ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

MARYLAND
OSTOMY ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. BOX 847
GAMBRILLS, MD 21054

OFFICERS
President:

Paul Rossi
410-647-6171
268 Shakespeare Drive
Severna Park, MD 21146

Vice President Stan Novack

Secretary
Jamie Darr
Treasurer
Lyn Rowell
Webmaster: Janice Winters

410-255-6802
410-987-0094
410-672-6983

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Allyn Mellits
Joan Gardner
Ginny Gross
Stan Baker
Sandi Burnett
Bob Keller
OSTOMY ADVISERS:
Irene Repka, RN, BS, CWOCN
Michelle Perkins, RN, BS.

Were on the Web! www.annearundelostomy.com

Volume 41

Number 9

June 2015

UPCOMING MEETINGS
June 4th 2015 Will Meade, 3M Representative
July 2nd 2015 To Be Announced

Thank you Anne Arundel Medical Center for printing our newsletter.
Note: Meetings are held at 7:30pm, the first Thursday of each month at the
Belcher Pavilion at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. From the
2nd floor of the parking garage take the entrance into the Belcher Pavilion and
once inside take the elevator to the 7th floor and check with the 7th floor desk
for the room number.
If AA County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, there will be no
meeting.

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. DUES are $15 please make check out to
AACOA and mail to Stan Baker, 958 Fall Ridge Way, Gambrills MD 21054-1454

2014-2015

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: ____ Crohns ____Ulcerative Colitis _____ Cancer _____ Other__________________________
Emergency contact if we are unable to reach you: ______________________________________________________________________
What type of surgery have you had?
Colostomy
Ileostomy

Urostomy
Parent of child with

Spouse/Family Member
Other (please specify)

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

Finance
Program

Membership
Sunshine

Newsletter
Visiting

How did you hear about us?

Internet Search
Hospital

Other

Hospitality
Refreshments
ET/WOCN Nurse
Physician

A WORD OF THANKS for their constant support of our

Chapter to: Anne Arundel Medical Center for providing
rooms for our regular meetings and special events. We
appreciate their support and assistance.

Items from this newsletter may be reprinted in

other ostomy newsletters, provided proper credit
is given as to source of material
REMEMBER!!! The entrance to the Belcher Pavilion 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 September 21st at 7:30pm

OSTOMY ADVISORS FOR STOMA HELP
To consult with one of the ETs below, a physicians
referral is necessary and a fee will be charged. Call for
an appointment.

BALTIMORE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL

410-787-4578

ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER

Michelle Perkins, RN, BS, CWON

Email: mperkins@aahs.org

Laura Alberico-Klug, RN, BSN, CWON

Email: lalbericok@aahs.org
443-481-5508 / 443-481-5177

Fax: 443-481-5198

Private Consultants
Joan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN
410-932-7312

Live Well Live Independent Live Active

Hello!
At Austin Pharmacy, it is our mission to provide education and guidance to our
ostomates and their families. We pride ourselves on having the clinical expertise to aid
in problem solving. We find it is in the sharing of "best practices" that leads to happier,
healthier living. Below are some "lessons learned" that might be useful collectively.
A resourceful ostomate could not resolve his frequent leaking issues. After multiple bag
trials, a hernia support belt and a multitude of accessory products, he finally resorted to
the use of a liquid stool absorptant which stopped the leaking.

Colleen Simpson
BSN, RN, CWON

Another client with both colostomy and urostomy developed a peristomal hernia. The
peristomal hernia belt was rising up his abdomen and causing the bags to lift off. After
using a body adhesive, the belt ceased to move and he is able to use his belt again.
A urostomate's nighttime tubing would twist and kink during sleep. A multipurpose tube
holder used on the thigh to keep the tubing in place lead to more restful nights.
A woman wearing the same bag year after year could no longer remove the bag without
skin stripping. After trials of liquid barriers and removers, thin hydrocolloid strips were
placed on the skin prior to wafer application. The end result was easier removal.
These are just a few of the stories. We welcome you to share yours! Conversely, if you
are having difficulties please call us, we are here to help you live a happy, healthy life!

TOWSON

HUNT VALLEY

6729 York Road

Baltimore, MD 21212

Toll Free: 1-855-AUSTMED

Phone: 410-377-5300
Fax: 410-377-5302

M-F 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sat 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

10757 York Road

Cockeysville, MD 21030
Phone: 410-773-0300
Fax: 410-773-0301

June 2015

The Rambling Rosebud

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
As promised, this month our newsletter includes the registration form for the United Ostomy
Associations of America (UOAA) Annual Conference on page 6. This annual event offers a variety
of events that ostomates old and new can enjoy. A few of our members have attended in the past
and enjoyed the classes and activities. You can find out more about the conference at the UOAAs
website www.ostomy.org.
The UOAA also publishes a magazine called The Phoenix the magazine provides solutions to
the many challenges of living with a colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy or continent diversion.
You can find out how to subscribe at www.ostomy.org.
Paul
SOOOOHOW DO I CLEAN THIS
POUCH?
Via: Hemet-San Jacinto, CA &
Evansville Ostomy News

Editors Note this applies to those using a two

piece pouch.
If you are cleaning a drainable two-piece pouch
for reuse, use warm, rather than hot or cold
water. Cold water doesnt lift stool or urine as
readily from the plastic and the pouch is less
pliable. Hot water will cause the pouch to wear
out faster and may increase the likelihood of
odor. If you want to rinse the pouch while
youre still wearing it, use a small squirt bottle
to get the water in it, slosh it around by
holding the end and let things empty into the
toilet. Unless you have no option, its best to
remove the pouch entirely for cleaning. A bit
of ordinary dish detergent with warm water, or,
if bacteria is a concern, a bit of white vinegar
mixed with water will do the trick. Fill the
pouch with the warm water/soap/vinegar
solution and slosh it by hand over the toilet,
drain and repeat as necessary. Its not
recommended that you wash these things in the
sink- - the drains are usually too small to
handle this sort of waste and the result will not
be hygienic.
Once you have things reasonably clean, you
can hold the pouch under the bathtub faucet
and let it rinse. Tub drains are larger and so
long as you let a good flush of water follow,
and scrub the bathtub on a regular basis (which
you do anyway, right?) your bathroom will not

smell. Baking soda in the wash water and down

the drain is an excellent deodorizer. You can
hang the wet pouch by the ring on a hook to
dry or just leave it flat on a towel and it will be
ready for use the next day. The inside doesnt
have to be bone dry for use, but the outside and
ring should be. A lot of products have a thin
fabric covering on themnice against the skin
when dry but very uncomfortable if damp.
Make sure that part is dry before putting it back
on.

The correct way to weigh yourself:

I can't believe I was doing it wrong all
these years.
WE MUST SPREAD THE
WORD

Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
4

THE MID-ATLANTICS LARGEST OSTOMY DEALER

We have a dedicated group of Ostomy Supply Service Professionals that
are committed to keeping you in your active lifestyle. Northern Pharmacy
and Medical Equipment has an attentive staff that cares about your quality
of life. Make us your first step in getting back to life as it was meant to be.
After all

Weve been here for over 75 years, there must be a reason!

Our Ostomy Department provides a full range of comprehensive

services and quality products from trusted brands you can rely on.
WE OFFER:
Delivery anywhere in the United States
Free delivery available
Next day delivery is available
Large inventory of ostomy & wound care
supplies in stock (we stock an inventory of
over 5,000 boxes of supplies)
Customized hospital and clinic service
plans available
Northern Pharmacy and Medical Equipment
6701 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234
Harford Rd & Northern Parkway
www.NorthernPharmacy.com

In-house Medicare and insurance billing

specialists
Personalized pharmacy/medical supply
specialist available
Easy ordering by fax, phone, online, or
in-person.
Toll Free 24 hour hotline
Acceptance of all major credit cards

SPEAK DIRECTLY TO OUR OSTOMY SUPPLY

MANAGER: KEITH CAPPS
Phone: (410) 254 2055 x249 Fax: (443) 740 9297
kcapps@northernpharmacy.com

2015 UOAA NATIONAL CONFERENCE ST. LOUIS

September 1st 6th at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch

Registration
Name:_______________________________ Nickname: ______________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ State: ___________ Zip Code: ____________
Phone: (

)___________________ Email:__________________________________
I require special accommodations: Yes ___ No ___

Please indicate special accommodations required:________________________________________________________

I am a member of a UOAA Affiliated Support Group (ASG): Yes ___ No ___

ASG Name: __________________________ I am a virtual UOAA member: Yes ___ No ___
I am an ASG Leader: Yes ___

Title: ___________________

I will attend the ASG Leadership Academy (Wed 9/2/15 9am to 5pm): Yes ___ No ___
I have attended a UOAA National Conference in the past: Yes ___ No ___

I have a: __ Colostomy __ Ileostomy __ Urostomy __ Continent Diversion

I had my present ostomy surgery in (year) _______
I am a Medical Professional ___ Family member ___ Other ________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Please list the names of any spouse/companions or children attending

Please indicate registration selections below:

Individual: ___ X $125 = _____

Medical Professional: ___ X $125 = _____

Children 5 - 17: ___ X $25 = _____

One Day Only: ___ X $75 = _____

Spouse/Companion: ___ X $75 = _____

Fee Total = $ ______

Children under 5: ___ X FREE

Make check or money order payable to: UOAA

or complete the credit card information below:
I hereby authorize UOAA to charge my credit card in the amount of
$ _______ as payment for registration for the 2015 National Conference.
Credit Card # __________________________________ Exp Date: ___________
_____ VISA

_____ MASTERCARD

____ DISCOVER

_____ AMERICAN EXPRESS

Name on Card: _______________________________________________________

Current Date: ___________

Signature_______________________________
(Cardholder Signature)

Mail completed registration form and payment to:

82$$32%R[1RUWKILHOG01
Or register on-line at: www.ostomy.org
Questions? Call the UOAA office at 1.800.826.0826 or email: oa@ostomy.org

June 2015

The Rambling Rosebud

YOU CAN HIDE YOUR OSTOMY

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research Via the Visitor, Portland Maine, and Inside
Out Winnipeg, Manitoba

To you, the ostomy bag attached to you is

painfully obvious. When you look in the mirror,
you notice the bag under your clothes. You
might think every gurgle and noise coming from
your stoma is loud and heard by everyone in the
room.
Most people wont notice your ostomy unless
you tell them about it. As you get used to your
ostomy, youll figure out tips and tricks to keep
the bag hidden and the noises to a minimum.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

stress, breathing is deeper and one sighs more,

encouraging a greater than normal intake of air.
Dr. Richter, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts
General Hospital, states that the average person
belches about fourteen times a day. The person
with a flatulence problem does not belch more
often. However, they may experience the
sensation of needing to belch and get little relief
from doing so.
Here are some ways to relieve gas:
Avoid heavy fatty meals, especially during
stressful situations.
Reduce the quantity of food consumed at one
sitting. Eat smaller low-fat meals about every
three hours.

Empty your ostomy bag when it gets to be onethird full. That way it wont bulge under clothes.

Avoid drinking beverages out of cans or bottles

and avoid drinking through a straw.

Work with your ostomy nurse to find the ostomy

pouching system that works best for you.

Avoid foods and beverages you personally

cannot tolerate.

If youre worried about the odor when emptying

your ostomy bag, ask your ostomy nurse or visit
your medical supply store for pouch deodorants
or air sprays to minimize odor.

Avoid any practice that causes intake of air, such

as chewing gum, smoking or eating blended
foods that may contain a lot of air.

Ask a close friend or loved one whose opinion

you trust whether your ostomy bag is visible
under your clothes or if the sounds your ostomy
makes are as loud as you think they are.
Everyones body makes noises and produces
odors from time to time. While it can be
embarrassing, dont let a fear of what could go
wrong keep you from going about your day.

With the advice of your doctor or ostomy nurse,

experiment with foods in your diet to achieve
adequate bowel regularity.

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Avoid eating too many fiber foods in one meal.

Gradually add fiber foods into your diet to
prevent excessive intestinal gas.

From the GI Series Newsletters, via the Mission Ostomy

Assn of Tuscon AZ & Snohomish County Insights

Avoid skipping meals; an empty bowel

encourages small and gassy stool. Poor digestion
can often exaggerate the symptoms associated
with flatulence. Digestion enzymes aid in food
assimilation and chemical digestion. Enzyme
supplements should always be taken immediately
before or after eating. Food coats the stomach
and helps prevent gastric juices and acids from
destroying the enzyme action.

Stress is the cause of one of the most common

gastrointestinal complaints. Flatulence occurs in
people during stressful situations. While under

According to a recent survey, men say the first

thing they notice about a woman are their eyes.
And women say the first thing they notice about
men is they're a bunch of liars.

I can't choose how I feel, but I

can choose what I do about it.
STRESS AND INTESTINAL GAS