?#,$0+1 43 4562 7 @$ 0+ 9''$A'#+B Note: Meetings are held at 7:30pm, the first Thursday of each month at the Belcher Pavilion at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. From the 2 nd floor of the parking garage take the entrance into the Belcher Pavilion and once inside take the elevator to the 7th floor and check with the 7 th floor desk for the room number. If AA County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, there will be no meeting.
!"# %&&# %'(&)#* +,(&-./ 01'.*1&)/ 23-,4. %33,561-6,&/ 7&58 (AAC0A) is a non-piofit, volunteei-baseu oiganization ueuicateu to pioviuing ieassuiance anu emotional suppoit foi people who have hau oi will have some kinu of ostomy suigeiy, such as a colostomy, ileostomy, uiostomy (uiinaiy uiveision) oi a continent pioceuuie. The goal of the AAC0A is to pioviue moial suppoit, infoimation, anu euucation to people with ostomies anu theii families anu fiienus. Nembeis ieceive The Rambling Rosebuu newslettei monthly. 9:;< 1'# =>? please make check out to AAC0A anu mail to Stan Bakei, 9S8 Fall Riuge Way, uambiills NB 21uS4-14S4 0#4@#'3"6A %AA*651-6,& !"#$%# !'()* Full Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ "#$% &'($% )*+* Auuiess: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ,%(--% .//(-$$ .0#(%1-2%342'% 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6'%7 ,%#%- 8'0 69/- Phone: ( ) Bate of Biith: uenuei: Email Auuiess _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Reason foi suigeiy: ____ Ciohn's ____0lceiative Colitis _____ Cancei _____ 0thei__________________________ Emeigency contact if we aie unable to ieach you: ______________________________________________________________________ +,$* *-.# /0 %1'2#'- ,$3# -/1 ,$45 Colostomy 0iostomy SpouseFamily Nembei Ileostomy Paient of chilu with 0thei (please specify) 6 7/1"4 "(8# */ ,#". 7(*, *,# 0/""/7()2 9/::(**##;%< /' $9*(3(*(#%= Finance Bospitality Nembeiship Newslettei Piogiam Refieshments Sunshine visiting >/7 4(4 -/1 ,#$' $?/1* 1%5 Inteinet Seaich ETW0CN Nuise 0thei Bospital Physician
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. +%-1$ :(91 %;'$ 2-<$=-%%-( 1#7 >- (-0('2%-/ '2 9%;-( 9$%917 2-<$=-%%-($? 0(9@'/-/ 0(90-( A(-/'% '$ B'@-2 #$ %9 $9C(A- 9: 1#%-('#= 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 7 th floor. When leaving, take the elevator the second floor and go through the doors onto the 2nd floor of the parking garage.
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 Carol Canada RN, BSN, CWOCN 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 / 442-481-5187 Fax: 443-481-5198 Private Consultants Joan M. Sullivan, MAS, RN, CNA, CWOCN 410-932-7312 Foi those seiving on the boaiu, the next boaiu meeting is Septembei 1Sth at 7:Supm BC>DEBC>?
9BE *?AA 0S6S B '?AA TS6S %04 *?AA 0S6S B )?AA TS6S !"##$$% '()*+"% ,'-. /-. !01- Greetings!
With the influx of new products recently on the market, the ostomy world has increasingly become a new excitement of opportunity.
When sampling a new product, make a check list. Then when ready to order, you will have answers at hand. Consider questioning if the product is an adjunct or replacement to your current system, whether it is a potential solution to a problem, if it is covered by insurance and if so, how many are allowed each month.
Ask questions of your WOCN, the manufacturer and the ostomy and wound specialists at Austin Pharmacy & Medical Supplies.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
September 2014 The Rambling Rosebud
4 MESSAGE FROM OUR MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Our fiscal year runs from October 1 st to September 30 th so this means were starting to collect dues! Dues are $15 so if you would like to save on postage, your check (made payable to AACOA) or cash can be given to Lyn Rowell or me at one of our monthly meetings. If you mail your payment, please use a check. When you pay your dues, please complete and return the Membership Application form (page 2 of our newsletter) with the years 2014-2015 on it. Even if you havent moved or nothing has changed, having a new completed form helps me in my record keeping. Using this notification and either giving in your dues or mailing them will save us money on posting out dues notices. Thank you, Stan Baker
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Lyn Rowell With the reminder that our membership renewal is coming up, as the Treasurer I wanted to give you a report on where the money comes from and where it goes. Firstly we are very grateful to our two advertisers who support the group by purchasing a one page advert. So please, when possible support our advertisers in return! We also receive occasional donations often in memoriam of a member. The remainder of our income comes from membership dues - $15 individually doesnt seem like much (you dont get much at the store for $15) but it makes a difference. So thank you for paying your dues. Our annual expenses include mailbox rental, occasional banking fees, web hosting, and the sandwich tray for our holiday social. As a member of the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), we pay chapter membership dues which are based on the number of members in the group. But the main expense for the group is the postage for sending out the newsletter and renewal notices, and postage rates have increased again this year. After expenses are met, we then use the remaining money to further programs that help support individuals with ostomies. Each year the board has voted to donate money to the youth camp program run through the UOAA. This weeklong program is for children/youth with ostomies it allows them to try activities that they might not otherwise try. It helps them to meet and connect with other kids who understand what they have been through or are going through. Like every thing, the cost to attend camp is increasing and many of these youth campers could not attend without sponsorship. So far, we have been able to sponsor at least one camper each year. We really want to be able to continue to do that. Another organization that we try to support is the Friends of Ostomates Worldwide. They accept donations of supplies which are shipped to ostomates in countries where ostomy equipment may be in short supply or extremely expensive. They need help with money for shipping the donated supplies, so we try to make an annual donation to them. We have a limited amount of revenue, but we try to ensure it is put to the best use possible. We really appreciate your help in making our organization make a difference to others ************
THE MI D-ATLANTI CS LARGEST OSTOMY DEALER We have a dedicated group of Ostomy Supply Consultants 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 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 Northern Pharmacy and Medical Equipment 6701 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234 Harford Rd & Northern Parkway www.NorthernPharmacy.com SPEAK DIRECTLY TO OUR OSTOMY SUPPLY CONSULTANT: KEITH CAPPS Phone: (410) 254 2055 x249 Fax: (443) 740 9297 kcapps@northernpharmacy.com September 2014 The Rambling Rosebud
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FOLLICULITIS A HAIRY PROBLEM By Kathy Dahn, RN, Riverside HealthCare via Kankakee Ostomy Association
At the risk of sounding sexist, this article primarily applies to hairy guys (sorry fellas but women seldom have much hair on their bellies!). So whats the big deal? The fact of the matter is that abdominal wall hair can be so strong that it can grow out through a wafer and the waterproof tape, sticking straight up like blades of grass. If I hadnt seen this myself, I would never have believed it!. Needless to say, removing the wafer when the hair is caught like this is going to be very painful (similar to wax jobs you see on TV). OUCH!!!
As if the pain isnt enough, this type of hair removal can cause folliculitis, which is an inflammation within the hair follicle. Removing the waver in a rough manner and dry-shaving can also cause folliculitis. This condition presents as reddened bumps on the peristomal skin. This redness may be confused with a yeast infection, but if you look carefully, the redness is only present around each hair follicle. If infection is present in the hair follicle, the bump may look like a pustule.
So what is the solution to this hairy problem? Many men find they must shave the peristomal skin with each appliance change. In the past, the ostomy literature has always recommended using an electric razor. I personally have never had great success with this method although I have heard that some folks do very well with the newer small razors that were designed for trimming mustaches and sideburns. If you use a safety razor, as we do in the hospital, be sure to apply sufficient shave cream so that this is NOT a dry shave and be gentle. Most shave creams have emollients so you will need to wash the skin with a plain soap afterwards (like Ivory), rinse and dry well. If the skin is very irritated and itchy, we have found Kenalog spray to be helpful. This is steroid (cortisone) spray which decreased the itching and irritation. It does not require a prescription from the doctor. If you use Kenalog spray on your peristomal skin, apply lightly then allow it to dry a bit prior to placing your appliance. The spray has a slightly oily base so your wafer probably wont stay on as long as you are used to, but hopefully, your skin will be healing! If there are actual pustules around each hair follicle, you may need to use an antibiotic powder such as Polysporin powder to clear the problem. Again, a prescription is needed to obtain this product.
Folliculitis is not as common a problem as skin breakdown or yeast infections but it is very annoying when it does happen. Hopefully, these hints will help.
TIPS TO PREVENT MEDICAL ERRORS Via the ReRoute Evansville IN
1. Be an active member of your own health care team. Patients who are more involved with their own care tend to get better results. 2. Make sure your doctors know all medications you are taking. This includes prescription and over- the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs. 3. Make sure your doctor know bout any allergies and adverse reactions you have to medicines. 4. When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you read it. 5. Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand. 6. Ask What is this medicine for? How am I supposed to take it and for how long? What are the side effects? What do I do if they occur? 7. When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine my doctor prescribed? Make sure! 8. If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine label ask for an explanation. 9. Ask your pharmacist for the best devices for measuring your liquid medicine.
September 2014 The Rambling Rosebud
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Drug Therapy For The Ostomate by John J. Wroblewsky, RPh; via Ostomy Management, North Central Oklahoma Ostomy Outlook & Evansville (IN) Ostomy News
The most well-adjusted ostomate can run into trouble when he or she starts taking medication. The potential of side effects or adverse reaction increases as the number of medications the patient is taking goes up. Compounding the risk is that consumers today are turning to over-the-counter medication and are prescribing for themselves to offset rocketing health-care costs. A few basic principles of drug use are, therefore, important to keep in mind. A drug cant do any good unless it gets to its target organ. This simple idea is all thats behind the concept of bio-availability. In almost every case, a drug must be absorbed into the systemic circulation before it can exert a therapeutic effect. Since drugs are absorbed primarily through the intestines, ostomates can be at a particular disadvantage. Many factors influence the absorption of drugs. These factors include the chemical nature of the drug, the dosage form in which it is introduced into the system, and the condition of the patient who is taking the drug. Iron, for instance, is absorbed in the duodenum, and vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum. While the chemical nature of most drugs allows absorption along a significant length of the intestinal tract, the shorter the functional intestine, the less will be absorbed. Only a very few drugs, such as alcohol, can be absorbed to any great extent through the stomach. Another chemical factor involved in bio- availability is the intrinsic solubility of the drug. Some drugs are rather insoluble in the digestive juices and absorption into the bloodstream will vary greatly, even in patients with an intact bowel. Clearly, a patient with a shortened ileum is at risk for mal-absorption of any poorly absorbed drug. The dosage form, too, is a major factor in bio-availability. As a general rule, the smaller the particle size provided to the GI tract, the easier it is absorbed. True solutions have the best bio- availability by the oral route and suspensions are almost as good. Chewable tablets have a pretty good record if they are chewed well; in most cases they are better than capsules or compressed tablets. Ostomates who have had a significant portion of their intestine removed may achieve better absorption by emptying the contents of a capsule into applesauce, or crushing a compressed tablet and adding the powder to food. A word of caution thoughnot all tablets can be safely crushed, and not all capsules should be emptied. Generally speaking, time release tablets should not be crushed, nor should time release capsules be emptied. The result could be 12 to 24 hours worth of medication being released all at once. Certain drugs can react chemically with foods. Tetracycline is notorious for combining with heavy metals and with ions such as calcium which is present in milk, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products. Enteric-coated tablets should never be crushed. The reason those tablets are coated is to prevent acid degradation in the stomach or to protect the mucosa from irritation. Enteric-coated tablets are a poor choice for ostomates. Entire tablets have been recovered intact in an ostomy pouch. A patients diet can affect the drug absorption too, either by absorption of the medication into the food, chemical interaction, or by delaying gastric emptying. Since many drugs are affected by acid, prolonged exposure to stomach acid may decompose the medication. Physicians, pharmacists and especially enterostomal therapists have an important role in educating ostomy patients so theyll know what to expect and avoid in drug therapy. Ostomates owe it to themselves to be informed and alert, to minimize risks and to ask when there remains the slightest doubt.