1

Gazette

Volume 40 Issue 4 April 2013

FLYING HIGH AS AN OSTOMATE By Joel Jacobson

In This Issue

From the President 2 Anniversary Planning 4

Notice Board 5

Airport Security 6

Reasons for Skin

Breakdown 7

Looking Back 8

Concerns for

Urostomates 8

Hints for Summer

Travel 9

Being your own Health

Advocate 9

Next Meeting

May 5, 2013

Bethune Building

VGH Site

Time: 2:30 PM

Meeting topic:

Ask the ET

“Don’t leave home without it” was an old ad-

vertising statement of American Express.

It can be altered to apply to ostomates to say,

“Don’t leave home without enough of it!!”

One of the key messages coming from a panel

discussing various elements of travel at April’s

chapter meeting was to always pack more ostomy

supplies than you think you need, and even add a

few to that, so you won’t be caught short.

“Be sure to take your supplies in your carry-

on luggage,” said both Ruth Kenney and Mike

Veres. “You can pack some in your checked bag-

gage but if that gets lost, at least you have some

equipment to tide you over.”

Ruth related a story of being, for the one and

only time in her many travels, without supplies

because they were ALL in her checked baggage.

She was on a cruise and was lucky (“I found two

angels sitting at the same dinner table.”) to bor-

row and adapt urostomy supplies to her ileo-

stomy until she was able to get the proper gear.

The chapter session was generated from a meeting with Canadian Air Transport Security

Agency (CATSA) to find ways to make security procedures more pleasant for ostomates.

Some of the discussion related to security issues such as pat-downs, screening, embarrassing

questions etc.

Ed Tummers, another regular traveler, said he has generally felt “hassle-free” when he has

passed through security. On board one plane, he was compelled to make an equipment

change and informed the flight attendant prior to entering the washroom that he would

“extra long but not to worry” as he explained what he’d be doing. Many flight attendants

would be alarmed that some nefarious activity was going on behind the closed door, he said.

Veres, an experienced traveler who has been all over the world, told the audience to use

“common sense”. You have to realize ostomates aren’t that special compared to others with

mental and physical disabilities. You must have a frame of mind that will show patience to

CATSA people who are only doing their job to protect us. “Cooperation is critical for easy

passage through security.”

He said the passenger also has a responsibility to get to the airport in plenty of time to go

through possibly-congested security.

Many questions and statements came from the audience. Guest Joel Goldenberg of a supply

company stressed the importance of taking enough supplies. “In most countries outside

North America, the product codes are different and you might have great difficulty

matching what you need if you run short. Bring double, or even triple, the quantity

you think you’ll need.”

For more information on Air Travel Please read the article on page 6 written by:

Emery Fanjoy

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March 2013

From the President I am getting so excited about the up-

coming 40th Anniversary celebrations.

The Anniversary pot luck dinner on

Sunday June 2, the Anniversary

Strawberry Picnic on Sunday July 14,

and the Anniversary celebration ban-

quet on Saturday August 17 are going

to be great. We have so much to be

proud of over the past 40 years. As

you will often hear from our charter members, Bette Yetman and Ruth

Kenney, "we have come a long way!" Tickets are going fast so get

yours soon.

While you're at it, also plan to attend our regional conference on the

morning of Saturday August 17. The suppliers will have their booths

set up, and we are planning a very interesting and informative program

for you. Our National Board of Directors and delegates from across

Canada will be joining us. Come out and meet these dedicated volun-

teers.

The Ostomy Canada annual general meeting will be held that weekend

here in Halifax as well. Bob Pembroke has agreed to represent our

chapter at the meeting. And just in case Bob can't make it, Jane Berri-

gan is our alternate. Jane is co-President of our South Shore Satellite,

which is thriving under her dynamic leadership. I believe that this is

the first time we have nominated a satellite member for this important

task.

One of the big items on the agenda is the approval of the new Ostomy

Canada constitution and bylaws. These will comply with new federal

legislation and will allow Ostomy Canada to continue its great work on

behalf of ostomates across Canada.

The Vision of Ostomy Canada is to be "Canada's Voice for people liv-

ing with an ostomy". And that voice is being heard. Last year, over

30,000 Canadians used one or more of the services or programs offered

by Ostomy Canada. And that number keeps growing every year now

that we have a national social media presence.

Our program for May will feature a perennial favourite: Ask the ET

panel. Bring your questions and share your experiences. We all learn

from each other. Hope to see you there.

Ostomy Halifax Minutes

April 7, 2013

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING APRIL 7, 2012 President Ed Tummers called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.

Barbara Barrett led the ostomates prayer.

Ed Tummers announced regrets from Olive Jackson, Cynthia Gregg

and Cecile Saulnier.

Betty Woolridge, membership chair, welcomed 67 members and

guests. One new member is Kendra Cavill, accompanied by her par-

ents, Cherry and John. Guests present were: Manuel and Candace

Veiera, Joel Goldenberg of Premier Ostomy Centre of Montreal, and

Pat LeFort, attending with Bette Yetman. There are 276 paid-up mem-

bers. Continued on pg. 3, column 1

Ostomy Halifax Society

Officers President: Ed Tummers 425-0894 Vice–President: Bob Pembroke 463-3999 Treasurer: Theresa Mason 861-4917 Correspondence Secretary: Barbara Barrett 443-8274 Recording Secretaries: Cynthia Gregg Betty Woolridge 883.-2438 Past President: Patrick Thompson 444-0471

Committees: Monthly Meetings Hospitality: Betty Woolridge 883-2438 Jean Hiltz 883-9679 Programs: Ruth Kenney 434-7521 Emery Fanjoy 479-3974 Refreshments: Alyson Walsh 435-2539 Telephone: Paulette Vilvorder 445-3832 Mutual Support and Caring Awards: Joel Jacobson 479-0442 Cards: Barbara Barrett 443-8274 Scrapbook: Ann Dease 861-3268 SASO: Betty Woolridge 883-2438 Visitors Program: Irene Stagg 462-0899 Youth Camp: Mike Woolridge 883-2438 Awareness and Communications Education: Gail Creelman ET 470-6977 Information: (Cell Phone) Irene Stagg 473-0414 Library: Ann Dease 861-3268 Newsletter Editor: Jean Hiltz 883-9679 Asst Editor: Joel Jacobson 479-0442 Mailing: Mike Woolridge 883-2838 Special Events: (Anniversary) Joel Jacobson 479-0442 Operations: Finance: Mike Veres 852-4104 Membership: Betty Woolridge 883-2438 Charter Members: Bette Yetman 464-9888 Ruth Kenney ET 434-7521 Satellite Presidents: Annapolis Valley East Paula McKenzie, ET 538-7900 South Shore Ostomy Jane Berrigan 521-6117 e-mail: janeberrigan@me.com Medical Advisors: M. Giacomantonio, MD Paul Johnson, MD Chris Jamieson, MD

P.O. Box 8476, Halifax, NS, B3K 5M2 A Vo lun tee r , C har i t ab l e , Tax Ex emp t ,

R ehab i l i t a t io n O rgan iza t io n. R eg i s -

t r a t i o n # 11927 -71 84 -RP000 1

3

Continued from pg.2

Florence Farrell will be chair the May meeting in Ed’s

absence. Because of illness, Olive Jackson has stepped

down as vice-president. Nominating chair Patrick Thomp-

son said Bob Pembroke has agreed to complete Olive’s

term and he was unanimously elected by the membership.

Treasurer Theresa Mason, gave her report which was

accepted as presented..

Joel Jacobson reported on planning for the 40th anniver-

sary celebration August 17. He encouraged members and

guests to purchase their tickets to the luncheon to be held 1

p.m. August 17 at the Weatherwatch Restaurant in the

Dickson Building at the VG site. Tickets are on sale now at

$45 each (17 sold at the meeting of a cap of 100 tickets)

until July 1st after July 1st the price will be $50 each,

which includes a sit-down meal, glass of wine, entertain-

ment, birthday cake, raffle draws and other excitement. The

ticket will also enable people to attend the Chapter Infor-

mation Session that morning (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) at the

Bethune Building. The CIS (and luncheon) will draw chap-

ter presidents, executives and members from across Can-

ada along with the national board of directors.

Standing Committee Reports Cards: Barbara Barrett reported that she visited and sent a

get-well card to Olive Jackson in hospital and a card to

Cynthia Gregg, who is also hospitalized. A get-well

card was also sent to Nan Fanjoy after recent surgery. A

thank you card was received from Verna Petrie in response

to the chapter’s sympathy card sent to her last month. Bar-

bara congratulated Ed and Sandi Tummers on the birth of

their second granddaughter, Ivy.

Presentation: Joel Goldenberg spoke of his 15-year-old

company, Premier Ostomy Centre, one of the largest

ostomy supply companies in Canada. They carry all suppli-

ers’ products, with huge inventories and new items imme-

diately in stock. He offered a 15 per cent discount off the

manufacturer’s suggested retail price to anyone ordering.

Delivery is free, and usually takes about three days from

Montreal to Halifax. The web site is:

www.premierostomy.com.

Finance: Mike Veres said the financial statements would

be in the next newsletter and would be presented for dis-

cussion and vote of acceptance at the May meeting.

South Shore Satellite: Mike and Betty Woolridge, Charlie

Baird and Irene Stagg attended the March 24 meeting.

Mike reported a good session with 20 attendees. They are

anticipating a visitor training session in early June. Their

next meeting is 2 p.m. May 26 at the South Shore Regional

Hospital. All Halifax members are invited to attend.

Youth Camp: Mike W and Gail Creelman have three chil-

dren ready to go, with one more from last year in abeyance.

Gail is finding others who may be interested.

Visiting: Irene reported two hospital requests and one pre-

op request in March

New Business

Ed Tummers announced Bob Pembroke as the Ostomy

Halifax delegate to the national AGM in Halifax, Sunday,

August18. Jane Berrigan, president of Bridgewater, is the

alternate. The chapter approved the nominations.

National office elections will take place at the AGM. Ed

Tummers and Ruth Kenney will run for the national board

of directors with the endorsement of the chapter.

Betty Woolridge presented a new SASO (Spouses and Sig-

nificant Others) brochure that was kindly produced by

Lawton’s and will be distributed to chapters across Canada.

She said there are 25 SASO members in Ostomy Halifax

whereas some chapters across the country are lucky to have

one member.

Refreshments for May meeting:

Sandwiches: Mary Ann Bailey, Elizabeth Lambie and

Carol Snair

Sweets: Nan Fanjoy, Judy Murray and Norma Currie

After adjournment at 3:10, program chair Ruth Kenney

introduced a panel of herself, Ed Tummers and Mike Veres

to discuss travel experiences, airport security and smart

packing and handling of travel issues. The discus-

sion was enthusiastic, with many questions and suggestions

coming from the assembly. Refreshments followed at

about 4 p.m. Respectfully submitted on behalf of President Ed Tummers by Joel Ja-

cobson, Acting Secretary.

Miramichi Ostomy Chapter

Minutes April 10th, 2013

* On attending the meeting tonight, Emerson's wife

informed us that Emerson was in hospital.

* Lynn welcomed our guests Eileen and Lorraine.

* Lynn read out the correspondence.

- Request for camp donation. Ray said it was decided at

the last meeting to donate $250.

-Lynn informed everyone of the AGM in Halifax in August

of 2013.

-Lynn informed the group that Marion Whate is retiring as

office coordinator. Her replacement at head office is

Carole Pew. Congratulations Marion!

* We had an open discussion about ostomies, and

tried to help out our guests who are new to this

new way of life.

* Our next meeting will be May 8th, at 7:00pm, at

the Miramichi Hospital. Our guest speaker will

be our new Wounds/Ostomy nurse.

* We wish our President Emerson Kaiser Best

Wishes for a speedy recovery. Submitted by: Lynn Jamieson, Secretary

4

ANNIVERSARY PLANNING FORGING AHEAD The organizing committee of Ostomy Halifax’s 40th anni-

versary luncheon is moving ahead with plans for an excit-

ing event.

To be held Saturday, August 17, 2013 in the Weather

Watch Lounge at the Dickson Building (5th floor) of the

VG Site, the celebration will honour Halifax members who

have made great accomplishments in the last 40 years,

speak fondly of our founding members, entertain you in

many unique ways, and, of course, provide a sit-down

luncheon at a reasonable cost – wine and birthday cake in-

cluded.

Plan now to be there. Attending will be members of

UOAC’s national board of directors, industry representa-

tives, local politicians and YOU, our main celebrants to be

honoured for being part of this great organization.

In addition, a Chapter Information Session will be held Sat-

urday August 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bethune

Ballroom.

Registration forms and luncheon fee structures were avail-

able at the April 7 chapter meeting. . Tickets; $45. Before

July 1st. or $50. after July 1st, Plan to be there.

Recipe Corner

Pumpkin Bread

1 1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ginger

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup cooking oil

1 Tbsp. molasses

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin

1/2 raisins (optional)

In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients together.

In another bowl beat eggs, oil, milk, molasses and

pumpkin together add raisins. Add dry ingredients all

at once, mix well. Pour into a greased loaf pan and

bake at 350º for about 1 hr. Submitted by: Betty Woolridge

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Notice Board

Upcoming Events

June 2 Closing Anniversary Pot Luck

Banquet

July 14 Annual Strawberry Picnic

August 17 National AGM, 40th

Anniversary & CIS

Executive Meetings …

… are held on the 3rd Monday of

each month on the 5th Floor of the

Dickson Centre from 2-4 p.m.

“No Scent” Policy

Ostomy Halifax respects the

No Smoking & No Scent policy of

the Capital Health Authority. Thank

you for remembering your fellow

members.

Ostomy Supplies & Discounts

Please remember to show your

membership card when requesting a

discount from participating firms.

Change of Address?

If you have a change of address,

please send a letter to Betty Woolridge

103 Alderney Drive, Enfield B2T1J9 or

email Jean Hiltz at jhiltz65@eastlink.ca

Meeting date reminders!

If you wish to be called, to be

reminded of our meetings, please

contact: Paulette Vilvorder at

445-3832 to have your name added

to the contact list.

Birthday Greetings for April Ralph Halliday, Barnard Connolly,

Greg Cromwell, Larry Gibson, Evelyn

McCready, Claire Nicholson, Roy

Niven, Shirley Scanlon, David

MacLellan, Ruth MacKinnon, Betti

Ann Smith, Malcolm Silver, Darlene

Morris, Wayne Mitchell, Vaughn L.

Smith

Welcome New Members

Lynn Atton (correct spelling of name)

Elaine Jeffery

Isabell Burke

Judy White

Cherry Cavill

In Memory

Help Please !

If you are aware of any or our

members who are sick or in hospital,

please take a moment to notify us.

Cell Phones

A friendly reminder to turn off your

cell phone during the meeting as a

courtesy to our presenters, members

and their guests.

Note To Readers

Products and methods mentioned in

this Newsletter are not endorsed by

the Ostomy Halifax Society and may

not be relevant to everyone. It is wise

to consult your doctor or E.T. nurse

before deciding to use any of them.

Visitor Training

Where: South Shore Regional Hospital.

When: June 15th, 2013 at 9:30 a.m.

For more information or to register

Please contact Irene Stagg at ; 462-0899

Visits for March 2013 2 Post-Op

1 Pre-Op

Thank You to:

Anne Ray

Irene Stagg

Mike Veres

Please consider receiving our

Newsletter by email ~

There’s something in it for both of

us! As a member you will receive

your newsletter in a secure PDF

format just as soon as it is ready &

you get it in colour. For us, the

savings are considerable both in

postage and labour costs. In addition,

we all benefit from contributing to a

more sustainable environment.

Interested ? Please send along a note

to Jean Hiltz. jhiltz@eastlink.ca

E.T. Nurses

Enterostomal Therapy Nurses

QE II Health Sciences Centre

Victoria General Hospital Site.

Enterostomal Therapy Services

Victoria General Hospital ET Clinic

(Self-referral) 473-7503

IWK Health Centre

Locating 470-8888,

Pager # 1893 Office:470-6977

To qualify for ET designation, a

candidate must attend a specifically

designed program, and successfully

complete it through very specialized

exams.

Chapter Minutes

Editors: Chapter Minutes are to be

submitted by the 15th of each

month, entries received after the

15th will not be included until the

following month.

6

Remember that airport screeners are there to help

save your life. That is their #1 task. Security will

have more current information than you have on

terrorists around the world.

Walk into the security area in a cooperative, relaxed

frame of mind. In most cases the process is fast and

pleasant. However you may be caught in a “random

check” process. It is not a reflection on you. Simply

do as you are asked without challenging the security

agent, wise advice in any security or public safety

situation. In summary, be prepared for the unknown.

It is a rare thing but it can happen.

One unknown is that your screener may not know

that there are three types of ostomies, and that they

are in different places on the body. A screener may

seldom see an ostomate, and his/her training may

have been years before. One may forget such

details.

It’s your choice whether: to show the screener an

“introduction” card or volunteer that you have an

ostomy; or whether you wait to see if the screener

seems “curious” about your body. Then, it is good

to tell him before he/she asks.

Get to the airport and through screening in plenty of

time, say 90-120 minutes before your flight. Then

you will be relaxed and able to handle any delays

more easily.

Pre-cut your flanges at home, if applicable. Put scis-

sors in your checked luggage.

Empty your pockets before going through security.

Put those items in your carry-on luggage temporar-

ily. Especially put anything metal, such as cash and

keys, in your carry-on luggage.

Empty your pouch before going through security. If

possible, check it in the secure area also, before

boarding the plane.

If you are travelling to a non-English-speaking

country it is ;useful to have your supplies in their

original box (es), with the instructions still in it.

Take your druggist’s receipt (s) (it has your name on

it).

Never expect any cruise ship to carry ostomy sup-

plies in case yours goes missing. It is unlikely they

will.

This newsletter’s feature article by Joel Jacobson, on page

1, mentions all the high points of the excellent

presentations on airport passenger screening by Ruth, Ed

and Mike. The checklist below supplements what is in

Joel’s article, and applies whether you fly only in Canada or

beyond North America. If you’re a flier, keep it handy.

7

Reasons for Skin Breakdown

Skin breakdown is one of the most common problems

ostomates encounter, but can be avoided by proper

care and management. Different problems arise for Ileo-

stomates, colostomates, and urinary diversions, but no mat-

ter what the disorder or whom it affects, prevention is al-

ways much easier than treatment at late stages. For this rea-

son, the ostomate should give particular attention to the

state of the skin and take immediate steps if he or she no-

tices anything unusual. This is especially important because

good, healthy skin makes for a better fitting appliance

which, in turn, makes for a good, healthy skin. Skin break-

down may be due to one of three causes: Allergy: An al-

lergy may be due to the adhesives, cement, or the material

of which the appliance is made. Fortunately, Karaya itself

is so inert, that it is extremely rare for a person to be aller-

gic to it. If there is any suspicion of allergy, the ostomate

should test whatever material he seems to be allergic to on

a part of the body remote from the stoma, say the chest or

arm for example. One can do this by putting a small

amount of tape or cement or suspected material in a patch

in the area and observe for further effects. Should the skin

break down here, it will not interfere with adherence of the

appliance. Sometimes one can eliminate allergic response

simply by switching to another brand. But again, this is

best determined by trial, using the patch test as suggested.

Exposure of Skin to Digestive Enzymes: This problem is

more common to ilestomates than to colostomates or to

people with urinary diversions, since the ilea excretions are

rich in digestive enzymes whereas the other two fluids are

not. Prevention also begins with a sufficiently protruding

stoma for the ileostomate. If skin breakdown is present,

there are a number of substances which can be used to pro-

mote healing and an enlightened physician or ET can han-

dle this problem. Infection with Bacteria or Fungus: This

problem often gets started from one of the other two prob-

lems, especially when there is a poor fit to the appliance,

and leakage occurs. Two very good agents for handling this

situation are Mycostatin Powder and Kenalog Spray.

Mycostatin kills the fungus (yeast) and the Kenalog Spray

contains cortisone which permits healing

of the skin. Neither of these agents has any greasy compo-

nents to interfere with adherence of the appliance. Note:

Each requires a Doctor’s Prescription for these. Source: Ostomy News, Victoria, BC, March/April, 2013

A four year old child, whose next door neighbor was an

elderly gentleman, had recently lost his wife.. Upon seeing

the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s

yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his mother asked him what he had said to the

neighbor, the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him

cry.”

8

CONCERNS FOR UROSTOMATES

Germs are all over the world, but when they are in the

urinary tract, either in the conduit, the ureters or the kid-

neys, they are in an abnormal location and that is

what causes an infection. What causes infection? Mostly

the reasons are unexplainable. Why do some people get

more colds than others do? Infections can be caused by

an obstruction, kidney stones, tumors, cysts, or scar

tissues. Almost synonymous with obstructions is infection,

and then too often comes stone formation. Once

you have a stone formation, you cannot get rid of the

infection. It is kind of a cycle that goes around and

around. Infection can be caused by urine being forced

back to the kidneys through the conduit. This could be

done by falling asleep with the appliance full of urine and

accidentally rolling over on the pouch, causing urine to

be forced back into the stoma, through the urinary tract

with tremendous pressure. Invariably the urine in the

appliance will be contaminated.

In general, to prevent and treat infection, you need a

good flow of urine much like a stream. That not only

dilutes the bacteria or germs in the urine, but also helps

wash them out. Two and one-half quarts of liquids daily

are required for the average adult. Night drainage is a

MUST. Otherwise, you run the risk of urine backing up

into the kidneys, which can cause irritation or infection.

This is especially important for urostomates with only

one kidney. It is important to be aware of the symptoms

of a kidney infection; elevated temperature, chills, low

back pain, decreased urine output or cloudy urine. People

with ileal conduits normally produce mucous threads

in urine which give a cloudy appearance, but bloody

urine is a danger sign. If these symptoms develop, you

MUST see your doctor. Source: It’s in the Bag, Niagara Ostomy Assoc. April 2013

SHOPPERS

HomeHealthCare

3430 Joseph Howe Drive Halifax, NS

(902) 443-6084

Visit our new location and speak to

one of our friendly staff for all your

Home Health Care needs, including a

wide selection of ostomy supplies.

Collect valuable Shoppers Optimum

points on every purchase

Healthcare solutions for better living.

Looking Back to February 1973

Helpful Hints

For a new ostomate, a convenient way of emptying

your drainable ostomy bag is to sit on the toilet and

empty the bag between your legs into the toilet. Rinse

the bag with lukewarm water to get rid of any remain-

ing fecal matter. A small pitcher kept in the bathroom

is convenient for this use.

*******************

If you have to make an emergency change, take two

aspirin and wait five minutes to ten minutes. This will

slow down the stoma activity long enough to make the

change.

Your Executive Board

Mrs. Roy Yetman President

Mrs. Harold Kenney R.N. Vice-President

Mrs. Julia Wilkes Secretary

Mr. Roy Baker Treasurer

Our year runs from October to the following Septem-

ber. The dues are $5.00 for and ostomate and $4.00

for a non-ostomate. As the year progresses, only a

certain percentage would be required.

9

Being Your Own Health Care Advocate via Mount Sinai Hospital, Via: the Internet

Editor’s Note: While written for Mount Sinai’s patients,

this is sound advice for any patient’s hospital stay.

Mount Sinai Hospital encourages patients to be

advocates of their own health care. To help you, they offer

the following suggestions:

While you are in the hospital, bring a paper and pen to

write down your questions for your caregivers (doctors,

nurses, etc.) as you think of them and ask for answers to

those concerns. Consider keeping a journal if your health

care experience is extensive, involving many health care

professionals over a pro-longed period of time.

Ask caregivers for their names and titles, and write then

down. If they have business cards, tape them in your jour-

nal.

Ask what tests and procedures are being done and

why. Find out when your doctor‘s rounds will be done and

have a family member or friend there to listen to the infor-

mation, to ask questions and to talk with after the team

leaves.

Before you sign any consent forms, make sure you read and

understand for what you are giving consent. Ask questions

such as what is the nature of the procedure and who will be

performing it.

Bring a list of all medications you‘ve been taking at home.

When it is time to go home, ask about and

understand the normal or abnormal side effects of your pro-

cedure. (For example, how much pain should be expected.)

Ask for educational material on your condition,

procedures and treatments. Ask how much you should do

when you get home and what you will need help with.

Ensure that you, your family and your caregivers

make arrangements for help. Ask about your home care

options.

Find out exactly what home care arrangements have been

made and ask for the contact name and phone number. If

something is not covered make sure you plan for the help

you need.

Ask about your expected recovery time. Find out

when you can return to work. If you or your loved ones do

not feel you are ready to return home, state your concerns

to your caregivers and ask for some time to discuss these

concerns in detail.

Ask about follow-up procedures. Find out what

future appointments you will have and with whom. Ask if

you should have a follow-up visit scheduled with your phy-

sician.

If you need help resolving your concerns or want to give

feedback to the hospital, call and ask to speak with the hos-

pital‘s patient representative.

Source: Inside Out, Winnipeg April 2013

HINTS for

SUMMER & TRAVEL

Do not expect to get the same pouch wear time as

you did in the fall, winter or spring. If your wafer or

ring skin barrier melts out faster, change the pouch

more frequently. If wear times are very poor, have

your ET nurse recommend a different skin barrier. If

plastic against your skin is uncomfortable or causes a

heat rash, pur-chase or sew a pouch cover. If you are

wearing a two-piece system and are participating in

very active sports, use a 10" strip of 2" or 3" water-

proof tape to secure the pouch and the barrier. Be

sure to drink plenty of fluids so that you will not get

dehydrated or constipated. For extra security during

swimming and water sports, use waterproof or "pink"

tape to fix your pouch. Monilia, is a common sum-

mer problem. This raised, itchy, red rash on the peris-

tomal skin is uncomfortable and keeps the pouches

from holding well. If you suspect a monilial rash, con

-tact your physician as soon as possible for a pre-

scription for anti-monilia powder. All methods of

travel are available to you. Many people with

ostomies travel widely, from camping trips to cruises

to plane excursions around the world. Since you

should prepare for travel, here are some suggestions:

Take along enough supplies to last the entire trip plus

some extras. They may not be easy to obtain from

where you are going. Even if you do not expect to

change your appliance, take along everything you

need to do so. Leave home fully prepared. Find out if

and where supplies are available for a long trip. A

local ostomy chapter can be helpful. Never pack

ostomy supplies in your luggage suitcase in case your

luggage is delayed or lost. Pack them in your hand

lug-gage and take them with you. Even when travel-

ing by car, keep this in mind. Never keep your equip-

ment in the car trunk where excessive heat can dam-

age appliances and dry out cement, etc. Try to get the

name/ names of any Ostomy Chapters in your travel

itinerary. You can always make contact with some-

one who can find a doctor or ostomy supplies.

Ostomates are friendly and most helpful. Be extra

cautious about food and water in other countries

since a case of traveler's diarrhea can be more se-

rious to you. Be prepared for digestive upsets by

checking with your doctor for recommended medica-

tions to take with you. To fight dehydration due to

excessive heat, diarrhea or vomiting, carry a small

immersion heater and tea bags or instant bouillon

cubes. These can quickly replace lost electrolytes

(potassium and salt). Carry some type of emergency

medical information on your per-son. Provide cau-

tions and pertinent information in the event of

unexpected hospitalizations. Source: Inside Out, Winnipeg April 2013

10

Editors Please Note Items in this Newsletter may be copied for use in others newsletters, providing proper credit given concerning the source of the material, as indicated in “Source” at the end of some articles. In Appreciation Thank you, to Lawton’s Drug Stores for providing space in the storeroom of their Westphal Store for accepting and storing supplies for FOWC until a shipment is ready to be packed and sent to the Collection Site in Montreal. Bequests & Donations We are a nonprofit association and welcome bequests, donation and gifts. Acknowledgment Cards are sent to next-of-kin when memorial donations are received. Donations should be made payable and addressed to: Ostomy Halifax Society, PO Box 8476, Halifax, NS B3K 5M2

Ostomy Halifax Society

Member of Ostomy Canada

Membership - $27.00 annually, which entitles a member to receive 9 issues of

the “Ostomy Halifax News” and 2 issues of UOA of Canada Inc. publication,

“Ostomy Canada”. Must be a chapter member or member of a subscribing

chapter to receive the newsletter.

Donations - Receipts are issued promptly for income tax purposes.

Advertisers who give discounts on the purchase of Ostomy products:

Lawtons Home Health Care-Bayers Road Shopping Centre, Halifax 453-8847

Lawtons Home Health Care-90 Main St., Westphal, Dartmouth - 462-7400

Lawtons Home Health Care-5991 Spring Garden Road, Halifax - 423-9430

Lawtons Home Health Care - 6155 North Street, Halifax - 453-8852

Lawtons Home Health Care - 157 Cobequid Rd. Sackville - 864-3005

Shoppers Drugs Mart - 3430 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax - 443-6084

Shoppers Drug Mart - 5595 Fenwick St. Halifax - 421-1683

D.F. Kyte, Pharmacy Ltd.- 920 Cole Harbour Rd., Dartmouth, NS - 462-4187

Courtesy - New Ostomates visited in hospital by our certified visitors will

receive 2 issues of this publication.

Ostomy Canada

Suite 501,

344 Bloor Street West,

Toronto, Ont. M5S 3A7

Phone: 416-595-5452

Fax: 416-595-9924

Toll Free - 1-888-969-9698

(Courtesy of Hollister Limited)

E-mail: uoacan@astral.magic.ca

Web Site: http:/www.ostomycanada.ca

Editor

Jean Hiltz,

52 Hurshman Rd,

Dutch Settlement, NS

B2S 2K8

902-883-9679

Email; jhiltz65@eastlink.ca

Atlantic Provinces UOAC

DSS Representative

VACANT

Membership Application - UOA of Canada Inc. - Ostomy Halifax Society

Membership includes annual subscription to chapter newsletter and the official UOAC publication,

“Ostomy Canada”. The following information is kept strictly CONFIDENTIAL. Membership is open to ostomates

and non-ostomates. New Member Renewal Change of Address

Name

______________________________Address________________________________Apt.No._______________

City___________________________Province_______Postal Code________________Phone(s)

___________________

Birth (day/mo/yr) / / / Occupation______________________

Languages Spoken______________________

Colostomy Ileostomy Urinary Diversion

Continent Ileostomy

Other (Specify)_______________ Spouse/Family Member________________ M.D., E.T. Supplier, Etc.

Make cheque payable to Ostomy Halifax Society and mail to;

Membership Chair, Betty Woolridge, 103 Alderney Drive, Enfield, NS B2T 1J9