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July
2010 Last Month’s Meeting (our 400th) June is our traditional “Best Weather of the Year” meeting, and it did not disappoint us this year. Our program for this evening was a Visitor’s Training Session hosted by Peggy Bassrawi, RN. Peggy utilized the new UOAA Visitor’s Training package and film developed by Dave Rudzin, a member of our ostomy association and president-elect of UOAA. This is an excellently thought out educational series that not only trains us on the basics of ostomy surgery but also on the finer points of visiting a person with a new ostomy. Let us review the basic visiting skills we want you to be accomplished in when you visit an ostomy patient. § You should be well groomed and dress attractively. Wear tailored clothes, not ones that look like they are designed or selected to conceal a pouch. § You should be cheerful. Your greetings should be cordial and friendly. Speak softly and calmly. § You should be honest and respond factually to all questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, let the ostomy patient know that you will find and answer for him/her. § You should be a good listener. It is more important to listen during a visit than talk. Non-verbal communication is important. How you look, a smile and a good attitude are the best ways to provide hope and encouragement. § You should be ready to accept emotional responses. If the person feels like crying, do not stop them. Sharing feelings usually makes people feel closer. § You should be considerate of the ostomy patient. Make the visit brief, about a half-hour. The patient may be reticent to discuss his/her ostomy or become fatigued. § You should be respectful of a patient’s privacy. Discuss any unusual situations only with the physician or WOC nurse. Never provide medical advice or perform ostomy care on a patient under ordinary circumstances. Do not disparage the patient’s medical providers. § You should be prompt. Make follow-up calls when promised. Be on hand to greet them when they attend their first ostomy meeting. § Most importantly, you should be yourself. Use your own good judgment and common sense. Ostomy Related Art
Exhibit Patrick Ryoichi Nagatani is displaying his photographic show “Chromatherapy,” featuring a nude with an ostomy at the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, through August 20. Visit www.imss.org for information. We are looking for a few select individuals to share their talent by participating in one of our committees. A list of our officers and committees are listed in our bylaws on www.uoachicago.org. We are updating our mailing/e-mail list every month. Please complete the form on the last page of this newsletter if your home or e-mail addresses change. Are you parking in the underground garage for our meeting? Ask us for a pass to reduce your fee to $2.00! OAGC Meeting Dates for
2010 August 18—Alan Sears from
Mark Drug Medical Supply will discuss the special services they offer people
with ostomies. Hedy Holleran from
Hollister, Inc. will show us some new products. September 15—Bernie au
dem Graben, WOCN October 20—Jennifer Dore,
WOCN December 15—Our Gala
Holiday Celebration Southwest
Suburban Chicago The
Southwest Suburban Chicago Ostomy Support Group is an entirely volunteer
ostomy association dedicated to the mutual aid, education and moral support
of people with ostomies and their families.
Meetings are held at
For information regarding this special ostomy group serving Chicago’s
greater southwest side, please call Edna Wooding, WOC nurse and association
president, at 708-423-5641. All meetings are held at Little Company of Mary
Hospital, Evergreen Park, Mary Potter Pavilion, Lower Level, 2850 W. 95th St. Northwest Community Hospital An ostomy support group was formed in 2008 at Northwest Community Hospital, 800 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights. They wish to extend a welcome to all of our readers to visit them. They meet at 1:00 PM in the Busse Center, B1 level, Room LC7-8 of the Learning Center. This building may be accessed from the garage at the west end of the Busse Center. It is easiest to enter from Central Road. The WOC nurses at the hospital lead the group. For more information, please contact Diane Davis-Zeek, RN at 847-618-3215, ddavis@nch.org .
NW Comm Hospital Meeting Dates for 2010 August 12 October 7 December 9 Lake County
Ostomy Association The Lake County Ostomy Association (LCOA) meets on the third Saturday every other month. Meetings begin at 10:00 AM and end around noon. The LCOA meets at the corporate headquarters of Hollister, Inc., 2000 Hollister Drive, Libertyville (about one mile north of the Vernon Hills Shopping Center on the east side of Milwaukee Avenue., Route 21). For more information, call Carol Rhodes 815-459-2691 or Judy Gaughan, Hollister, Inc., 847-918-3451. LCOA Meeting Dates for 2010 July 17 September 18 November 20 How Do I Clean This Pouch? When you are cleaning a drainable two-piece pouch for reuse, use warm, rather than hot or cold water. Cold water does not lift stool or urine as readily from the plastic and the pouch is less pliable. Hot water will cause the pouch to wear out faster and may increase the likelihood of odor. When you want to rinse the pouch while you are still wearing it, you may use a small squirt bottle to get the water into it, slosh it around by holding the end and then empty it into the toilet. Unless you have no option, it is best to remove the pouch entirely for cleaning. A bit of ordinary dish detergent with warm water, or, if bacteria are a concern, a bit of white vinegar mixed with water will do the trick. Fill the pouch with the warm water/soap/vinegar solution; slosh it by hand while holding it over the bathroom bowl, in case a little is spilled, empty out the rinse water and repeat. It is not recommended that you wash these things in the sink—the drains are usually too small to handle this sort of waste and the result may not be hygienic. Once you have things reasonably clean, you can hold the pouch under the bathtub faucet and let it rinse. Tub drains are larger and so long as you let a good flush of water follow and scrub the bathtub on a regular basis, which you do anyway, your bathtub will be clean. Your
bathroom will not smell. Baking soda
in the wash water and down the drain is an excellent deodorizer. You can hang the wet pouch by the ring on a
hook to dry or just leave it flat on a towel and it will be ready for use the
next day. The inside does not have to
be bone dry for use, but the outside and ring should be. You should know that Hollister, Inc.
does not recommend rinsing out pouches.
Poor pouch performance can result.
Reasons include over zealous rinsing or contraindications due to body
shape or body chemistry. Adhesions An adhesion is a formation of scar tissue that binds together two anatomic surfaces that are normally separated from each other. They are most commonly found in the abdomen, where they form after abdominal surgery, inflammation or injury. Lysis (destruction or dissolution) of adhesions is a surgical procedure performed to free adhesions from tissues. Although sometimes present from birth, adhesions are usually scar tissue formed after inflammation. The most common site of adhesions is the abdomen, where they often form after peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) or following surgery, as part of the body’s healing process. Abdominal adhesions infrequently bind together loops of intestine, resulting in intestinal obstruction. The condition is characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, distention and an increased pulse without a rise in temperature. Nasogastric intubation and suction may relieve the blockage. If there is no relief, an operation is usually required to cut the fibrous tissue and free the intestinal loops. Although scar tissue within the abdomen can occur after any abdominal operation, it is more common after a ruptured appendix. Most adhesions cause no problems, but they can obstruct the intestine in about 2% of all patients. Obstructions can occur several years later. The adhesions can also block the ends of the fallopian tubes, possibly causing infertility. Adhesions can occur elsewhere and can be the cause of other disorders; for instance, they can lead to glaucoma and can result in pericarditis. Here are some questions to ask your doctor. · How do you know the problem is the adhesions and not some other growth or condition? · Is surgery recommended to remove the adhesions? ·
What is the procedure? · Could the adhesions redevelop? C3Life.com
Internet Site When food
is chewed and swallowed, it passes from the esophagus into the
stomach. Stomach acids and chemicals
called enzymes break down the food until it becomes a liquid mixture. This liquid mixture then passes into the small
intestine. · Duodenum · Jejunum · Ileum
· Cecum · Ascending colon · Transverse colon · Descending colon · Sigmoid colon—S-shaped portion near the end · Rectum (approximately 6 inches in length)
The Urinary System The urinary system begins with the kidneys. The kidneys are the two bean-shaped organs located just above the waistline on each side of the spine. The kidneys filter and eliminate waste from the body. The flow of urine is fairly constant and is related to the amount of fluid intake. The
rate of urine production can also be influenced by other factors, such as
some medications. The
bladder is made primarily of a muscle, which is almost elastic in
behavior. It can swell and contract,
depending on the amount of urine it contains.
A
stoma is created to remove or bypass an injured or diseased part of the
digestive or urinary system. Around
the world, tens of thousands of new stomas are created every year for people
of all ages, from newly born to elderly.
Colostomy · Cancer · Diverticular disease · Trauma · Congenital (present at birth) · Incontinence
· Ulcerative colitis · Crohn's disease · Familial polyposis coli (FPC) · Congenital (present at birth) · Staged process for other surgery, e.g., loop stoma, which is reversed later
· Bladder cancer · Trauma · Congenital (present at birth) · Incontinence/repeated Infection · Interstitial cystitis
Types of Ostomies The terms “ostomy” and “stoma” are general descriptive terms that are often used interchangeably, though they have different meanings. An ostomy refers to a surgically created opening in the body. In a bowel or bladder ostomy, a bodily organ is brought through the surface of the skin. Not all ostomies bring an organ out, e.g., tympanostomies, in the eardrum. We usually refer to an ostomy as bringing a loop or severed loop of intestine through the skin for the discharge of body wastes, either fecal or urinary. The part of the intestine that is outside the abdomen is called the stoma. A stoma may also be at the end of one of the ureters, if it has been brought through the abdominal wall. The most common specific types of ostomies are described below. Colostomy refers to the surgically created opening of the colon (large intestine), which results in a stoma. A colostomy is created when a portion of the colon or the rectum is removed and the remaining colon is brought to the abdominal wall. It may be described as a sigmoid colostomy, transverse colostomy, descending colostomy or ascending colostomy, depending on the portion of the colon involved, or as a temporary or permanent colostomy. Ileostomy refers to a surgically created opening in the small intestine, usually at the end of the ileum. The intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma. Ileostomies may be temporary or permanent and may involve removal of all or part of the entire colon. J-Pouch, this is now the most common alternative to the conventional ileostomy. Technically, it is not an ostomy since there is no stoma. In this procedure, the colon and most of the rectum are surgically removed and an internal pouch is formed out of the terminal portion of the ileum. An opening at the bottom of this pouch is attached to the anus such that the existing anal sphincter muscles can control the opening. Hence, the J-pouch is called a continent procedure. It should be performed only on patients with ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis who still have their anal sphincters. In addition to the "J" shape, continent diversion may have an "S" or a "W" shape. Other names are ileoanal anastomosis, pull-thru, endorectal pull through, pelvic pouch and, perhaps the most impressive name, ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). Continent ileostomy (Koch pouch) is a surgical variation of the ileostomy. A reservoir pouch is created inside the abdomen with a portion of the terminal ileum. A valve is constructed in the pouch and a stoma is brought through the abdominal wall. The patient drains the pouch several times a day by inserting a catheter. The Koch pouch is less common now than the ileoanal reservoir (see above). A few surgical centers now perform a modified version of this procedure called the Barnett continent intestinal reservoir (BCIR). Urostomy is a general term for a surgical procedure that diverts urine away from a diseased or defective bladder. The ileal or cecal conduit procedures are the most common urostomies. A section is surgically removed from the end of the small bowel (ileum) or from the beginning of the large intestine (cecum) and used to form a stoma. The stoma acts as a passageway (conduit) for urine to pass from the kidneys to the outside of the body. When urostomies are performed, sometimes the bladder is completely removed. There are two main continent procedure alternatives to the ileal or cecal conduit. In the Indiana and Kock pouches, a reservoir or pouch is created inside the abdomen using a portion of either the small or large bowel. A valve is constructed in the pouch and a stoma is brought through the abdominal wall. The patient inserts a catheter or tube several times daily to drain urine from the reservoir. In the Indiana pouch, the ileocecal valve that is removed from its normal place, where it controls the junction between the large and small intestines and is used to make the Indianan pouch continent (controllable by the patient?. The reservoir of the Indiana pouch is made from the large bowel. In the Kock pouch, as in an ileostomy alternative, the pouch and a special "nipple" valve are both made from the small bowel. In both procedures, the valve is located at the pouch outlet to prevent the flow of urine until the patient inserts a catheter. The orthotropic neobladder is made from a section of intestine and connected in place of the bladder to the urethra, so that the patient can void through the urethra in the usual way. The neobladder is not an ostomy. Patients who must have their bladder removed but can retain their urinary sphincter muscle are candidates for neobladders. Join
UOAA on Facebook at http:// www.facebook.com/#!/pages/United-Ostomy- Associations-of-America/169475247090?ref=ts Follow
UOAA on Twitter at http:// Types of Pouching Systems Forwarded by the DuPage County Ostomy Association Pouching systems may include a one-piece or two-piece system. The pouch (one-piece or two-piece) attaches to the abdomen by an adhesive skin barrier (previously called a faceplate or wafer) and encloses stoma to collect the diverted output, either stool or urine. The skin barrier is designed to protect the skin from the stoma output and to be as harmless to the skin as possible. Colostomy and ileostomy pouches may be drainable, with a spout or tail at the bottom that is kept closed with a clamp or a tail clip or they may be closed-end pouches, which are emptied when they are removed. Patients with colostomies who can irrigate and patients who have regular elimination patterns are more likely to use closed-end pouches. Closed-end pouches are usually discarded after one use. Patients who use a two-piece system can change the pouch without removing the skin barrier. The pouch part has a closing ring that fits into a mating piece on the skin barrier. Often, a pressure fit snap ring, similar to that used in Tupperware™ is used for this closing ring. Some two-piece pouching systems use an adhesive to seal the skin barrier to the pouch. In one-piece pouching systems, the skin barrier and pouch do not separate. When the patient changes the entire pouching system is removed. Both two-piece and one-piece pouching systems are available in drainable and closed styles. Some people with colostomies irrigate the stoma to wash stool out of the colon, much like using an enema to irrigate one’s bowel. Irrigation requires an irrigation bag with a connecting tube (or catheter), a stoma cone and an irrigation sleeve. A special lubricant may be used to help insert the catheter into the stoma. In between irrigations, some people with colostomies can wear a stoma cap to cover and protect the stoma (not a recommended practice) or wear a regular pouching system Patients with urostomies any use either one- or two-piece pouching systems to contain urine. In both systems, the pouches have a spout or valve that can attach to a leg bag or a drainage tube that leads to a large collection bottle for use at night. These are the major types of pouching systems. There are also a number of styles. For instance, there are flat skin barriers and convex ones. There are rigid and very flexible ones. There are barriers with or without adhesive backing and a perimeter of tape. Some manufacturers have introduced drainable pouches with a built-in tail closure that does not require a separate clip. Each person must find the pouching system that performs best for him/her. The larger mail order catalogues will illustrate the types and styles from all or most of the manufacturers. If you have any trouble with your current pouching system, discuss the problem with an ostomy nurse or other caregiver and find a pouching system that works better for you. It is common to try several types until the best solution is found. Free samples are readily available by calling the manufacturers for you to try. There is no reason to continue using a poorly performing or uncomfortable pouching system. Psychosocial Issues UOAA Patient’s
Concerns about Surgery The reaction to intestinal or urinary diversion surgery varies from one individual to the other. To some, it will be a problem, to others, a challenge; what one person considers it life saving, another finds it a devastating experience. Each person will adapt or adjust in his/her own way and in his/her own time. Body Image/Self-Esteem Concerns Permanent and significant changes in the one’s appearance and functional ability may change the way one internalizes one’s body image and self-concept. Fear of loss is normal, and facing any loss is difficult. What are patients giving up by having this operation? Is there any gain? How changed will they be? Such thoughts may lead to weeping or depression, or they may be denied. It is important to understand the impact of the ostomy surgery on the patient’s self-image. It may be accepted as the lesser of two evils, or the patient may cling to the belief that the situation is temporary. Patients should have the opportunity to express or deny their feelings about their surgery, the changes in their body, or their self-image. Self-Care Concerns Patients have to be reassured that they will be taught self-care and that they will be able to master the management process. Basic anatomy and physiology should be explained to new patients, so they can better understand the extent of their surgery. Patients should be given a choice about their pouching systems. Patients should begin to assist the ostomy nurse with caring for the ostomy as soon as possible so that they can build confidence and quickly regain control. Relationship Concerns Patients may fear that their social role may be changed and that others may not accept them as in the past. One of the first concerns seems to be how to tell others about their surgery, who to tell and when. Patients should be prepared to explain their surgery with a few brief statements such as, “An ostomy is a surgical procedure for the diversion of bowel (or bladder).” They should understand that they do not have to tell everyone about the surgery. They may choose to tell only friends who will be supportive throughout the rehabilitation process. Returning to the work place may present a concern about restroom facilities, interaction with coworkers, and feelings of being watched. Maybe a few of their coworkers may need to know in the event of an emergency. Employability and insurability are issues for some individuals. If these issues develop, seek help from healthcare professionals and/or talk with a lawyer or social service agency that helps disabled persons. Sexuality issues are common concerns for the person with a new ostomy. Linked closely to our feelings of sexuality is how we think about our body image and ourselves. Any sexuality concerns should be discussed between the patient and the partner. Professional counseling may be helpful. It is likely that the partner will have anxieties due to a lack of information. In an intimate relationship, the people must be able to communicate about the most personal of human functions, that is, bodily elimination and sex. Ostomy surgery may present more concerns for single individuals. When to tell depends upon the relationships. Brief casual dates may not need to know. If the relationship grows and leads to intimacy, the partner needs to be told about the ostomy prior to a sexual experience.
Support Your Ostomy Association We are now offering free membership to our
Association. To provide for our few
expenses (mainly the publishing of The New Outlook) we need your
assistance. Please send a contribution
to help maintain our group’s viability. Name
& Address: __________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Send
To: Ostomy
Association of Greater Chicago Mr. Tim
Traznik, Treasurer 40
Fallstone Drive, Streamwood, IL
60107-1079 The Fungus Among Us By Kathy Dahn, RN, Riverside HealthCare Kankakee,
IL My patients frequently tell me how good
it feels when they remove their ostomy system and bathe the skin around the
stoma with warm water. A bit of
itchiness at that point is normal.
What is not normal is to have severe itching under the skin barrier
while you are still wearing it. There may be several reasons for this,
but one of the most common is a fungal infection. This is not a cause for panic. Many people worry that having a fungal
infection indicates they are not clean and that is simply not the case. Fungus thrives where it is warm and dark
and moist—a great description of the environment under a skin barrier. The peristomal skin (the skin around the
stoma) will usually be a hot pink or strawberry red when a fungal infection
is present. The skin may be intact or
there may be places where the top layer of skin is missing, leaving an open
wound which is red and moist and tender.
The fungal infection can be treated in
different ways, with the main difference being using a powder or a
cream. Regardless of whether you use a
powder or a cream, your skin barrier will probably not adhere for as long a
period as you are accustomed to, so beware.
My sixth grade teacher used to say, “Forewarned is forearmed.” so
consider yourself warned. Nystatin (mycostatin) powder is a
product that will combat the fungal infection. Powder is especially helpful when there are
many areas that are open and moist. To
use the powder, clean and dry the peristomal skin well, then apply a light
dusting of the powder to the affected areas.
You can place your skin barrier directly over the powder or you can
apply skin prep over the powder to help achieve a tighter seal. Remember: skin preps may only be used on
standard wear barriers and never on extended wear. Another method, which I frequently use,
is to apply Lotrisone to the entire reddened area. Lotrisone is a combination of clotrimazole
to fight the fungus and betamethasone, an artificial steroid like prednisone,
to reduce the itching. By the time
patients come to see us with a fungal infection, they are frequently so
miserable with the constant itching that we use the Lotrisone for immediate
relief. At this point, I am sure you are
probably thinking, “Lotrisone is a cream and the skin barrier will just slip
right off.” Your concern has some
merit, although rubbing the cream in well and applying a powder over it
usually provides a satisfactory base for the skin barrier to adhere to skin
just fine. To help achieve a tighter
seal, especially for people with oily skin, we sometimes cover the Lotrisone
with a “second skin,” Extra Thin Duoderm.
Extra Thin Duoderm is just what it says it is—it is very thin and it
adheres to the skin when the body heat softens the Duoderm. Skin prep can be applied over the Duoderm
to improve adhesion, and then the skin barrier can be applied in the usual
fashion. The edges of the Duoderm may
be secured with tape as needed. One
little hint about using the Extra Thin Duoderm: if you are cutting a hole in
the center of the skin barrier to accommodate your stoma, you will need to
cut the hole smaller than usual, as the Duoderm tends to stretch somewhat
when you remove the paper backing. There is no specific time you must use
the antifungal products. They should
be discontinued once the peristomal skin looks and feels completely
normal. If you have had your ostomy
for years and never had a fungal infection before, you may wonder, why you do
now. One reason is that our immune
system becomes less efficient as we age.
In addition, increased use of antibiotics not only kills the bad
germs, but wipes out our normal flora—the good organisms that normally live
in our body. Our normal flora help to
keep the bad germs in check so when we lose the flora; the fungus can take
over—sort of a “when the cat is away, the mice will play” scenario. Of course, summer heat can cause moisture
under the skin barrier through perspiration.
I hope this helps to clarify some of the confusion about “the fungus
among us.” Facts about
Convexity By Bob Baumel A
convex pouching system is designed to improve the peristomal seal conforming
it to the peristomal skin. This is
done in order for the ostomy system to conform to the peristomal skin contour
more continuously. The following are
indications for use Æ
A flush stoma Æ
A retracted stoma Æ
A stomal at or near
skin level Æ
Peristomal creases and
wrinkles Æ
Liquid drainage getting
on the skin Æ
A high output stomal
effluent Æ
A protruding or flabby
abdomen Æ
Frequent pouching
system changes caused by leakage The
following are contraindications for use Æ
Pyoderma Gangrenosum, a
chronic non-infective eruption of spreading undermined ulcers showing central
healing, with diffuse dermal neutrophil infiltration; often associated with ulcerative
colitis Æ
Caput Medusa
(peristomal varices), varicose veins radiating from the umbilicus, dilated
ciliary arteries girdling the corneoscleral limbus in rubeosis iridis Æ
Pressure ulcers, a
lesion on the surface of the skin caused by superficial loss of tissue,
usually with inflammation, which may
be cause by an ostomy belt or convex insert putting stress on the skin
causing ulceration Æ
Mucocutaneous
separation, relating to mucous membrane and skin, denoting the line of
junction of the two at the orifice, in our case the separation of the skin
from the stoma Æ
Crohn's ulceration,
ulceration caused by Crohn's disease Æ
Malignant ulceration,
ulceration caused by cancer Products
and devices to achieve convexity include Æ
Convex Insert: A pre-sized plastic ring for use in the
flange of a two-piece system Æ
Barrier rings or
strips: A moldable product used to
create convexity. Æ
A Convex Skin
Barrier: A skin barrier manufactured
with built-in convexity It
should be noted that an ostomy belt is usually worn to provide additional
support when using any convex product.
There are also differing degrees of depth available in convex products
such as shallow, normal and deep. The person who needs a convex skin
barrier should be able to maintain his/her peristomal skin in excellent
health and find comfort and satisfaction with the pouching system, increased
pouching system wear time, and a more cost effective stomal management
system. There are certain
considerations when using a convex system Æ
Convex pouching systems
are best fitted by a WOC nurse and evaluated regularly Æ
Convex products leave
an imprint on the skin Æ
Convex barriers may be
less flexible Æ
Convex products
generally cost more, but should be a better value because of the increase wear
time leading to less frequent pouch changes Patients
are encouraged to see their WOC nurse if there are any stomal changes, bumps,
cuts bruises or bleeding; if peristomal skin changes occur, such as
irritations, rash, color changes, bleeding, pain, itching or lesions occur or
if there is continued and frequent leakage of the pouching system. Why Drinking Water is
Important Researched from reliable medical
sources Even healthy eaters often underestimate the importance of their water intake and wind up suffering from chronic, low-grade dehydration. Here are just a few reasons good hydration is essential to the good health of people with ostomies. Energy: Suboptimal hydration slows the activity of enzymes, including those responsible for producing energy, leading to feelings of fatigue. Even a slight reduction in hydration can lower metabolism and reduce one’s ability to live efficiently an active life with an ostomy. Digestion: Our bodies produce an average of seven liters of digestive juices daily. When we do not drink enough liquid, our secretions are more limited and the digestive process is inhibited. However, drinking too much water all at once, particularly with food, can also dilute digestive juices, reduce their efficacy and lead to indigestion. Regularity: As partially digested food passes through the colon, the colon absorbs excess liquid and transfers it to the bloodstream, so that a stool of normal consistency is formed. When the body is low on water, it extracts too much liquid from the stool that it becomes hard, dry and difficult to eliminate. Slowed elimination contributes to body-wide toxicity and inflammation. Blood pressure: When
we are chronically dehydrated, our blood becomes thicker and more viscous. In response to reduced overall blood volume,
the blood vessels contract. To
compensate for the increased vein-wall tension and increased blood viscosity,
the body must work harder to push blood through the veins, resulting in
elevated blood pressure. Stomach health: Under normal circumstances, the stomach secretes a layer of mucus, which is composed of 98% water, to prevent its mucus membranes from being destroyed by the highly acidic digestive fluid it produces. Chronic dehydration impedes mucus production and may irritate and produce ulcers in the stomach lining. Respiration: The moist mucus membranes in the respiratory region are protective; however, in a state of chronic dehydration, they dry out and become vulnerable to attack from substances that might exist in inhaled air like dust and pollen. Weight management: Feelings of thirst can be confused with hunger, both because eating can soothe thirst and because dehydration-induced fatigue is often misinterpreted as a lack of fuel; e.g., sugar. Both dynamics can lead to false sensations of hunger, triggering overeating and weight gain. Inadequate hydration can also promote the storage of inflammatory toxins, which can also promote weight gain. Skin health: Dehydrated skin loses elasticity and has a dry, flaky appearance and texture. Dehydration can also lead to skin irritation and rashes, including conditions like eczema. We need to sweat about 24 ounces a day to properly dilute and transport the toxins being eliminated through our skin. When we are chronically dehydrated, the sweat becomes more concentrated and toxins are not removed from our systems as readily, which can lead to skin irritation and inflammation. Cholesterol: Cholesterol is an essential element in cell membrane construction. When we are in a state of chronic dehydration and too much liquid is removed from within the cell walls, the body tries to stop the loss by producing more cholesterol to shore up the cell membrane. Although the cholesterol protects the cell membrane from being so permeable, the overproduction introduces too much cholesterol into the bloodstream. Kidney and Urinary Health: When we do not drink enough liquid, our kidneys struggle to flush water-soluble toxins from our systems. When we do not adequately dilute the toxins in our urine, the toxins irritate the urinary mucus membranes and create a germ and infection friendly environment. Joint health: Dehydrated cartilage and ligaments are more brittle and prone to damage. Joints can become painfully inflamed when irritants, usually toxins produced by the body and concentrated in our blood and cellular fluids, attach them, setting the stage for arthritis. Aging: The normal aging process involves a gradual loss of cell volume and an imbalance of the extra-cellular and intracellular fluids. This loss of cellular water can be accelerated when we do not ingest enough liquids, or when our cell membranes are not capable of maintaining a proper fluid balance. Acid-alkaline balance: Dehydration causes enzymatic slowdown, interrupting important biochemical transformation, with acidifying results at the cellular level. The acidification of the body’s internal cellular environment can be further worsened when excretory organs, such as the skin and kidneys do not have enough liquid to do their jobs properly. An overly acidic bio-chemical environment can give rise to a host of inflammatory health condition, as well as yeast and fungal growth.
July 22-25, 2010 • Pull-thru
Network Conference, Hilton El Conquistador, Tucson AZ The Pull-thru Network, the network for
families living with the challenges of congenital anorectal, colorectal or
urogenital disorders, will hold its national conference July 22-25, 2010. For more information, contact us by phone
at 205-978-2930 or e-mail at PTNmail@charter.net
. For our liability disclaimer and privacy policy
visit http://uoachicago.org/liability.htm. Charter of
Ostomate’s Rights
Issued by the International Ostomy Association
(IOA) House of Delegates, September 2004
This Charter of Ostomates Rights presents the special needs of this
particular group and the care they require.
They have to receive the information and care which will enable them
to live a self-determined and independent life and to participate in all
decision-making processes. It
is the declared objective of the International Ostomy Association that this
charter shall be realized in all countries of the world. All people with ostomies shall: · Receive preoperative counseling to ensure that they are fully aware of the benefits of the operation and the essential facts about living with a stoma. · Have a well-constructed stoma placed at an appropriate site, and with full and proper consideration for the comfort of the patient. · Receive experienced and professional medical support, stoma-nursing care and psychosocial support in the preoperative and postoperative period both in hospital and in their community. · Receive support and information for the benefit of their family, personal caregivers and friends to increase their understanding of the condition and adjustments, which are necessary for achieving a satisfactory standard of life with a stoma. · Receive full and impartial information about all relevant supplies and products available in their country. · Have unrestricted access to a variety of affordable ostomy products ·
Be given information about their
national ostomy association and the services and support that can be
provided. ·
Be protected against all forms
of discrimination. |
