The Picture Frame Ostomy Association of Orlando OAGO

OAGO
Ostomy
Association of
Greater
Orlando
TM
The Picture Frame
A publication of the
Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando
November/December 2014
Circulation 500+
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saturday, November 15, 2014 @ 10:30 AM
Please welcome Pam Hodges and Meredith Kilmer,
certified personal trainers.
They also spoke at the Jacksonville UOAA
Conference last August and received great reviews.
Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 10:30 AM
Holiday Potluck Luncheon
Theme: Holiday Festive!
See information under Extra Notes on Page 2
MEETING INFORMATION:
Winter Park Memorial Hospital
Library, 200 N Lakemont Ave. The
Library is adjacent to the parking
lot and has large black letters
“LIBRARY” above the entrance.
NORTH
H
LIBRARY
P
P
Mizell Ave.
Loch Lomond Dr.
MEETING LOCATION:
Aloma Ave. SR 426
N Lakemont Ave.
Our fellowship meetings offer an
exchange of valuable information
offered by our speakers,
members, and guests. All are
welcome, especially supporting
family and friends. Coffee is
provided and donated treats are
always welcome.
An Affiliate of
H = Hospital
P = Parking
If you are not a member, please join us. Our low annual dues
of $20.00 are not mandatory, but allow us to continue our
programs to help others. Donations to the Ostomy Association
of Greater Orlando, Inc. are tax deductible.
FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Evelyn Vihlen, Treasurer
418 Tulane Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
407-862-6567
If not interested in receiving the Newsletter please call or write Evelyn Vihlen
DO YOU HAVE INTERNET ACCESS?
If you have internet access, you can help cut our costs by
electing to receive the newsletter via email. If interested, email
Pat Gessel at patrickgessel@gmail.com. Thank You.
PLEASE DONATE YOUR UNUSED OSTOMY SUPPLIES
There are those who are homeless, unemployed, and without
insurance. If you have unused supplies bring them to our
meetings or call 407-862-6567 for information.
Donated supplies are given to those without insurance.
www.ostomyassociationofgreaterorlando.com
See the President’s Message on Page 2
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS
Page 1
OAGO Meeting Announcements and General Information.
Page 2
What’s going on at OAGO?
- President’s Message.
- Extra Notes.
- Photos of OAGO’s Ostomy Awareness Day Event.
- Photos of OAGO’s Ostomy Awareness Month Event.
- Help Sponsor Our Gift Room.
Page 3
Membership Application & Renewal Form.
Thank you for your support.
Page 4
Newsletter Ad Prices.
Article: Coping with Infection…Facts and Fallacies.
Article: The Four Phases of Recovery from Ostomy Surgery.
Page 5
Article: Ostomy Tips from Ostomates
(Reviewed by WOCN’s).
Article: Seeking Medical Assistance.
Article: Travel Communication Card Information.
Page 6
Local Outpatient Ostomy Clinics / Osto Group Information.
Page 7
List of OAGO Contributors.
Article: Live Well.
Article: Abdominal Noises.
Page 8
List of OAGO Officers, Board of Directors, and Advisors.
About Us.
Popular Ostomy Related Websites.
The Ostomates Prayer.
Note: Articles are approved by UOAA.
It’s That Time of the Year Again
The Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando cannot
continue its programs without your support. Through
your membership and contributions we are able to
support those facing ostomy surgery and those with
ostomies through our meetings, Mentor/Visitation
Program, Gift Room, and Youth Rally sponsorship.
See Page 3 for the Membership Application and
Renewal Form. Thank You.
1
What’s going on at OAGO ?
President’s Message
It has been a very busy time for our group! In honor of Ostomy Awareness Day on October 4, 2014, our members helped create a
visual display with positive messages written on actual ostomy pouches. This display was used when we were able to participate
at the 1st Annual Family Health Festival in Windermere! Myself, our Marketing Director, Shelley Dittmer, and member/supporter,
Joan Cohen, attended the festival. We were able to talk directly with approximately 100 people, bringing them information on what
ostomies are and what our group does in the community! It was a wonderful experience that brought such a sense of
accomplishment and joy for a job well done!
October had been acknowledged as Ostomy Awareness Month, so my mission was still on to get out in the community again! On
October 19, OAGO was represented at the Florida Healthcare Expo at the Oviedo Mall. With our wonderful display, myself and
other members of our group worked to bring more ostomy awareness to the community. Hundreds of people walked through the
mall that day, many stopping by the table to inquire about ostomies. It was another great experience!
I would like to personally thank, Robbie Hill, manager of Printing USA, for donating our new Ostomy Association of Greater
Orlando banner! It was displayed at both of our Ostomy Awareness activities, and will be used in the future to help bring attention
to our wonderful support group!
Please see some pictures from our great events below.
Thank You,
Lori Cohen, President
Extra Notes:
*Our November meeting will be on the 2nd floor of the WPM Hospital Library.
*We will be having our Holiday Potluck Luncheon on the 2nd Saturday in December (13th) at 10:30am. The luncheon will be on
the 2nd floor of the WP hospital library. The theme for the event is, Holiday Festive! Please wear whatever you feel is your holiday
festive attire. If you have not yet signed up to bring a dish, please email Lori Cohen at loricohen330@yahoo.com or call her at
(407) 399-8371 and let her know if you would like to bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. As part of the holiday luncheon, we
will be participating in Toys For Tots. Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child to the potluck on December 13, 2014.
October 4, 2014
OAGO’s Ostomy
Awareness
Day display
at the
Annual Health
Festival in
Windermere
October 19, 2014
OAGO’s Ostomy
Awareness
Month display
at the Florida
Healthcare
Expo
Please help sponsor our Gift Room
We are looking for individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in sponsoring our Ostomy Supply Gift Room.
The Gift Room is a climate-controlled storage locker, stocked with donated unused ostomy supplies that we provide to
fellow ostomates who are uninsured or underinsured. This service is run solely by the Ostomy Association of Greater
Orlando, Inc. on a volunteer basis under Gift Room Director Evelyn Vihlen, and we would appreciate your financial
support. Our storage locker cost is $60 per month. In return, we would be happy to mention your sponsorship in all supply
shipments during the sponsored month, as well as acknowledge our appreciation for the sponsorship in our newsletter on
Page 7. If interested, please contact Evelyn Vihlen, Treasurer, at 407-862-6567. Thank you Evelyn for your dedication.
“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.”
Terri Guillemets
2
Membership Application & Renewal Form
Membership in the Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando, Inc. is open to persons with all types of intestinal
and urinary diversions, as well as supporting family, friends, organizations, and businesses.
This form may be used for both new memberships and renewals.
NOTE:
Renewals are due on January 1 of each year.
PLEASE PRINT
Name: ______________________________________________ Date: ______________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________ State: _____ Zip: __________
Phone: _________________________ Alternate Phone: _________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________________________
Date of Birth (optional): ___________________
PLEASE FILL IN THE APPROPRIATE BLANKS BELOW. Information will be kept CONFIDENTIAL.
Type of diversion(s) - Circle all that apply or check None.
Ileostomy
Colostomy
Urostomy
Ileoanal Reservoir/J-Pouch
Continent Ostomy
Other: _______________________________ Date of Surgery: _____________ None: ____
Relationship to Ostomate:
Self
Spouse
Family Member
Parent
Other: __________________
Dues and Donations: (Please note that donations are tax deductible)
$20.00 Enclosed are my dues for membership in the Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando, Inc.
_________
Enclosed is an additional donation to support all of our ongoing programs.
_________
Enclosed is an additional donation to support the annual Youth Rally.
_________
Enclosed is an additional donation to support our ostomy supply GIFT ROOM.
Our Gift Room provides ostomy supplies for those without insurance in the greater Orlando area.
_________
Total Amount Enclosed
Please make checks payable to the OAGO.
Bring this form and payment to our next meeting, or mail to:
Evelyn Vihlen, Treasurer
418 Tulane Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 - 4024
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
Charles Dickens
3
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Call 801.558.3074 for details
and specials on yearly rates
Happy Birthday
to those born in
November and
December!!!
“If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not
achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be
‘meetings.”
Dave Barry
COPING WITH INFECTION…FACTS AND FALLACIES
via Reno Ostomy Association Truckee Meadows Informer, UOAA Update, October 2014
It is true that our bodies contain many normal bacteria; we do not live in a sterile world. We
humans have a natural immunity to many of these organisms; some are even helpful in keeping
down growth of more harmful bacteria.
Infection occurs when the number or organisms exceed the body's ability to handle them. Some
of the first signs of infection in the area of a wound are redness, swelling, pain on touch, and
often fever.
It is important to report such symptoms to your doctor before it becomes serious. He or she may
want to culture the drainage to determine what organisms are present. Besides local cleaning of
a wound, an antibiotic is often prescribed to treat any infection that might be in your system.
The same thing does not work for everything. The good news is that with today's drugs,
infections are more easily cured. Many ostomy patients worry about bacteria.
Those with colostomies and ileostomies ask if their stomas will become infected from the
discharge of stool. THIS IS A MYTH!
The stoma is accustomed to the normal bacteria in the intestine.
•
Keep the skin around the area clean and be careful of adjacent wounds.
•
Keep the fecal drainage away from the incision.
•
Don't worry about the ostomy becoming infected from the normal discharge...our bodies
are accustomed to certain bacteria.
Dear Ron,
Do you have any idea why women close their eyes when they kiss?
If we are not meant to
have midnight snacks,
why is there a light in the
fridge?
Signed, JB
Dear JB,
That would be difficult for me to answer….unless you sent me your picture.
From “Dear Ron” by Ron Dentinger, Comedian and Banquet Speaker www.banquetspeaker.com
THE FOUR PHASES OF RECOVERY FROM OSTOMY SURGERY
via Tulsa Ostomy Association Newsletter, UOAA Update, October 2014
Each patient, along with the family, usually goes through four phases of recovery following an
accident or illness that results in loss of function of an important part of the body. Only the time
required for each phase varies. Knowledge of the four phases of recovery is essential.
They are as follows:
The Shock Phase: The period of physiological impact. Probably, you remember nothing of this
phase after your operation. Nevertheless, it is a phase that requires a lot of support.
The Defensive Retreat Phase: The period in which you defend yourself against the implication
of the crisis. You avoid reality. Characteristics in this period are wishful thinking or denial, or
repression on your actual condition. For example, an ostomate may believe that his/her entire
colon is still there and will be connected later.
Wound, Ostomy, Continence
Department
601 East Rollins Street
Orlando, FL 32803
407-303-5600 extension 110-9271
The Phase of Acknowledgment: In this period, you face reality. As you give up the existing old
structure, you may enter into a period, at least temporarily, of depression, apathy, agitation, or
bitterness and high anxiety. You hate your stoma. You hate yourself. You cry a lot, pity or
condemn yourself. You may not eat, be unable to sleep or want to be left to die. In this phase,
you need all the support that can be mustered.
The Phase of Adaptation: Now, you actively cope with the situation in a constructive manner.
You adapt, during a shorter or longer period, to the adjustments that are necessary. You begin
to establish new structures and develop a new sense of worth. With the aid of an ostomy nurse
and ostomy visitor, you can learn about living with an ostomy. Aided by your physician, social
workers, ostomy support group, and family, you go about rebuilding and altering the life that
brought about the condition.
“Yesterday I did nothing and today I’m finishing what I did yesterday”
Anonymous
4
OSTOMY TIPS FROM OSTOMATES (Reviewed by WOCNs)
Tulsa Ostomy Association Newsletter, UOAA Update, October 2014
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Tea is an anti-spasmodic and soothing to an upset
stomach. It also provides fluids containing electrolytes
and potassium frequently lost from diarrhea.
Avoid drinking while eating to allow the effluent to
become thicker. Ingest liquids before and after a meal.
Eating bran muffins is a tasty way for Colostomates to
solve constipation problems.
If stool sticks to the pouch and is hard to rinse out, use
a surfactant/deodorizer or oil to let the pouch empty
out easier.
Ziploc® sandwich bags are useful for disposing of
used pouches and help control odor in the trash.
If it is safe to put in your mouth, it is safe to put in your
pouch. Try green mint mouthwash as a pouch rinse.
Diaper liners (e.g., Johnson and Johnson) are great as
a barrier between the pouch and your skin or you may
purchase a commercial pouch cover (or make one
yourself).
Price Pfister makes a small sprayer that can be
attached to the bathroom sink faucet to assist with
rinsing the end of the pouch.
Cut the bottom 7 inches off a T-shirt and hem the
unfinished edge. Attach Velcro to each end. You can
wear this as a cummerbund with your pouch tucked
inside for those intimate moments. Also, there are
commercially made pouch covers. Back support belts
work as well.
Place a couple of squares of toilet paper in the toilet
before emptying your pouch. This will take care of the
"splash back"; or let it out very, very slowly.
Laying a wafer on a heating pad or under your thigh
for 10 - 15 minutes allows the material to soften, which
helps with adhesion.
Check with your pharmacist to see if your pills or
capsules should be changed to liquidsespecially
necessary for ileostomates. They tend to go through
too fast and do not dissolve.
SEEKING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
via San Diego Newsletter, UOAA Update, October 2014
The most common problem after any ostomy surgery is the
development of a hernia around the stoma site. This is
manifested as a bulge in the skin around the stoma, irrigation
difficulty, and partial obstruction.
Heavy lifting should be avoided immediately after surgery.
Also, you should call the doctor or ostomy nurse if any of the
following occur:
•
Severe cramps lasting more than 2 or 3 hours.
•
Unusual odor lasting more than a week.
•
Unusual change in stoma size and appearance.
•
Obstruction at the stoma and/or prolapse of the stoma
(that is, it has fallen out of place).
•
Excessive bleeding from the stoma opening or a
moderate amount in the pouch.
•
Severe injury or cut to the stoma.
•
Continuous bleeding at the junction between the
stoma and skin.
•
Watery discharge lasting more than five or six hours.
•
Chronic skin irritation.
•
Stenosis (narrowing) of the stoma.
Your ostomy nurse (WOCN) is helpful in managing
complications, should they arise.
COLON AND RECTAL
CLINIC OF ORLANDO
Paul R. Williamson, M.D., FASCRS, FACS
Andrea Ferrara, M.D., FASCRS, FACS
Joseph T. Gallagher, M.D., FASCRS, FACS
Samuel De Jesus, M.D., FASCRS, FACS
Renee J. Mueller, M.D., FASCRS, FACS
Mark K Soliman, M.D.
Phone: 407-422-3790 Fax: 407-425-4358 www.CRCOrlando.com
DOWNTOWN
NORTH
SANDLAKE
HEALTH CENTRAL
EAST
ALTAMONTE
110 W. Underwood Street, Suite A, Orlando
308 Groveland Street, Orlando
9430 Turkey Lake Road, Suite 118, Orlando
10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 483, Ocoee
7975 Lake Underhill Road, Suite 310, Orlando
616 E. Altamonte Drive, Suite 202, Altamonte Spgs
Let's face it - English is a crazy language
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert..
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to
present the present..
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
Na`Scent
Ostomy Odor Eliminator
- More than freedom.
- More than security.
- Gives ostomates an odor-free life.
Contact: Shelley Dittmer, Member
407-929-3668
shelleydittmer@nascent4u.com
www.nascent4u.com
TRAVEL COMMUNICATION CARD INFORMATION
UOAA has prepared a card that travelers with medical
conditions or devices can present to TSA personnel. They also
have an additional card that may be helpful if you need
immediate restroom access (for example, on board the
airplane). Visit www.ostomy.org, click #8 in the box under the
words “Breaking News” and then click on the cards.
News From the TSA: TSA has launched TSA Cares, a toll-free
helpline to provide information and assistance to passengers
with disabilities and medical conditions before they fly. Call
TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227. Visit TSA’s website at:
www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds.
Thank
you
Robbie
for
making
our
banner.
“The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.”
Mary Pickford
5
OSTO GROUP
This not-for-profit organization provides free ostomy supplies to
those without insurance. Your only cost is shipping and handling.
Call 877-678-6690 or visit their website at www.ostogroup.org.
OUT PATIENT OSTOMY CLINICS IN FLORIDA
The Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando frequently receives
calls from individuals who are dealing with skin and product
issues. Below is information on outpatient ostomy clinics.
ORLANDO
Orlando Health Wound Healing Center
Services Provided:
Comprehensive ostomy and fistula care are offered, as well as
pre-operative stoma site marking and teaching. Donations of
ostomy supplies are welcomed as we see many indigent and
homeless individuals.
Location:
Orlando Health Wound Healing Center
Lucerne Annex
818 Main Lane
Orlando FL 32801
Location Note: Above address is for the Hospital. The Wound
Healing Center is located just west of Main Lane at the
intersection of West Gore Street and Kuhl Avenues. The
entrance door to clinic is under the drive through canopy.
Ostomy Clinic Phone: 321-841-5469 FAX: 321-841-7470
Clinic hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM, and
Friday 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM.
Requirements: Appointment and doctor's script/order
required, along with demographic sheet, last progress note.
Insurance: Most insurances accepted. Medicare and
secondary insurance accepted.
Principal Staff:
Donna L Sellers, BSN RN CWON, Ostomy Clinic.
Karen Durigan, Nursing Operations Manager.
Out Patient Ostomy Clinics in Central Florida continued
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Central Florida Wound and Skin Consultants
Services Provided:
- NP-C/WOCN specialists provides ostomy evaluation and
refitting to homebound or ALF patients in their homes.
- We are a mobile ostomy, wound and lymphedema medical
practice caring for Medicare patients only.
- Our medical practice also specializes in customized hernia
support options.
- Preoperative education and stoma marking.
- Postoperative education on stoma management including
pouching system selection and education on self-care.
- Assistance with appliance fittings, pouching system failures,
peristomal skin loss, ulcers, and rashes.
- Management of complex, high output fistulas.
- Services also offered at Assisted Living Facilities in Orange
and Seminole County.
Ostomy Clinic Phone and Fax: 407-359-6426
Requirements: No doctor's script/order required.
Insurance: We are Medicare providers and do not accept
HMO or PPOs. We bill direct to Medicare and secondary
insurances. Self pay rates: $175.00 for initial visit, $75.00 for
additional visits. We accept payment by cash or check.
Principal Staff:
Tabassum Merchant NP-C, MSN, CWON
Debbie Moulavi NP-C, MSN, WOCN
Collaborating Physician: Rita Laracuente, MD
About Tabassum Merchant and Debbie Moulavi:
Board certified nurse practitioners with a speciality in wound
and skin disorders. Additional training through WOCN
Program at Emory University. We are also known as NP/ET/
WOCN specialist. Able to write prescriptions and provide a
medical service for the treatment of ostomy related disorders.
PALM BAY
Health First Outpatient Wound Center/Ostomy Clinic
Appointments on Wednesday’s only.
DAYTONA
To schedule an appointment: 321-434-6100.
Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center
Requirements: Appointment and doctor's script/order
required.
Location:
Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine
Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center
Center for Wound Healing
301 Memorial Medical Parkway
Daytona Beach, FL 32117
Out Patient Ostomy Clinics in Central Florida
continued above in right column
Medical Supplies & Services Since 1953
Home Health Care Centers
www.Binsons.com
2069 Aloma Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: 407-679-2135
Fax: 407-671-7303
Ostomy Supplies
and Medical Equipment
762 E. Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Phone: 407-691-3009
Fax: 407-691-3021
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
To report abuse, neglect, or exploitation call 1-800-962-2873
“Nurses - one of the few blessings of being ill.”
Ostomy Clinic Phone: 386-231-3615
Requirements: Appointment and doctor's script/order
required.
Insurance: Most insurances accepted. This facility is a
Medicare assigned provider and accepts Medicare Secondary
insurances.
Information: www.floridahospitalmemorial.org and click “Care
& Services,” then select “Wound Care.”
Sara Moss-Wolfe
6
We thank our OAGO members and
those named or anonymous below
who gave additional support to
our programs in 2014.
American Cancer Society
Newsletter Ad
Binson’s Home Health Centers
Newsletter Ad
Colon & Rectal Clinic of Orlando
Newsletter Ad
Florida Hospital
Youth Rally
Patrick & Chong Hwa Gessel
Gift Room
Robert Zuleeg
June Gift Room Rent, Programs,
Youth Rally, Gift Room
Jack & Carol Ann Vreeland
Programs, Youth Rally, Gift Room,
November Gift Room Rent
Christine Modric
July Gift Room Rent, Youth Rally
Anonymous
March & May Gift Room Rent,
Gift Room
John Yeater
Programs & Youth Rally
Howard L & Judith Kaskel
Programs, Gift Room
Sherman G Miller
Programs, Youth Rally, Gift Room
Elizabeth Kardatzke
Programs, Gift Room
Thomas P & Mary E Martin
Gift Room
Casey Abernathy
April Gift Room Rent
James R Deem
Gift Room
Fran Murawski
Programs, Youth Rally
Pamela Richardson
Programs
Donald & Bonnie Rudolph
Youth Rally
Joel VanLuven
Gift Room, Youth Rally
Shabbir Adam
Programs, Gift Room
Rose Cuozzo
Programs, Youth Rally, Gift Room
Brian Wilkinson
In memory of Frank Zatorski
Thomas F Donnon
Programs
Kay Cobb
Gift Room
Margaret F Mullins
Gift Room
Marsha Ortiz
Gift Room
Elyse D & Danny Rosenblum
Programs
Jackie Wagner
Youth Rally
Carolyn Furgerson
Programs
Henry Hartmann
Gift Room
Jean F Nicoletti
Gift Room
Hanna Dybilasz
Programs
Irene Fortuna
Gift Room
Kate Markwith
Youth Rally
LIVE WELL
By Lynne Rich, Ph.D., Edited by B. Brewer, UOAA Update, October 2014
If anyone walked a mile in the shoes of an ostomate, how would they feel? Maybe a little tired,
but their ostomy would work just fine.
What does having an ostomy mean to you? Survey says: good health, no pain, belonging to a
group of strong, caring, and compassionate people. Ostomates: savvy individuals who've
learned how and where to get and share knowledge, help, humor, and hope.
Okay, there hasn't yet been a comprehensive survey. Are you living as actively as you'd like to?
If not, why? An ostomy is merely tissue that's been surgically relocated and designed to
function smoothly. Even if a temporary ostomy doesn't work correctly and trouble-free, it may
only need a little extra attention and care. You and your ostomy deserve the time necessary to
be taken care of really well. After that, let your heart and brain take charge.
Living through health problems that led to ostomy surgery, you no doubt gained strength and
fortitude. Your ostomy won't break and neither will you. You might develop feistiness and
greater determination. You may also discover more bad hair days are more likely than bad
ostomy days, especially in a tropical, humid climate, during blistery winters, or in the windiest
rainstorms.
If you're not sure whether activity is medically or physically all right for you to do, before you
stop yourself from trying, ask your physician and WOCN if actual medical or physical
restrictions prevent you from participating in or learning to water ski; play the guitar; swim; play
canasta or poker; scuba dive; speak Spanish, French or Italian; dance (ballet, tap, waltz,
samba); eat Cajun, sushi or Greek foods; hike, canoe, or kayak; take a trip by car, bus, ship,
plane or train; ride a horse; run a marathon; walk 30 minutes; do yoga; golf; garden; sing or
laugh.
Ostomies don't prevent working, traveling, living anywhere, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, or
water skiing. Don't allow inaccurate information or a negative attitude prevent you from doing
what you want. Adjust your attitude with realistic information. Just as you adapted to the ways
your body changed as you were growing up, and as an adult too, you can adapt again and
resume living as millions of other ostomates have done.
Learning how to take care of an ostomy is not as difficult as originally learning, earlier than you
may remember, to walk, or later to learn how to drive a car, or to wear contact lenses or
bifocals. Ask questions. Terrific at sharing information, ostomates are resilient, inventive,
practical, and creative. At ostomy association meetings, notice how well people look. That's due
to deliberate effort and an optimistic attitude. Give yourself the same quality of care you expect
from your doctors. Don't ask less of yourself.
Having an ostomy might mean better health now and living longer. Decide each day what you
would like to do. Socialize with other people, or spend time alone. Count on the people most
important to you to remain loving and supportive. Call people you'd like to see. Let your family
and others know when you want them to join you in various activities. Don't think of, or expect
the worst from, anyone, including you.
An ostomy gives you health and options. Consider the Spanish proverb: Living well is the best
revenge. Live well
ABDOMINAL NOISES
via GAOA & Chattanooga Ostomy Association Coalesce Newsletter, UOAA Update, October 2014
Abdominal noises happen! However, as ostomates, we are embarrassed and wonder if
something is wrong. It is usually "sound and fury, signifying nothing" important. Any of the
following may be the cause:
1.
You are hungry. Peristalsis goes on whether there is anything to move through or not. Empty guts growl. Eat a snack between meals. Or consider four small meals a day.
2.
You are nervous, so peristalsis is increased.
Try to slow down. Try to eliminate some stress (especially at meal times).
3.
Coffee and tea, cola and beer-all stimulate peristalsis. Beverages consumed on an
empty stomach will produce gurgles as peristalsis redoubles its movements. Add a little bit of food with your beverages. Try some crackers and/or bread.
4.
Eating a high-fiber diet produces gas, so rumbles increase. Mix with other foods. Reduce amount of insoluble fiber. Switch to more soluble fiber.
5.
Intestines do not digest starches and sugars as easily as proteins and fats.
Reduce the amount of carbohydrates that cause you trouble. Mix with proteins and
fats.
“Ever notice how irons have a setting for permanent press? I don’t get it.”
Steven Wright
7
Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando
Officers
President
Lori Cohen 407.399.8371
loricohen330@yahoo.com
Vice President
Patrick Gessel 801.558.3074
patrickgessel@gmail.com
Past President
Secretary
Marie McDuff 407.297.8053
Treasurer
Evelyn Vihlen 407.862.6567
Board of Directors
Marketing Director
Shelley Dittmer 407.929.3668
shelleydittmer@gmail.com
Past President
Senior Advisor and Web Editor
Bob Woodrow 407.297.8053
Gift Room Director
Evelyn Vihlen 407.862.6567
Youth Rally Director
Stephanie Crane 612.669.9990
Mentor-Visitation Team
For assistance pleased call:
Lori Cohen 407.399.8371
loricohen330@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor
Patrick Gessel 801.558.3074
patrickgessel@gmail.com
Advisors
Physicians
Thomas B. Blake III, MD
Sergio W. Larach, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Renee Mueller, MD FASCRS FACS
Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses
Florida Hospital
Sloan Bartlett, MSN RN CWOCN
407.303.5600 Extension 110-9271
Winter Park Memorial Hospital
Terry Barton, BSN RN CWOCN
407.646.7523.
Ambassador for the Youth Rally Committee, Inc.
Kate Markwith
THE PHOENIX, UOAA’s MAGAZINE
The Phoenix is a great source of information. The
Phoenix is also available as an online version for
$19.95. You can subscribe to the hard copy or online
version by using the form on this page or by visiting
their website at www.phoenixuoaa.org.
$29.95
$49.95
ABOUT US: The Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt corporation in the State of Florida with “umbrella” status under our
parent company, United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. We are an all
volunteer support group dedicated to assisting people who have or will have
intestinal or urinary tract diversions by providing emotional support, family support,
educational services, advocacy, and promoting the services of this organization to
the public and professional communities.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Articles and information printed in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by
the Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando, Inc. and may not be applicable to
everyone. Please consult your doctor or WOC Nurse for medical advice that best
suits your specific situation.
POPULAR OSTOMY RELATED WEBSITES
www.ostomy.org
United Ostomy Associations of America (800-826-0826) is an association of
Affiliated Support Groups. UOAA serves people with ostomies and other intestinal
and urinary diversions through its affiliated support groups. UOAA is a member of
the International Ostomy Association. Their website has a large discussion board
with over 10,000 topics posted by ostomates. Individuals can join UOAA simply by
joining the Ostomy Association of Greater Orlando.
www.ostomyassociationofgreaterorlando.com
Our website contains information on our support group including meeting calendar,
directions to our meetings, new member application, useful links, list of ostomy
suppliers, helpful articles, and much more.
www.Ostomy.Inspire.com
The Inspire Ostomy Support Group is a great way to meet and connect with a
community of people who understand what you’re going through. ConvaTec
partnered with Inspire to create this social network where people with ostomies
can gain emotional and informational support.
www.c3life.com
A website dedicated to helping people with ostomies live their lives to the fullest.
Supported by Hollister Inc., c3life.com is part of Hollister’s mission to help make
life more rewarding and dignified for those with ostomies.
www.meetanostomate.com
Provides a free collection of real-life tips and tricks from ostomates.
www.ostomates.org/
The aim of “Shaz’s Ostomy Pages” is to give you as much information as possible
regarding ileostomy, j pouch, colostomy, urostomy, or any type of stoma surgery.
It’s for ostomates by ostomates.
www.ostomyland.com/
Has provided ostomy support since 1998, including interactive support, chat,
blogs, lifestyle guidance, lists of ostomy product manufacturers, and ostomy
undergarment and accessory manufacturers.
www.uncoverostomy.com
IDEAS, or the Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society, is a registered
Canadian charity that works to eliminate the stigma associated with intestinal
diseases through education and awareness.
www.google.com
Click “Videos”, and type in the word “ostomy” in the search box. All the audio/visual
guidance you could ever want.
www.yodaa.org
The Young Ostomates & Diversion Alliance of America (YODAA)
provides
resources to young adults with ostomies, diversions, or to those facing ostomy and
diversion surgery.
THE OSTOMATES PRAYER
Oh Lord, as we have been reborn, let us multiply our good fortune and share it with those
ostomates who do not know how good the life you have given us can be. Let us vow in the
years ahead to renew the work of our group, as you have renewed our lives. We thank you
for our lives, for the mutual support of each other, and for the chance you have given
us to help others. Amen. Via the Clermont County Chapter, the Batavia OH Chapter, and Indianapolis IN Chapter
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