton/Odentonarea- Take
178SouththroughCrownsvilletowardsAnnapolis.Turn
lefton BestgateRoadandthen righton MedicalParkway.
REMEMBER!!!Theentranceto the medicalcenteris
FROMTHESECONDFLOOROF THEPARKING
GARAGE.Onceinsidethe buildingyouwill be on its BOARD MEETINGS - 7:30pm
secondfloor- taketheelevatorsinsideup to the 7thfloor. For those serving on the board, the NEXT
Whenleaving,taketheelevatorthe secondfloor andgo board meeting will be on January lih 2011
throughthedoorsontothe 2ndfloor of the parkinggarage.
 --:-

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Our Ostomy Department provides a full range of

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SERVING ALL OF YOUR OSTOMY AND MEDICAL SUPPLY NEEDS

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 '-

December 2010 The Rambling Rosebud 5

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
It's hard to believe, but our annual holiday extravaganza is Thursday, December 2 - same time -
7:30 - same place - our regular monthly meeting area. I encourage you to bring a spouse,
significant other, a friend, a member who hasn't been to a meeting in awhile. We will have live
music by our own Stan Novack and his electric accordion!
Please bring an appetizer or dessert and if you want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a
$10 gift. Let's make this the best Holiday Party ever.

To all, I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza. We all have r-Jt!
something to celebrate this Holiday Season. .yr~
Paul

f..MeIR.E
ANNAPOLIS
Healthaare Supplies PRO FES_SI 0 NALeHARMACY
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Glen Burnie, MD 21061
W alkers- Mobility Devices 410-787 -0030
Ostomy- Incontinence Supplies
Bathroom Safety Aids .:. 10% discount on ostomy supplies and
Nebulizers- Blood Pressure Equipment prescriptions for members of A.A. Co.
Ostomy Association"
Hospital Beds
.:. .We bill Medicare and Blue Cross for you
: '.
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Members of the Anne Arundel Co. Ostomy PERICARE SKINPREP
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www"annaQ,olishealthcare.com
BillingDepartment
MondaythroughFriday9amto4:30pm

A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing

in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After' about
an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to
disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he
said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."
 December 2010 The Rambling Rosebud
~ ,,--
COLOSTOMY QUESTIONS
Via Snohomish County Insights & Metro Maryland
Ostomy Newsletter
Q. When a colostomate who wears a pouch
gets a blockage from eating improper or too
much food, should a laxative such as prune
juice be taken? Should heat be applied?
A. When a colostomate gets a blockage in most
cases it is due to constipation. There are a
number of things that could lead to a person
becoming suddenly constipated such as eating
constipating foods, lack of physical activity,
using pain medications, etc. It is quite
satisfactory for a colostomate to take a mild
laxative. The use of prune juice is an excellent
suggestion. Foods with fiber like bran make
the stool less constipating. For a person who
does not irrigate, these methods should be tried
first. If the pain is such that it is intolerable,
seek medical attention at once even if you have
to go to the emergency room in the middle of
the night. ~
Q. Should ostomates be careful of the
exercises they take, so as to avoid getting a
hernia around the stoma? Should ostomates try
and improve the tone of the stomach muscle
that carries the stoma?
A. Hernias around the stoma are common in
the case of colostomates. The site of the stoma
in the rectus muscle of the stomach is
important. All ostomates, immediately after
surgery, should avoid any exercise that
involves the stomach muscles for at least six to
t:(ightweeks. Once the stomach muscle has
healed, it should be possible for the ostomate to
begin an exercise program. There should be a
gradual approach to exercise over a period of
time. The type and amount of exercise
permissible would vary with the individual.
Q. What are adhesibns in the bowel? Do many
ostomates get them and if so for what reason?
6
How do. you know when you have an
adhesion? What do you do?
A. Adhesions are quite common with any
operation on the gut the more operations you
have, the greater chance of adhesions. In an
organ such as the intestine, there is a tendency
during surgery for a narrowing of the passage
in places along its length. Most of the time this
works out very well on its own. You should
keep the stool soft to keep it on its way. If you
get a very bad pain, seek medical assistance.
SAVETHE EARTH
- it's the only planet with
chocolate f
GAS!
Via Snohomish County Ostomates
What causes gas pain? When air is swallowed,
it can become entrapped in bubbles which form
a mass of foam. This foam pushes against the
stomach or intestinal walls causing the
sensation of bloating and pain. Gas pain can be
so severe to mimic a heart attack or ulcer
attack. Severe pain should be reported to your
doctor: only he/she can treat you correctly.
Over the counter tablets are available to help
break up the entrapped gas bubbles. For
ostomates, excess gas which is not expelled
through the mouth, will be expelled through the
stoma into the pouch or dressing. This gas will
then need to be released from the pouch. Some
styles of pouches are provided with gas-relief
valves. These valves usually are manufactured
with charcoal filters to help eliminate the odor.
Amongst the most frequent causes. of gas are:
eating too fast, swallowing air, drinking
through a straw, smoking, chewing gum,
drinking carbonated beverages, and eating gas-
forming or heavily spiced foods Some specific
foods and beverages which may cause gas
r---
December 2010 The Rambling Rosebud
include asparagus, beans, cabbage, broccoli,
onions, cucumbers, fish, eggs, sugar beets,
nuts, beer and milk products.
Yogurt can be very helpful in controlling gas -
the bacteria used in making yogurt helps in
digestion and in regulating the bowel action.
These bacteria are eternal enemies of the E-coli
bacteria and others which get into the intestinal
tract and threaten to overwhelm it with activity.
The extra activity caused by the "bad" bacteria
may cause diarrhea, gas discomfort and
constipation.
What's NormalmAnswers from
Your Stoma to You
by LizO'Connor, RN,CETN,Metro Maryland;
via Fairfield (CA)Solano Ostomy News
What is normal for my stoma? This is a
frequently asked question. Here are some
answers from your stoma to you.
My color should be a healthy red. I am the
same color as the inside of your intestine. If
my color darkens, the blood supply might be
pinched off. First make sure your skin
barrier/wafer is not too tight (this can vary
according to the barrier type, as some require
a small gap between your stoma and the
barrier material, while others are intended for
a snug fit where the wafer material actually
touches your stoma). If I should turn black
(very unlikely - but it happens occasionally),
seek treatment AT ONCE.Goto an Emergency
Room if you cannot readily locate your doctor.
(Be sure to TAKE AN EXTRAPOUCH ALONGso
you can remove the pouch for doctors to
examine the stoma.)
I might bleed a little when cleaned. This is to
be expected. Do not be alarmed. Just be
gentle please, when you handle me.
If I am an ileostomy, I will run intermittently
and stool will be semi-solid. If you should
notice that I am not functioning after several
hours and if you develop pain, I might be
7
slightly clogged. Try sipping warm tea and try
getting in a knee-chest position on the bed or
on the floor. (Have your shoulders on the floor
and your hips in the air. Rockback and forth in
an attempt to dislodge any food that might be
caught.) If I do not begin to function after
about an hour of this, call your physician. If
you cannot locate him/her readily, go to an
emergency room. In the meantime, I might
have begun to swell. Remove any pouch with a
tight wafer and replace it with a flexible one
with slightly larger stoma opening.
If I am a colostomy located in the descending
or sigmoid colon, I should function according
to what your bowel habits were before
surgery (daily, twice daily, three times weekly,
etc.). I can be controlled in most cases with
diet and/or irrigation. This is a personal choice.
There is no right or wrong to it, as long as I am
working well. My stool will be fairly solid.
If I am a colostomy in the transverse colon, I
will have a more loose stool than a
. .
descending or sigmoid colostomy. Because
there is less remaining colon in this case to
absorb water and solidify the stool, its
consistency will be closer to that of an
ileostomy.
If I am a urinary diversion, I should work
almost constantly. My urine should be yellow,
adequate in volume and will contain some
mucus. If my urine becomes too concentrated
or dark, try increasing your fluid intake. If my
mucus becomes more excessive than usual, I
might have an infection. I will probably also
have an odor and you may have a fever.
Consult your physician if this happens.
If at any time, you doubt that your stoma is
functioning normally, please seek: help. The
cause neecls to be evaluated. If your problem
is a serious one, it needs to be corrected. If it
isn't serious, you will be relieved to know that
your stoma is alive and well.
~
December 2010 The Rambling Rosebud
UROSTOMY QUESTIONS
Juliane Eldridge, RN,CETN
Snohomish County WA Insights
Q. Why do urostomates occasionally notice
blue discoloration in a urostomy pouch or
overnight drainage bag?
A. Be assured there is nothing wrong with the
appliance. In recent laboratory tests
conducted by ConvaTec, the blue color was
found to be the result of normal bacterial
dec°n:'position of an essential amino acid
called tryptophan. There is no clinical
evidence, according to an article in the
American Journal of nursing, to indicate that
the production of indigo blue is harmful or
that dietary tryptophan should be limited. If
you are concerned, please talk with your
doctor. Tryptophan is part of the regular
intake of ~ietary protein. As it passes through
your system, it undergoes in a blue color when
it finallyoxides in the urostomy pouch.
Q. Why are fluids so important for the
urostomate?
A. People with urinary diversions no longer
have a storage area (bladder) for urine.
Therefore, urine should flow from the stoma
as fast as the kidneys make it. In fact, if your
urinary stoma has no drainage for even an
hour during the day, it is time for concern.
The distance from the stoma to the kidney is
markedly reduced after urinary diversion
surgery. Any external bacteria have a short
route to the kidney. As kidney infections can
OCcur rapidly - and be devastating -
prevention is essential.
Wearing clean appliances and frequent bag
emptying are vital. Equally important is
adequate fluid intake, particularly fluids which
acidify the urine and decrease problems of
8
odor. In warm weather, with increased
activity or with a fever, fluids should be
increased even more to make up for body
losses due to perspiration and increased
metabolism.
It is important that you be aware of the
symptoms of a kidney infection; elevated
temperature, chills, low back pain, decreased
urine output and cloudy, bloody, urine. Ileal
conduits normally produce mucous threads in
urine which give a cloudy appearance but
bloody urine is a danger sign.
Thirst is a great index of fluid needs. Ifyou are
thirsty, drink up! Also, develop the habit of
sampling every time you see a water fountain!
************
l asked God for a bike, but I know
God doesn't work that way.~-
So I stole a bike and asked for
. forgiveness.
************
A grandfather was delivering his
grandchildren to their home one day when a
fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front
seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog.
The children started discussing the dog's
duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said
one child.
"No," said another. "He's just for good luck."
A third child brought the argument to a
close. "They use the dogs," she said firmly,
"to find the fire hydrants." - .
 ""."'~
",,""\ ~
..1'. .i
}">,,' .' ..
December'20lO The Rambling Rosebud 9

FUTURE MEETINGS
Monthly Meetings are held on the 7th floor of Next meeting is December 2,2010
the Health Science Building.
Meetings in 2011 January 6, February 3,
Parking is available behind the Health Science March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, Aug 4,
building and can be accessed via Jennifer Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3 and Dec 1.
Road or Medical Parkway. The Building is
right next door to the Sajak Building.

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

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
 3J MOLtclQ,jlJ"e, to be JtDffM
dtnrl ad riel oJ th~ mi6~rM oJ dre-oJ,
8 U5t 3'lVI1-up jU,PPOjLtt' the, 'WO1'jt tJti.rt~j6
d\M look tor ihe, bQ6t Uttrtg6 itL.Jtemt.
- Sta.i ~r
HQJ<Z.11. 'R\('<l.
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