© 2012 Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Area Ostomy Support Group #171, Inc. — an affiliate of UOAA, Inc.
www.iowaostomy.org
Our 40th Year! Serving Ostomates of Eastern Iowa since 1972
Welcome!
The Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Area
Ostomy Support Group is dedicated
to providing information, advocacy
and service to our members, their
caregivers, and to the intestinal and
urinary diversion community at large.
Our local chapter
We meet regularly to share
experiences, provide mutual support
and learn about the latest products
and information for ostomy, urostomy
and intestinal diversions.
Meetings are held at area hospitals,
and involve informal round-table
discussions on topics of interest, new
product demonstrations, occasional
guest speakers, and a question and
answer session with one of the local
WOC nurses. Families and friends of
ostomy and intestinal diversion
patients are always welcome to
attend.
December 2012
Holiday Party and
Support Group Meeting
Join us for a fun evening on
Tuesday, December 11 at 6:00 pm
for our annual Holiday Party and
support group meeting. We’ll meet
at Ryan’s Buffet, 230 Collins Rd. NE
in Cedar Rapids.
Each person pays for their own food, and we gather in their party
room to eat together, have a short business meeting, and play a
gift exchange game. Bring a wrapped gift ($5 limit) if you’d like to
play.
Last year we also had an ostomy “stocking” decorating contest.
You never know what Kimberly will come up with for entertainment
this year! Family and friends welcome, of course. Please note the
earlier start time. If you can’t make it by 6:00pm, come whenever
you can make it.
For more information about the
local chapter, contact us at 319-2107731, at www.iowaostomy.org, or find
us on Facebook.
The U.O.A.A.
The United Ostomy Associations of
America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. The UOAA serves to
unify and strengthen ostomy support
groups in America.
Message from Kimberly Cay, group coordinator
Our 40th Anniversary year is coming to a close. The August
meeting was fun and educational. We had two new ostomates join
UOAA services include: Advocacy •
Non-profit Status • Conferences • The us and I sincerely hope that they found the meeting informative
Phoenix magazine • Toll-free Help
and useful and plan to return. We had a pharmacist talk about
and Referral Line • Special Interest
Groups • Ostomy Community Liaison nutrition and the usefulness of supplements. American eating
habits have been a news item for a while. The pharmacist was
For more information, contact the
able to give us some information to help us make decisions on how
UOAA at 800-826-0826, or at
best to feed our bodies for optimal health.
www.uoaa.org.
“Seize the Opportunity”
I was inspired to keep track of how much I spent on food for
Continued on page 2
Continued from page 1
a month and compare my results with the
statistics that the pharmacist presented. Her
single source of information stated that most
Americans spend <10% of their income on food.
I found that I spent 12% of my net income on
food. Guess I’m not average, but I challenge
you to take a closer look at what
you spend on food, what you
are eating, and evaluate for
yourselves if any change should
be made.
If you found the information
on supplements intriguing, I
urge you to do some
research of your own and never take someone
else’s opinion as fact.
October 6th was World Ostomy Day but
we are saving our efforts to assist the Iowa
Affiliate of Wound, Ostomy and Continence
Nurses Society (WOCN) who are planning to
hold their Ostomy Education Day in Cedar
Rapids next year. In prior years it has been
held in Des Moines, but in 2013 St. Luke’s
Hospital in Cedar Rapids will have the pleasure
of hosting the day next Spring, on April 20th .
I would like our group to
get involved in this project. They
will need help setting up tables,
cleaning up, and ushers to direct
people to the exhibits. I would
also like to make a tri-fold
static display of some sort
to promote our group. Please
bring suggestions and ideas to
our December party meeting.
Please save Saturday, April 20th,
2013 and volunteer to help if you can.
Summer is over and the
year of our 40th anniversary as a
support group is coming to an end but not
before we have one more celebration. Please
join us for a wonderful buffet, fellowship and fun
on Tuesday, December 11th at 6:00 pm at
Ryan’s Buffet, 230 Collins Rd. NE in Cedar
Rapids.
We will meet in their party room at the
back of the restaurant.
If you’d like to participate in
the gift exchange game,
bring a $5 gift, wrapped and
ready to pass around. We
will also have our ‘stocking’
decorating contest and will
vote for the winner, who will receive a gift card
from Wal-mart. Plan to bring family, kids and
friends; this is a fun time and we would love to
meet your loved ones.
Also during our party
meeting in December we will
be discussing the future of
our group and the direction
that the members want it to
take it. I have been the coordinator for the past
two years and have enjoyed planning and
facilitating the meetings. I have an opportunity
The SHORT CIRCUIT is the official newsletter of the Cedar Rapids / Iowa
City Area Ostomy Support Group #171, and is published 6 times per year. It is
edited by Carol Haack. Copies are emailed to members, and are also available
on our website at www.iowaostomy.org. We will gladly mail copies to
anyone without internet access.
If you have a newsletter suggestion or article, please email it to
[email protected], or send it to:
Officers of the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City
Area Ostomy Support Group #171 are:
Kimberly Cay, Group Coordinator
319-210-7731 (evenings)
[email protected] (email)
CR / IC Ostomy Support Group
c/o Vicki Kee
P.O. Box 5227
Coralville, IA 52241
Vicki Kee, Treasurer
P.O. Box 5227
Coralville, IA 52241
319-335-4822 (daytime)
[email protected] (email)
Our WEBSITE is www.iowaostomy.org. It contains helpful information,
meeting schedules, archived editions of the SHORT CIRCUIT, ostomy-related
books that we recommend, and a link to Amazon.com, which pays our group
commission each time a purchase is made though our website. Page 2
Carol Haack, Newsletter Editor
319-530-6749 (anytime)
[email protected] (email)
Continued from page 2
Message from Kimberly, continued
to change what I am doing to earn a living and
am contemplating taking the plunge and using
this time to make a really big change. This will
necessitate my leaving behind some of the
activities that I enjoy to begin new ones.
I have every intention of being at the
January meeting in Iowa City and am excited
about adding this second meeting in addition to
the one which is hosted by Mercy Hospital in
Iowa City during June.
Our new schedule will give ostomates
seven opportunities during the year to support,
and be supported by, other ostomates.
This is something that we all need to
think about – if there is anyone in the group who
would like to assume the simple
and limited duties of coordinator
for our group.
I will be happy
to work with
whomever steps
up to fill this
important position,
whether it is one individual, or several sharing
the responsibility throughout the year.
January
February
April
June
August
October
December
Mercy, Iowa City
Mercy, Cedar Rapids
St. Luke’s, Cedar Rapids
Mercy, Iowa City
Mercy, Cedar Rapids
St. Luke’s, Cedar Rapids
Holiday Party
Thank you all very much for your support
from the past couple of years. Happy Holidays!
Kimberly
Please be ready to discuss this for a few
minutes, and vote on it, at the party on
December 11th.
Page 3
Mark your calendar…..
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 6:00 pm.
Holiday Party and support group meeting.
Ryan’s Buffet 230 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
319-377-9722. Note earlier time!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 , 6:30 pm.
Support Group meeting Mercy Medical Plaza,
Iowa City (note this is an additional Iowa City
meeting for 2013.)
Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 6:30 pm.
Support Group meeting Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids
Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 6:30 pm.
Support Group meeting St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids
Room163 (ground floor behind the gift shop)
Saturday, April 20, 2013
IBD Patient Education Conference, Mercy Medical Center, Des
Moines
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Ostomy Patient Education Day, sponsored by Iowa affiliate
WOCN, to be held in Cedar Rapids!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 6:30 pm.
Support Group meeting Mercy Medical Plaza, Iowa City
August 7 - 10, 2013
UOAA Conference, Jacksonville, FL.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 6:30 pm.
Support Group meeting Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids
Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 6:30 pm.
Support Group meeting St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids
Room163 (ground floor behind the gift shop)
Meeting cancellations — If it becomes necessary to cancel a support group meeting due to weather conditions, the
information will be posted on our website: www.iowaostomy.org. If you receive the Short Circuit via email, you will also
receive an email notice of cancelations. If you suspect a meeting will be cancelled because of inclement weather but
don’t have access to email, just give Kimberly, Carol or Vicki a call to find out the status of the meeting. Phone numbers
are at the bottom of page 2.
Contact information… looking for information on ostomy products or ostomy –
related organizations?
Manufacturers - most have an ostomy nurse on staff to answer your
questions about products. They’ll even send you free samples to try!
Coloplast
888-726-7872 www.us.coloplast.com
ConvaTec
800-422-8811 www.convatec.com
CyMed
800-582-0707 www.cymed-ostomy.com
Hollister
800-323-4060 www.hollister.com
Marlen
800-321-0591 www.marlenmfg.com
Nu Hope
800-899-5017 www.nu-hope.com
Suppliers - will send a free catalog featuring many brands of ostomy
supplies. A great way to compare products!
AOS Medical Supply
800-858-5858 www.mmsmedical.com/aos
Byram Healthcare
877-902-9726 www.byramhealthcare.com
Duke Medical Supply 888-678-6692 www.dukemedicalsupply.com
Edgepark Medical
800-321-0591 www.edgepark.com
Liberty Medical
888-844-2651 www.libertymedical.com
SGV Medical
800-395-6099 www.sgvmedical.com
Page 4
American Cancer Society
800-227-2345 www.cancer.org
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
800-343-3637 www.ccfa.org
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide
www.fowusa.org
Osto Group free product for the uninsured
877-678-6690 www.ostogroup.org
United Ostomy Associations of America
800-826-0826 www.ostomy.org
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses
Society 800-224-9626 www.wocn.org
U.O.A.A. National News...
A look at what’s happening at the
national level — reprinted with permission from UOAA
UOAA UPDATE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We are b1usy preparing things for next year’s upcoming
Conference and we encourage ALL of you to come to
Jacksonville, FL and be part of the celebration. Put the “you” in
UOAA by attending and see what exactly the UOAA can offer
you.
I would like to congratulate all the winners of the election and I
expect their contributions to benefit the board.:
Renee Rodak – Treasurer
Esten Gose – Secretary
Jim Moore – Director
Jim Murray – Director
Dear Friends,
Friends of Ostomates Worldwide USA (FOW-USA) has
recently moved our warehouse to a new location in Louisville,
KY.
I also look forward to working closely with other candidates
who may not have won now but who may pursue an office in
the future. We STILL want you to participate with us and we
STILL need your input.
JENNIFER JAFF, Esq.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of
Jennifer Jaff, Esq., founder and Executive Director of
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc. As you know
Jennifer helped many members of your support groups with
discrimination issues in the workplace and with insurance
companies. Jennifer not only served the ostomy community but
she also worked tirelessly for all who suffered from chronic
diseases. The charity that she founded will continue to help
those with chronic illnesses. We send our deepest condolences
to her family and friends.
FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Follow the UOAA on Facebook and Twitter. Currently we have
1570 “likes” on Facebook and 251 people are following us on
Twitter. Go to Facebook.com/uoaainc and Twitter.com/UOAA
and join the crowd!
2013 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
As many of you are aware we are a volunteer run organization
that collect donated ostomy supplies to ship to needy ostomates
in developing countries. We have been fortunate to ship to over
71 countries supplies of more than 270, 000 pounds with a
current value of $13.5 million. We were able to do this as a
result of friends such as yourself or your organization. For this
we are truly grateful.
We need donated ostomy supplies; especially pediatric supplies
as well as financial contributions to continue our mission of
helping ostomates in need. Please note that we cannot take
expired supplies (check boxes for dates) or liquids.
Supplies and financial contributions should be sent to our new
warehouse:
FOW-USA
4018 Bishop Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
We are hard at work on the details of the 2013 UOAA National
Conference to be held on August 7 – 10, 2013 in Jacksonville
FL. Watch our website, www.ostomy.org for more information.
Registration will be available on the website after Janaury 1st!
2013 COLONDAR
The 2013 Colondar is the latest calendar released by The Colon
Club to show that NOBODY is immune to colon rectal cancer.
It features 12 young colon rectal cancer survivors from coast to
coast who were diagnosed under the traditional age of 50. The
UOAA is proud to sponsor AUGUST. To get your copy call the
UOAA office at 800-826-0826 or email Deb at [email protected].
The cost is $10 which includes postage.
Thank you,
Thank you to all those Affiliated Support Groups who are
already helping FOW-USA by sending supplies and
contributions. We value your support and commitment to
ostomates around the world.
Kindest Regards,
Judith Morey APN, CWOCN
Secretary FOW-USA
Dave Rudzin
President
Page 5
Articles of Interest...
Newsletter articles obtained from various sources. If necessary, please
check with your health care provider before using these tips.
FLU & OSTOMY
By Anne Marie Knudsen, CWON,MN,CNS,CFCN, UOAA UPDATE
11/12
FACTS about the FLU: the Flu is caused by a virus
spreading from an infected person to the nose and throat
of others. Symptoms usually appear within 2-3 days after
being infected. A person with a fever is considered
contagious for another 3-4 days. Here in the US the flu
season generally run from November to April. Flu
symptoms include chills, fever, dry irritated cough, nasal
congestion, a sore throat, muscle aches, pain and
headache. For a frail and susceptible elderly person
complications can lead to hospitalization related to
pneumonia. Rarely death can occur.
medication including laxatives without being
prescribed by a doctor, as they have no effect on viruses
and can change the balance of the gut and cause severe
diarrhea. For the Colostomate the diet needs to change
while recovering from the flu. Eat a fiber free diet and
then gradually move towards a regular normal diet. DO
NOT IRRIGATE WHILE HAVING DIARRHEA AND DO
NOT TAKE LAXATIVES. Some drugs and specific foods
can cause constipation in colostomates. This can be
prevented by increasing your fluid intake.
Ileostomates:
Diarrhea presents a big problem. In addition to causing
excessive discharge a person with an ileostomy can risk
an electrolyte imbalance. Most importantly POTASSIUM
must be kept within safe levels.
If vomiting and
dehydration becomes an issue the iIeostomate must go to
the ER sooner rather than later. It cannot be stressed
how important it is to go to the ER as an ileostomate
cannot hydrate oneself fast enough.
Who should get the Flu shot? All people over 65,
women pregnant or breastfeeding, healthcare givers and
patients with chronic medical conditions like asthma;
immune deficiency or heart disease.
It is also
recommended that students get the flu shot. It is a myth
when people state they got the flu from the flu shot. Flu
vaccine contains NO LIVE VIRUS which means it is
impossible to get the flu from the flu shot.
It is recommended to drink Ginger Ale, bouillon, and
either Gatorade or Pedialyte.
Always ensure the
symptoms are related to the Flu and not Gastritis.
Why do we need the flu shot every year? For the simple
reason that the flu virus keeps changing and the vaccine
must be changed, too. Flu shots only protect for 1 year.
The flu shot is 90% effective against type A & B Influenza;
but remember there can be different strands which means
if one does get the flu the symptoms will be milder
compared to not having gotten the flu shot.
Any ostomate:
Always protect the abdominal muscles if coughing or
sneezing as a parastomal hernia can develop. A support
belt can make a difference.
THINGS TO DO IF YOU GET THE FLU:
First of all drink plenty of fluids, and rest. Take some
Ibuprofen or Tylenol for fever and pain. Wash your hands
frequently and use Kleenex versus a handkerchief. Keep
your hands off your face except for eating and daily
hygiene. Rinse the nasal cavities with warm salt water or
a steam bath with chamomile since these are soothing
and will open the nostrils and bring down the viral
population.
Boost the immune system with foods rich in vitamin C.
You should take at least 1000 mg daily and supplement
Zinc 15-20 mg. to boost the absorption of vitamin C.
Finally drink as many many warm liquids as possible as
the warm liquid will produce a wash off, proliferating the
virus from the throat to the stomach. Because of the high
acidic content of the stomach the virus will not be able to
survive.
WHAT to do as an Ostomate with the Flu:
Ostomates must take special care not to take any
Page 6
Urostomates:
Follow the same special care and make sure to protect
the kidneys. Prompt attention of distress from the Flu will
make a difference.
General Information:
Always have Lomotil and/or Imodium plain or ES (extra
strength) available. Imodium is by far the better choice as
it does not contain Atropine or Anti-cholinergics which can
have ramifications with many medications as well as side
effects.
Pouch options with the Flu:
If you have a closed pouch switch to a drainable one and
finally if you do get excoriated or raw peristomal skin, use
Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta or Maalox and dab it onto the
raw skin areas and blow dry on low until a white dry crust
is seen. One can pouch on top of the white crust and the
raw skin will be healed within 24 hours.
Always try to have a variety of pouches available at all
times. Simply contact your vendors and ask for free
samples.
Get your Flu shot ---- it is worth it.
Articles of Interest...
Newsletter articles obtained from various sources. If necessary, please
check with your health care provider before using these tips.
Although these are not the most palatable treatments, these
dosage forms ensure that the medication prescribed will be
absorbed.
The Overactive Ileostomy
Edited by Bobbie Brewer UOAA UPDATE 11/12
An overactive ileostomy can result from a variety of
problems. If the small bowel is inflamed due to Crohn‘s,
output will be profuse. If there is a narrowing of the small
bowel close to the stoma, where the ileostomy goes through
the abdominal wall, a pressure backup can lead to
explosive high output.
After ileostomy surgery, never take laxatives. For a
person who has an ileostomy, taking laxatives can cause a
severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Transit time varies with individuals. If food passes through
undigested, be aware that this may be a sign that the
nutrients are not being absorbed properly. Prolonged
incidences of decreased absorption may lead to various subclinical or clinical nutritional deficiencies.
Any food that has a laxative effect should be eliminated or,
at best, kept to a minimum. People with lactose intolerance
will have a high output if they use any kind of milk product,
including powdered milk, which is found in many prepared
foods.
Ostomy Surgery and Depression
Excessive drinking of fluids will also increase the ileostomy
output. An ostomate who has had their gallbladder removed
may have increased output. Medicines to counteract bile
salts can be used if the problem is related to gallbladder
removal. Many prescriptions and OTC drugs list diarrhea as
a side effect.
Sleeplessness, loss of appetite, feelings of guilt or
worthlessness, or irritability are some of the symptoms of
depression. It can be triggered by the inability to
participate in normal daily pleasurable activities, or by
a sense of helplessness and lack of control over
your body. Medications, stress, malnutrition, anesthesia,
or metabolic imbalance can also cause depression.
The ileostomate should work with his or her physician to
evaluate the problem. Once disease can be ruled out,
therapeutic emphasis can be placed on diet, and utilizing
foods that decrease output.
Ileostomy Absorption Concerns
UOAA Diet and Nutrition Care Guide, Edited by Bobbie Brewer, UOAA
UPDATE 11/12
Due to the absence of the colon and often altered transit
time through the small intestine, the type of medication
taken must be carefully considered when prescribing for
the person with an ileostomy. Medications in the form of
coated tablets or time-release capsules may not be
absorbed and therefore, no benefit received. A large
number of medications are prepared this way. Before the
prescription is written, the patient with an ileostomy
should inform the physician of his concern.
If the medication required is available only in a certain
form, and the coating would not be destroyed by stomach
juices, then the tablet may be crushed between two spoons
and taken with water. (Note: check with your pharmacist
to determine if the pill should be crushed).
The best type of medication for the person with an ileostomy
is either in the form of uncoated tablets or in liquid form.
Page 7
Edited by Bobbie Brewer, UOAA UPDATE 11/12
Patients who base their self-esteem on their physical
appearance, or their “always in control” take-charge
character, or their good Samaritan (always the helper or
problem solver) behavior, may have a harder time
dealing with their disease, their ostomy, their lack of
control over their bodies, and their need to depend on
others for help, even if only temporarily.
Constantly tired from efforts to cope with daily household
or work routines while learning to adapt to the physical
requirements from the addition of an ostomy to your
body, leaves little energy for enjoyment of leisure activities
or romantic involvement. It takes us some time to return to
our normal lifestyle. So relax—do what you are capable of
doing at this time, and do not try to rush things. You have
had enough pain and deserve a vacation.
Give yourself a year for a good recovery and if it should
happen to take a lot less time, consider yourself a very
lucky person. In the meantime, do what you have to do in
whatever way you are capable of doing it, but do not give
more than a passing thought to the things you cannot do
right now. You might have to take some shortcuts, do
some improvising, or indulge in some healthy neglect. Do
not be bashful about asking for and accepting help.
You would do the same for someone else if they
needed help.
Some patients conceal their ostomy from their spouse,
families or lovers because they fear rejection, feel
shame or embarrassment, are modest or have noticed
Articles of Interest...
Newsletter articles obtained from various sources. If necessary, please
check with your health care provider before using these tips.
evidence of disgust. This results in feelings of isolation,
depression and chronic anxiety. Most ostomates need
a few months before they feel secure about being
accepted. Join the crowd!! You are not alone! We all go
through this.
toward rebuilding emotional health and toward becoming
comfortable with your new image.
Your spouse may have greater emotional hang-ups than you,
concerns that may be magnified by concerns for your
emotional health. Your own positive attitude goes far in
rebuilding the relationship and rekindling the "old spark”.
Signs of Depression:
Physical – aches or pains, or other physical complaints
that seem to have no physical basis. Marked change in
appetite; change in sleep patterns, and fatigue.
Emotional – pervasive sadness; anxiety; apathy; crying
for no reason and indifference.
POUCH STUFF
Changes in Behavior – neglect of personal
appearance; withdrawal from others; increased use of
alcohol/drugs; increased irritability and restlessness.
Edited by Bobbie Brewer, UOAA UPDATE 11/2012
Paste…
A skin barrier paste is used to “caulk” around the
stoma or to fill in uneven skin surfaces. Not
everyone needs to use it.
Changes in Thoughts – feelings of hopelessness/
worthlessness; inappropriate or excess guilt;
forgetfulness and inability to make decisions to
take action.
(Note: There are some cases of depression which can
benefit most from professional help. Do not hesitate to
ask your doctor.)
Self-Acceptance: A Must for
Restoring Intimacy
A little dab will do you. Use only a small bead of
paste (not toothpaste size.)
When using paste around the stoma, apply to the
pouch rather than the skin and allow it to dry
for one minute before touching so it will not
stick to your finger.
Pouch Security…
If you use a 2 piece system, the pouch may not be
totally secured when you snap it on and could
fall off when it’s half full. Make sure the pouch
is snapped to the flange securely by snapping
it together at the bottom and working your way
to the top. Give a little tug on the pouch to test
its lock, but make sure you hold the wafer so
you don’t break the seal.
Edited by B. Brewer, UOAA UPDATE 11/12
Frequently, among the first things to enter a recovering
patient's mind after major surgery is: "Will I be a whole
person in the eyes of my spouse/partner?
Accepting one‘s self is the first step toward a happier
relationship and sex life (at any time, for that matter!). By
accepting one's self, one appears as an emotionally
well-balanced and relaxed person, which is very
appealing to his or her spouse/partner. When one has
fear of rejection, fear of being unable to perform, fear of
being loved, these fears can be self-fulfilling.
Don’t be afraid to take a shower without your
pouch. Soap cannot hurt the stoma, however,
rinse well (and rinse again). After bathing with
the pouch off, pat dry and allow a few seconds
to close the pores before putting on a new
wafer.
Wear your pouch inside your underwear for
support. FOR MEN: try jockey-type shorts.
FOR WOMEN: try brief panties with some
lycra (light stretch) to the material.
A healthy, mutual, emotional caring for and about each
other's well-being, always plays the most important role in a
loving relationship.
Another most important ingredient is openness, a
comfortable attitude which accompanies self-acceptance
and invites acceptance by the spouse.
Miscellaneous…
If you are staying overnight, consider carrying a
“chuck pad” with plastic backing for your piece
of mind. Put it on the bed and now you have
no need to worry about night time leaks.
If you are concerned about how your spouse will react to
the change in your body, that is normal. The hardest part
is accepting what you cannot change, but you must for a
healthy outlook. Once you manage to banish fear of
rejection and the anger of "Why me”? You can work
Always carry an extra replacement pouching
Page 8
Articles of Interest...
Newsletter articles obtained from various sources. If necessary, please
check with your health care provider before using these tips.
system in case you spring a leak while away
from home, and always carry extra clips in
case you drop one in the toilet.
Some men with excessive hair find it painful to
remove the wafer/barrier. Shaving with an
electric razor or trimming hairs with scissors is
helpful.
If you do not use pre-cut wafers try using a seam
ripper (for fabric) for cutting the size you need
for barriers/wafers.
Put skin prep (spray or wipe) around the inner
edge of the wafer to help prevent the wafer
from “melting” away too quickly.
Don’t expect to get the same pouch wear time in
the summer months.
Sew or purchase a pouch cover if the plastic pouch
against your skin is uncomfortable.
If you participate in very active sports, use a 10”
strip of 2 inch tape to secure the pouch and
barrier/wafer to your abdomen (picture frame).
Ziplock sandwich bags are useful and odor-proof
for disposing of used ostomy pouches.
Stoma and Skin Stuff
Edited by Bobbie Brewer UOAA UPDATE 11/12
Stoma…
Your stoma should be rosy red. Use a hand mirror for a
better view of your stoma.
Don’t allow anything to be put in your stoma without your
doctor’s personal supervision. Question any procedure
that intrudes upon the stoma including suppositories.
Re-measure your stoma to ensure the correct size of
pouch and skin opening. The stoma will shrink in the first
few months after surgery.
Spot bleeding often occurs during cleaning and pouch
changing. Tiny capillaries are easily damaged and just as
easily repair themselves. This is common to all
ostomates. Prolonged bleeding, increased amounts of
bleeding, or very easy bleeding may indicate another
problem and should be reported to your doctor.
If you participate in contact sports, cover your stoma with
a “cap or shield” that are available from national
manufacturers.
Skin…
Make sure your peristomal skin is clean and dry before
applying the pouch. It is not necessary to use sterile
Page 9
supplies. Your peristomal skin is not sterile.
Keep the skin clean with water. If necessary, use mild
soap (avoid oil based soap or soap containing lotion) and
rinse very well. Pat dry before applying the skin barrier or
pouch.
Skin must be perfectly dry to receive and hold the
pouching system. If your pouch doesn’t stick well, are you
applying it right after showering in a high-humidity
bathroom?
Skin rash or itchy skin may need to be checked out by
your ostomy nurse. It may be a fungal rash or allergic
reaction that needs topical medication. Allow your skin to
be perfectly dry before applying your new pouching
system. You might want to use a hair dryer on cool
setting.
If you are prone to fungal infections, don’t use
antibacterial soap as this will alter the flora on your skin in
favor of the fungus.
Many times any skin irritation will clear up under the
pouch but prolonged wearing may cause the skin to break
down again. Change the pouch regularly.
If you cut your center holes, save the leftover pieces and
use them to fill in any skin indentations around the stoma
underneath the wafer.
Some men find it necessary to shave around their stoma.
They find that electric razors are better for the skin.
Protect the stoma when shaving.
The Most Powerful Prescription
UOAA UPDATE 11/12
A positive attitude toward negative situations is one of the
most powerful forces in the world.
It not only affects how we respond to hardships and
difficulties, it can actually help to change the outcome.
This can be seen first- hand in many ostomates and other
people who have overcome potentially devastating
diseases and gone on to lead full, productive, happy lives.
The physical aspect of life may be compromised greatly
by illness or surgery, but with a positive mental attitude
and a willingness to let go of self-pity and bitterness, life
goes on and can even be enriched by a painful traumatic
experience.
Cedar Rapids / Iowa City
Area Ostomy Support Group #171, Inc.
P.O. Box 5227
Coralville, IA 52241
Holiday Party and Meeting
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Ryan’s Buffet, 230 Collins Rd.
Cedar Rapids, IA