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
Secretary
Jamie Darr
Treasurer
Lyn Rowell
Webmaster: Janice Winters

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 43

If AA County
Schools are closed
due to inclement
weather, there will
be NO MEETING.

Number 11

August 2016

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 desk for the
room number.

UPCOMING MEETING August 4th Group Discussion

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 AACOA, PO Box 847, Gambrills MD 21054-1454

2015-2016

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

Live Well Live Independent Live Active

Welcome to summer!
Outdoor fun, travel, vacations and swimming are what
many look forward to throughout the year. Nothing should
hold you back!

Colleen Simpson
BSN, RN, CWON

The heat and activities may bring many questions but rest
assured there are answers. Most ostomy manufacturers
publish travel and summer tips but if you cant find answers,
Austin Pharmacy & Medical Supplies can help.
We display swimmer bands, quick dry covers, belts, tapes,
barrier strips, seals, adhesives and output thickeners in our
display room. If you run into a bind, we also carry samples
to try.
Don't sit back, give us a call or stop by our 10,000 square
foot showroom in Hunt Valley. Looking forward to talking
with you and best of summer fun!
Colleen

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

August 2016
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

The Rambling Rosebud

We received a request to include a form to sign up for The Phoenix magazine in all our
newsletters which you will find on page 2. Subscribing to the Phoenix is a way to support
the UOAA which derives much of its income from the magazine. So we urge you to
consider subscribing if you havent already.
Paul
THE NEXT BOARD MEETING WILL BE ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
7:30pm at the Belcher Pavilion
OSTOMY ADVISORS FOR STOMA HELP

consult
withnewsletter
one of the ETs
a
ItemsTofrom
this
maybelow,
be reprinted
in
physicians
referral
is
necessary
and
a
fee
will
be
other ostomy newsletters, provided proper credit
charged.
for of
an material.
appointment.
is given
as to Call
source
BALTIMORE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL
410-787-4578

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.

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

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: AARON SACCO
Phone: (410) 254 2055 x260 Fax: (443) 740 9297
woc@northernpharmacy.com

August 2016

The Rambling Rosebud

SWIM CONFIDENTLY WITH AN OSTOMY

UOAA Articles to Share Summer 2016
By Ed Pfueller, UOAA

Let's start by getting something out of the

way. After healing from surgery people of all
ages and types of ostomies can and do enjoy
swimming in community pools, athletic clubs,
aquatic centers, oceans, and water
parks. They also surf, swim in open water,
and relax in a hot tub.
But we understand the hesitation that some
living with an ostomy may have. From worry
of leaks to the reaction of fellow swimmers,
the anxiety can be enough to keep some
people out of the pool. There are no ostomyspecific restrictions to swimming in public
places. Just follow all the normal pool rules,
such as rinsing off before entering, just like
everybody else.
"Swimming has made me stronger both
physically and emotionally. It is a great outlet
and has made me even healthier. I feel and
look more beautiful" says Lynn Wolfson of
Florida. Lynn has two ostomies and leads a
team of triathletes with Ostomy United.
Here are some solutions to common
concerns. Let's get you feeling confident in
the water whether it is in your own backyard
pool, the beach, or on a cruise.
I'm afraid that my pouch will leak or my
wafer will loosen while I'm in the water.
If this is your number one concern, you are
not alone. Remember, your pouching system
is resistant to water and with a proper fit it is
designed not to leak. If you have output
concerns eat a few hours before swimming
and a good practice is to empty your pouch
before taking a dip. If you are hesitant about
how your wafer will hold, take a practice soak
in your own bathtub.
It is best to avoid applying a new wafer or
flange and pouching system right before
swimming. The WOCN Society recommends
allowing 12 hours for proper adhesion. Using

waterproof tape or water-specific barrier

strips are not necessary for most, but can
provide peace of mind. Be aware that some
may have skin sensitivities to the adhesives in
these products. There are a wide variety of
ostomy supplies on the market for swimming
and you should be able to find a solution that
works best for you.
When swimming laps Lynn Wolfson has
discovered the optimal amount of time for her
to stay in the water. "I limit myself to half an
hour, forty minutes at most," she says of
maintaining the best adhesion. Others find
they can swim longer with no issues while
some notice the need for an appliance change
in a few hours or the next day after a swim.
If your pouch has a vent another
consideration is to make sure to use the
provided sticker over the air hole so that the
filter remains effective. Having confidence
with your ostomy pouch fit out of the water is
critical to feeling confident in the
water. Traveling with an emergency kit of
supplies is also a good idea.
What can I wear or do to help conceal my
pouch and keep it secure?
Whatever your bathing suit style, wearing a
patterned or darker color is less transparent
than a light colored swim garment.
Options for women included patterned and
boyleg one piece suits. For a two-piece suit
consider a mix and match of tankini tops,
high-waisted bottoms or boy shorts. You can
also look for a suit with a concealing ruffle or
skirt. The type of bathing suit depends on
how many ostomies you have, where they are
located on your abdomen and what type of
water activity you are going to be doing. Since
Lynn has two ostomies located in the middle
and upper abdomen and she enjoys swimming
laps, she wears a one-piece Speedo bathing
suit.
Men often favor a higher cut waist for trunks,
or suits with longer legs. Stretch fabric
5

August 2016

The Rambling Rosebud

undergarments and swim or surf shirts also

provide support. Ostomy bands and wraps
are also commonly used.
On the beach or poolside don't be surprised to
know that some ostomates are comfortable
with simply wearing the swimsuit of their
choice- with swim fabric pouch covers or just
an opaque pouch. There is also swimwear and
accessories specifically made for ostomates by
a variety of manufacturers.
What do I do if I am approached by pool
personnel concerned that my ostomy is an
open wound or believe ostomy bags are
not allowed in pools?
If you are approached by pool personnel who
are uninformed about ostomies stay calm and
try to educate. However, unless you or
another person tell pool personnel, no one
should know you have an ostomy. UOAA
Advocacy Manager, Jeanine Gleba, has created
resources to share if this is a recurring issue at
your swim location visit:
http://www.ostomy.org/Swimming_with_an_
Ostomy_Toolkit.html
The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures
your right to pool access and most
disagreements can be solved through
education before exploring any legal recourse.
When in the changing room you could wear an
oversized shirt or seek out a bath stall or
private corner if modest about revealing your
ostomy. You can't control the reactions of
others, but if asked about it, seize the
teachable moment. Ostomy United founder
Ted Vosk is training for an Ironman and has
handled unsolicited comments before. "A guy
pointed to my bag and said he was sorry I
have that, I replied that he could feel sorry
when he could outswim me. We both
smiled." Ted had outperformed him easily in
the pool.
So, get yourself a bathing suit and start
swimming.

A NOTE TO THE GROUP

By Herb Tusk

First, I want to thank all of the members for

being so kind and helpful. You know that
when I first came to you, I was angry and
confused about my new reality. More
importantly, I was searching for methods of
coping with my stoma, its output , and my
fastidiousness. We were just not getting along
with each other and I needed to get my head
on straight and back in control of my life.
(Especially since i had an abscess that was
leaking fluids under my wafer.)
Thanks to your meetings, i gained the
perspective that I needed to regain my life.
Also, the skills and advice offered by the
individual members to me and my dear wife
helped a lot to learn the NEW NORMAL. So,
thank you.
While i got a lot of great advice from you, i
also got advice from factory nurses, product
advisors and others. some of it was usable and
a lot was not applicable to me. my best advice
came from my Austin ostomy nurses who
developed a program that I think you might
benefit from.
I also got a bunch of real information from the
website called VEGANOSTOMY on YouTube by
a Canadian named Eric. i found it to be a
fountain of decent information from a nice
sincere fellow. My impression is that he really
wants to help any way that he can.
Each of us has had to go through the process
of learning how to cope. I want to thank you
all for helping me.
Herb

A.A.C.O.A.
P.O. BOX 847
GAMBRILLS, MD 21054