May 2013 Newsletter
Content
OFFICERS President:
Webmaster: Janice Winters Paul Rossi 410-647-6171 268 Shakespeare Drive Severna Park, MD 21146 410-255-6802 410-987-0094 410-672-6983 Melissa Blood BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Fila Joan Gardner Ginny Gross Stan Baker Allyn Mellits
Vice President Stan Novack Secretary Jamie Darr Treasurer Lyn Rowell Youth Rally Coordinator
OSTOMY ADVISERS: Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN Michelle Perkins, RN, BS. DIRECTOR EMIRITUS - Mary Lou Thomas, RN, BA, CWOCN We’re on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com
Volume 39
Number 7
May 2013
May 2, 2013 June 6, 2013
* *
Group discussion To Be Announced
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 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.
A WORD OF THANKS for their constant support of our Chapter to: The American Cancer Society, especially the office in Gambrills, for essential help with our newsletter; and Anne Arundel Medical Center for providing rooms for our regular meetings and special events. We appreciate their support and assistance. NOTICES The display, description, demonstration or distribution of products at our meetings, or in the newsletter, or by the recommendation of a member of our Association, does not constitute 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 or suggested 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 ostomy newsletters, provided proper credit is given as to source of material.
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 Carol Canada RN, BSN, CWOCN 410-787-4578 ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER Michelle Perkins, RN, BS, CWON Email: [email protected] Laura Alberico-Klug, RN, BSN, CWON Email: [email protected] 443-481-5508 / 442-481-5187 Fax: 443-481-5198
Private Consultants
Joan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN 410-932-7312
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 I-97 South 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 left at traffic light onto Medical Parkway. 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 I-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 second floor – take the elevators inside up to the 7th floor. When leaving, take the elevator the second floor and go through the doors onto the 2nd floor of the parking garage.
For
those
serving
on
the
board,
the
next
board
meeting
is
May
20th
at
7:30pm
TRANSPORTATION TO MONTHLY MEETINGS Some 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 at [email protected]. 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 able to get you a ride, but we will try.
Live Well
❖ Live Independent
❖ Live Active
Following
the
steps
that
your
ostomy
nurse
has
instructed
is
vitally
important.
As
time
lapses,
regular
and
periodic
follow-‐up
should
be
incorporated
into
your
life.
Changes
in
your
ostomy
routine
may
be
needed
due
to
aging
skin,
weight
changes,
abdominal
contour
changes
or
developing
sensitivities.
You
may
ask,
how
do
clinicians
decide
the
next
step
when
a
problem
arises?
Assessment
of
the
true
problem
is
a
complex
and
integrated
part
of
practice.
When
I
am
practicing
in
clinical
settings,
my
main
theme
is
to
reduce
complexity
and
keep
it
simple.
For
example,
many
times
the
first
line
of
defense
for
mild
peristomal
skin
irritation
is
simply
adding
a
liquid
skin
barrier.
The
products
are
designed
to
reduce
injury
to
the
skin
from
Colleen
Simpson
BSN,
RN,
CWON
mechanical
forces
(pulling
off
wafers)
or
chemical
injuries
(stool
sitting
on
Clinical
Consultant
Austin
Pharmacy
&
Medical
Supplies
the
skin).
In
addition,
moving
one
small
step
at
a
time
allows
for
evaluation
of
this
single
change.
However,
as
simple
as
it
may
be,
there
are
still
complexities
with
product
choice
and
moving
slowly
may
not
always
be
realistic.
Looking
at
skin
barriers
alone,
I
can
list
at
least
15
different
brands
off
the
top
of
my
head.
Many
times
other
products
need
to
be
added
at
the
same
time.
Regardless
of
the
level
of
complexity
needed
to
solve
a
particular
issue,
being
informed
is
important.
Asking
questions
about
your
products
like
how
to
use
them,
what
guidelines
should
be
followed,
and
how
long
are
they
needed
is
important.
At
Austin
Pharmacy
&
Medical
Supplies,
not
only
do
we
showcase
many
different
products
but
we
have
resources
to
get
you
the
answers
you
deserve.
We
have
the
products
and
professionals
to
help
you
solve
issues
and
keep
it
simple!
TOWSON
6729
York
Road
Baltimore,
MD
21212
Phone:
410-‐377-‐5300
Fax:
410-‐377-‐5302
Toll
Free:
1-‐855-‐AUSTMED
HUNT
VALLEY
10757
York
Road
Cockeysville,
MD
21030
Phone:
410-‐773-‐0300
Fax:
410-‐773-‐0301
M-‐F
9:00
a.m.
-‐
6:00
p.m.
Sat
9:00
a.m.
-‐
2:00
p.m.
May 2013
The Rambling Rosebud
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Many
thanks
to
our
very
own
Irene
Repka
who
gave
us
information
about
C
Dif.
For
those
of
you
who
were
unable
to
make
it
to
the
meeting,
C
Diff
is
short
for
Clostridium
difficile
which
in
plain
English
is
a
nasty
bacteria
and
can
affect
the
digestive
tract
with
severe
diarrhea
and
inflammation
and
can
be
very
difficult
to
treat.
Irene
stressed
the
importance
of
washing
your
hands
thoroughly
as
a
preventative
measure.
We’d
like
to
thank
Irene
for
her
presentation
–
several
members
of
our
group
have
had
personal
experience
with
this
nasty
illness.
Paul
Do not spread paste on the entire back of a barrier--it will produce less than satisfactory results. Use paste only sparingly to fill uneven areas and around the stoma. Paste is a great filler if used correctly. Use a round clothespin to roll up your tube of paste. (Works for toothpaste tubes too.)
Fun Puns -Via the Internet
Where
do
you
find
chili
beans?
At
the
North
Pole.
Who
don't
penguins
fly?
They're
not
tall
enough
to
be
pilots.
What
do
you
call
a
woman
who
stands
between
two
goal
posts?
Annette.
What
must
you
know
to
be
an
auctioneer?
Lots.
The
problem
with
money
is
that
it
is
tainted.
It
taint
yours
and
it
taint
mine.
When
a
marathon
runner
had
ill
fitting
shoes,
he
suffers
the
agony
of
defeat.
How
do
you
define
a
will?
It's
a
Dead
Giveaway.
Energizer
Bunny
arrested
-‐
charged
with
battery.
4
April 2013
The Rambling Rosebud You have learned a great lesson. Sure, you can eat nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables or corn on the cob—but common sense will now tell you in the future not to eat huge quantities of them all at the same time. Eat them in moderation, drink and chew your food better. Let me repeat: Chew your food better. Eat in moderation. Drink plenty of fluids. FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES . . . .YOUR BODY'S POWER SOURCE
By Gener Galindo, in Ostomy Observations, a publication of Nu-Hope Labs., Inc. Pacoima, CA, Via Los Angeles Ostomy News, OAB Bulletin, & Inside Out Online.
MODERATION via Hamilton, Michigan It is several months since you had your surgery, and you have adapted just fine to your new plumbing. You have a beautiful stoma. Changing your appliance is almost routine. Your skin has now adapted to the patch you apply, and you may wear your appliance four or five days before changing it. Boy, this is living again! No more pain! You can go out without worrying about bathroom locations and even your arthritis seems to bother you less (prednisone can do wonders). You accept an invitation to a party for the first time in two years and really rejoice in being out with your friends again. You drink with freedom and down quite a few handful of peanuts. You wander to the table with raw vegetables and try them again and again joining in with your friends. The dinner is delicious—including the corn on the cob. This has been a truly great night—just like old times. Two o'clock in the morning, and you haven't slept a wink. There has been a persistent pain around your stoma that won't let you sleep. And now it is getting worse. You recall that you have not had much effluent in your pouch. What you did have was mostly water. By three it is much worse and by four you are considering going to the emergency room. You remember reading about blockages, and try to remember remedies that were mentioned. You drink some warm tea, pull your knees to your chest and rock back and forth. You eat some crackers, drink some grape juice, and knead the area around the stoma. You drink some more, have a little mineral oil, get in the shower and let warm water roll down your back to relax. About the time you decide to go to the hospital, you feel a bit better. You notice that your pouch is no longer empty. When you empty your pouch, it's like pouring out a bag of peanuts in the toilet.
Just as your car's battery needs charging with water and electric force, your body demands the same. In fact, both you and your body just won't run without the proper balance of this vital power combination. Body fluid balance is particularly critical to people with urinary diversions or gastrointestinal stomas. That's because the needed surgical changes and the required compensations in body functions may accelerate changes in fluid balance and accentuate the impact of the imbalance on the ostomate's total body health. Year round awareness! Drink. . . . . Maintaining proper body fluid balance is important to everyone. It applies to well conditioned athletes engaged in rigorous competition and to more sedentary workers involved in demanding physical or mental activities or environments. It applies to females just as much as it does to males. It isn't seasonal. Extremely hot and humid summer weather stresses its need. But winter's weary physical attrition and draining illnesses create equally serious body fluid imbalances. Regulation of bodily fluid balance is the year round business of everyone. Why are electrolytes so important? Electrolytes are basic life substances that dissolve in water and conduct your vital body electricity. These charged ions are positive cations (sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) or negative anions (bicarbonate, chloride, phosphate, sulfate, organic acids, and protein compounds). Electrolytes are related to the body's water distribution, absorption, 5
April 2013
The Rambling Rosebud energy replenishment but after severe body stress will require an increased electrolyte supplement to the extra intake that the body is demanding. For ostomates, particularly those with urinary diversions or gastrointestinal stomas, it is probably beneficial to supplement your electrolyte intake not only in these special periods of body stress but also to consider a reasonable regular electrolyte supplement to your normal diet. When serious illness or surgery is the cause of body fluid/electrolyte imbalance, the physician will recommend a restorative program. But for the more common occurrences related to weather, minor illness, overwork, or exercise, there are simple home remedies you can apply. Orange juice and bananas can add potassium and vitamin C. Bouillon or canned soups will boost sodium. The important thing to remember is, don't let your body battery run low on fluid and electric force. Maintain a proper body fluid and electrolyte balance and take restorative action whenever heavy physical work, play, illness, or weather diminishes your fuel supply!
diffusion, acid base balance, and nerve and muscle reaction. The presence and balance of these Electrolytes determine just how well or poorly our body's entire system performs its complex vital functions. What causes body fluid and electrolyte deficiency? The most common causes are (1) severe or extended illness involving high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, (2) long periods of extremely hot weather and perspiration, (3) extraordinary physical exercise or work activity, and (4) extreme changes in diet or reduced fluid intake. Your body will release large amounts of body fluid through your skin, lungs, and kidneys when elevated temperatures occur. This is a natural response as a safety valve to relieve an overheated system. In the process you not only deplete normal body fluid content but also dissipate its natural balance of electrolytes and body chemistry. What does body fluid and electrolyte deficiency do to you? A very wide and differing combination of nervous and muscular disorders may occur depending both on the degree or extent of the electrolyte deficiency or whether the fluid imbalance is a deficit or an excess condition. The nature of the fluid shift within your body is also a factor. The impact can vary from small to great, from tremors to convulsions, from diarrhea to constipation, from fatigue to paralysis, from slow to rapid breathing, from low pulse rate to cardiac arrest. None of these conditions is likely to happen to you. But the important thing is that with any measurable default in your electrolyte levels or your body fluid balance you just are not going to feel like your normal self. You may feel lazy, indifferent, have a tingling sensation in your fingers, or just generally feel out of sorts. But you need not if you keep your body battery balanced with fluids and electrolyte content. What is the solution? The obvious solution is the intake of greater amounts of water and at the same time a much greater than average intake of vital electrolytes. The average person with a reasonably good diet regime may get sufficient electrolyte and fluid input for his everyday
Hints from Here and There via Tulsa OK
Emotional pressures and overfatigue can cause bowel upsets, especially when traveling. Do not allow yourself to become overtired. If you still have your rectum and have pain or a full feeling, you may have a collection of mucus which should be washed out. Check with your doctor regarding this. Buttermilk will soothe an irritated digestive tract and will not cause diarrhea or constipation. Keep grape juice in the refrigerator. If you eat something that causes a blockage, try drinking a glassful. It really works. Never wait until you've used your last appliance before ordering new ones. Keep a list of your equipment, complete with order numbers, sizes and manufacturers. Let a member of your family know where you keep the list so that they can get the necessary supplies in the event of an emergency.
6
Anne
Arundel
County
Ostomy
Association
Membership
Application
Please
Print
Full
Name
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last
First
M.I.
Address:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street
Address
Apartment/Unit
#
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip
Code
Phone:
(
)
Date
of
Birth:
Gender:
Email
Address
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason
for
surgery:
____
Crohn’s
____Ulcerative
Colitis
_____
Cancer
_____
Other__________________________
Emergency
contact
if
we
are
unable
to
reach
you:
______________________________________________________________________
To
help
us
complete
our
records,
please
answer
the
following:
What
type
of
surgery
have
you
had?
☐
Colostomy
☐
Ileostomy
☐
Finance
☐
Program
☐
Internet
Search
☐
Hospital
☐
Urostomy
☐
Parent
of
child
with
☐
Hospitality
☐
Refreshments
☐
ET/WOCN
Nurse
☐
Physician
☐
Spouse/Family
Member
☐
Other
(please
specify)
☐
Membership
☐
Sunshine
☐
Other
I
would
like
to
help
with
the
following
committee(s)
or
activities:
☐
Newsletter
☐
Visiting
How
did
you
hear
about
us?
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. Members receive The Rambling Rosebud newsletter monthly. Please complete the form and send along with your check in the amount of $15 payable to AACOA c/o Stan Baker 958 Fall Ridge Way Gambrills MD 21054-1454 Membership benefits include Monthly meetings Monthly newsletter Support information Social Events
Email any comments or questions to [email protected] Please visit our website at www.annearundelostomy.com
Webmaster: Janice Winters Paul Rossi 410-647-6171 268 Shakespeare Drive Severna Park, MD 21146 410-255-6802 410-987-0094 410-672-6983 Melissa Blood BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Fila Joan Gardner Ginny Gross Stan Baker Allyn Mellits
Vice President Stan Novack Secretary Jamie Darr Treasurer Lyn Rowell Youth Rally Coordinator
OSTOMY ADVISERS: Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN Michelle Perkins, RN, BS. DIRECTOR EMIRITUS - Mary Lou Thomas, RN, BA, CWOCN We’re on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com
Volume 39
Number 7
May 2013
May 2, 2013 June 6, 2013
* *
Group discussion To Be Announced
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 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.
A WORD OF THANKS for their constant support of our Chapter to: The American Cancer Society, especially the office in Gambrills, for essential help with our newsletter; and Anne Arundel Medical Center for providing rooms for our regular meetings and special events. We appreciate their support and assistance. NOTICES The display, description, demonstration or distribution of products at our meetings, or in the newsletter, or by the recommendation of a member of our Association, does not constitute 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 or suggested 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 ostomy newsletters, provided proper credit is given as to source of material.
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 Carol Canada RN, BSN, CWOCN 410-787-4578 ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER Michelle Perkins, RN, BS, CWON Email: [email protected] Laura Alberico-Klug, RN, BSN, CWON Email: [email protected] 443-481-5508 / 442-481-5187 Fax: 443-481-5198
Private Consultants
Joan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN 410-932-7312
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 I-97 South 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 left at traffic light onto Medical Parkway. 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 I-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 second floor – take the elevators inside up to the 7th floor. When leaving, take the elevator the second floor and go through the doors onto the 2nd floor of the parking garage.
For
those
serving
on
the
board,
the
next
board
meeting
is
May
20th
at
7:30pm
TRANSPORTATION TO MONTHLY MEETINGS Some 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 at [email protected]. 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 able to get you a ride, but we will try.
Live Well
❖ Live Independent
❖ Live Active
Following
the
steps
that
your
ostomy
nurse
has
instructed
is
vitally
important.
As
time
lapses,
regular
and
periodic
follow-‐up
should
be
incorporated
into
your
life.
Changes
in
your
ostomy
routine
may
be
needed
due
to
aging
skin,
weight
changes,
abdominal
contour
changes
or
developing
sensitivities.
You
may
ask,
how
do
clinicians
decide
the
next
step
when
a
problem
arises?
Assessment
of
the
true
problem
is
a
complex
and
integrated
part
of
practice.
When
I
am
practicing
in
clinical
settings,
my
main
theme
is
to
reduce
complexity
and
keep
it
simple.
For
example,
many
times
the
first
line
of
defense
for
mild
peristomal
skin
irritation
is
simply
adding
a
liquid
skin
barrier.
The
products
are
designed
to
reduce
injury
to
the
skin
from
Colleen
Simpson
BSN,
RN,
CWON
mechanical
forces
(pulling
off
wafers)
or
chemical
injuries
(stool
sitting
on
Clinical
Consultant
Austin
Pharmacy
&
Medical
Supplies
the
skin).
In
addition,
moving
one
small
step
at
a
time
allows
for
evaluation
of
this
single
change.
However,
as
simple
as
it
may
be,
there
are
still
complexities
with
product
choice
and
moving
slowly
may
not
always
be
realistic.
Looking
at
skin
barriers
alone,
I
can
list
at
least
15
different
brands
off
the
top
of
my
head.
Many
times
other
products
need
to
be
added
at
the
same
time.
Regardless
of
the
level
of
complexity
needed
to
solve
a
particular
issue,
being
informed
is
important.
Asking
questions
about
your
products
like
how
to
use
them,
what
guidelines
should
be
followed,
and
how
long
are
they
needed
is
important.
At
Austin
Pharmacy
&
Medical
Supplies,
not
only
do
we
showcase
many
different
products
but
we
have
resources
to
get
you
the
answers
you
deserve.
We
have
the
products
and
professionals
to
help
you
solve
issues
and
keep
it
simple!
TOWSON
6729
York
Road
Baltimore,
MD
21212
Phone:
410-‐377-‐5300
Fax:
410-‐377-‐5302
Toll
Free:
1-‐855-‐AUSTMED
HUNT
VALLEY
10757
York
Road
Cockeysville,
MD
21030
Phone:
410-‐773-‐0300
Fax:
410-‐773-‐0301
M-‐F
9:00
a.m.
-‐
6:00
p.m.
Sat
9:00
a.m.
-‐
2:00
p.m.
May 2013
The Rambling Rosebud
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Many
thanks
to
our
very
own
Irene
Repka
who
gave
us
information
about
C
Dif.
For
those
of
you
who
were
unable
to
make
it
to
the
meeting,
C
Diff
is
short
for
Clostridium
difficile
which
in
plain
English
is
a
nasty
bacteria
and
can
affect
the
digestive
tract
with
severe
diarrhea
and
inflammation
and
can
be
very
difficult
to
treat.
Irene
stressed
the
importance
of
washing
your
hands
thoroughly
as
a
preventative
measure.
We’d
like
to
thank
Irene
for
her
presentation
–
several
members
of
our
group
have
had
personal
experience
with
this
nasty
illness.
Paul
Do not spread paste on the entire back of a barrier--it will produce less than satisfactory results. Use paste only sparingly to fill uneven areas and around the stoma. Paste is a great filler if used correctly. Use a round clothespin to roll up your tube of paste. (Works for toothpaste tubes too.)
Fun Puns -Via the Internet
Where
do
you
find
chili
beans?
At
the
North
Pole.
Who
don't
penguins
fly?
They're
not
tall
enough
to
be
pilots.
What
do
you
call
a
woman
who
stands
between
two
goal
posts?
Annette.
What
must
you
know
to
be
an
auctioneer?
Lots.
The
problem
with
money
is
that
it
is
tainted.
It
taint
yours
and
it
taint
mine.
When
a
marathon
runner
had
ill
fitting
shoes,
he
suffers
the
agony
of
defeat.
How
do
you
define
a
will?
It's
a
Dead
Giveaway.
Energizer
Bunny
arrested
-‐
charged
with
battery.
4
April 2013
The Rambling Rosebud You have learned a great lesson. Sure, you can eat nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables or corn on the cob—but common sense will now tell you in the future not to eat huge quantities of them all at the same time. Eat them in moderation, drink and chew your food better. Let me repeat: Chew your food better. Eat in moderation. Drink plenty of fluids. FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES . . . .YOUR BODY'S POWER SOURCE
By Gener Galindo, in Ostomy Observations, a publication of Nu-Hope Labs., Inc. Pacoima, CA, Via Los Angeles Ostomy News, OAB Bulletin, & Inside Out Online.
MODERATION via Hamilton, Michigan It is several months since you had your surgery, and you have adapted just fine to your new plumbing. You have a beautiful stoma. Changing your appliance is almost routine. Your skin has now adapted to the patch you apply, and you may wear your appliance four or five days before changing it. Boy, this is living again! No more pain! You can go out without worrying about bathroom locations and even your arthritis seems to bother you less (prednisone can do wonders). You accept an invitation to a party for the first time in two years and really rejoice in being out with your friends again. You drink with freedom and down quite a few handful of peanuts. You wander to the table with raw vegetables and try them again and again joining in with your friends. The dinner is delicious—including the corn on the cob. This has been a truly great night—just like old times. Two o'clock in the morning, and you haven't slept a wink. There has been a persistent pain around your stoma that won't let you sleep. And now it is getting worse. You recall that you have not had much effluent in your pouch. What you did have was mostly water. By three it is much worse and by four you are considering going to the emergency room. You remember reading about blockages, and try to remember remedies that were mentioned. You drink some warm tea, pull your knees to your chest and rock back and forth. You eat some crackers, drink some grape juice, and knead the area around the stoma. You drink some more, have a little mineral oil, get in the shower and let warm water roll down your back to relax. About the time you decide to go to the hospital, you feel a bit better. You notice that your pouch is no longer empty. When you empty your pouch, it's like pouring out a bag of peanuts in the toilet.
Just as your car's battery needs charging with water and electric force, your body demands the same. In fact, both you and your body just won't run without the proper balance of this vital power combination. Body fluid balance is particularly critical to people with urinary diversions or gastrointestinal stomas. That's because the needed surgical changes and the required compensations in body functions may accelerate changes in fluid balance and accentuate the impact of the imbalance on the ostomate's total body health. Year round awareness! Drink. . . . . Maintaining proper body fluid balance is important to everyone. It applies to well conditioned athletes engaged in rigorous competition and to more sedentary workers involved in demanding physical or mental activities or environments. It applies to females just as much as it does to males. It isn't seasonal. Extremely hot and humid summer weather stresses its need. But winter's weary physical attrition and draining illnesses create equally serious body fluid imbalances. Regulation of bodily fluid balance is the year round business of everyone. Why are electrolytes so important? Electrolytes are basic life substances that dissolve in water and conduct your vital body electricity. These charged ions are positive cations (sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) or negative anions (bicarbonate, chloride, phosphate, sulfate, organic acids, and protein compounds). Electrolytes are related to the body's water distribution, absorption, 5
April 2013
The Rambling Rosebud energy replenishment but after severe body stress will require an increased electrolyte supplement to the extra intake that the body is demanding. For ostomates, particularly those with urinary diversions or gastrointestinal stomas, it is probably beneficial to supplement your electrolyte intake not only in these special periods of body stress but also to consider a reasonable regular electrolyte supplement to your normal diet. When serious illness or surgery is the cause of body fluid/electrolyte imbalance, the physician will recommend a restorative program. But for the more common occurrences related to weather, minor illness, overwork, or exercise, there are simple home remedies you can apply. Orange juice and bananas can add potassium and vitamin C. Bouillon or canned soups will boost sodium. The important thing to remember is, don't let your body battery run low on fluid and electric force. Maintain a proper body fluid and electrolyte balance and take restorative action whenever heavy physical work, play, illness, or weather diminishes your fuel supply!
diffusion, acid base balance, and nerve and muscle reaction. The presence and balance of these Electrolytes determine just how well or poorly our body's entire system performs its complex vital functions. What causes body fluid and electrolyte deficiency? The most common causes are (1) severe or extended illness involving high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, (2) long periods of extremely hot weather and perspiration, (3) extraordinary physical exercise or work activity, and (4) extreme changes in diet or reduced fluid intake. Your body will release large amounts of body fluid through your skin, lungs, and kidneys when elevated temperatures occur. This is a natural response as a safety valve to relieve an overheated system. In the process you not only deplete normal body fluid content but also dissipate its natural balance of electrolytes and body chemistry. What does body fluid and electrolyte deficiency do to you? A very wide and differing combination of nervous and muscular disorders may occur depending both on the degree or extent of the electrolyte deficiency or whether the fluid imbalance is a deficit or an excess condition. The nature of the fluid shift within your body is also a factor. The impact can vary from small to great, from tremors to convulsions, from diarrhea to constipation, from fatigue to paralysis, from slow to rapid breathing, from low pulse rate to cardiac arrest. None of these conditions is likely to happen to you. But the important thing is that with any measurable default in your electrolyte levels or your body fluid balance you just are not going to feel like your normal self. You may feel lazy, indifferent, have a tingling sensation in your fingers, or just generally feel out of sorts. But you need not if you keep your body battery balanced with fluids and electrolyte content. What is the solution? The obvious solution is the intake of greater amounts of water and at the same time a much greater than average intake of vital electrolytes. The average person with a reasonably good diet regime may get sufficient electrolyte and fluid input for his everyday
Hints from Here and There via Tulsa OK
Emotional pressures and overfatigue can cause bowel upsets, especially when traveling. Do not allow yourself to become overtired. If you still have your rectum and have pain or a full feeling, you may have a collection of mucus which should be washed out. Check with your doctor regarding this. Buttermilk will soothe an irritated digestive tract and will not cause diarrhea or constipation. Keep grape juice in the refrigerator. If you eat something that causes a blockage, try drinking a glassful. It really works. Never wait until you've used your last appliance before ordering new ones. Keep a list of your equipment, complete with order numbers, sizes and manufacturers. Let a member of your family know where you keep the list so that they can get the necessary supplies in the event of an emergency.
6
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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. Members receive The Rambling Rosebud newsletter monthly. Please complete the form and send along with your check in the amount of $15 payable to AACOA c/o Stan Baker 958 Fall Ridge Way Gambrills MD 21054-1454 Membership benefits include Monthly meetings Monthly newsletter Support information Social Events
Email any comments or questions to [email protected] Please visit our website at www.annearundelostomy.com
