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March 2008 Last
Month’s Meeting Another
brutal day in Remember: When submitting an insurance claim—public or private—for ostomy supplies, be sure you use the words “prosthetic devices”. Do not call them medical supplies, bags, pouches, flanges or appliances. Buried deep in the Social Security Act is the definition that prosthetic devices include colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy supplies. We would like to offer a special thank you to the customer service team from Hollister, Inc. for visiting us at our meeting. They brought us the good new that the new AF300 filter is fast becoming a great success. If anyone has need of a filter on his/her pouch yet has had poor success with one in the past, now is the time to try the new AF300 filter. It will not leak, yet it will allow air to escape the pouch odor-free. In addition, to serve our needs better, Hollister, Inc. now has a direct phone number to customer service. That means when we call them, we do not need to go through some complicated voice mail system in order to reach them. Customer service’s new direct line is 888-740-8999. We are
in the planning stages of offering a Product Fair on Saturday morning June 7
at the Rotunda on the far-east side of the first floor at Be sure
to join us on March 26 to hear Maria De Ocampo, WOCN from the WOC Nurse Week begins April 13 2008 Meeting Dates March 26—Maria De Ocampo, WOCN “Ask the Nurse” April 23—Anniversary Meeting May 28 June 25—Bernie Auf Dem Grabem, WOCN July 23—Connie Kelly, WOCN August 27—Marina Makovetskaia, WOCN (MRSA infections around the stoma) September 24—Madelene Grimm, WOCN October
22— December
10 (
You are welcome to join us on the third Saturday of every other month from
10:00 AM until 12:00 noon. We hold our
meetings in the cafeteria at the world headquarters of Hollister, Inc. in
Southwest Suburban 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 7:30 PM
on the third Monday of each month throughout the year, except July, August,
December and January. For information regarding this special
ostomy group serving 2008 March 17 April 21 May 19 June 16 Little Company of 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 Mr. Tim Traznik, Treasurer IBD Patient Symposium On Saturday, March 29, we will once again participate, for the ninth year in a row, in the annual Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s IBD Patient and Family Symposium, “Knowledge is Power: Control Today . . . Cure Tomorrow”. The Symposium starts about 8:00 AM and
runs for most of the day. It is held
at the March is FOW-USA plans to be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM until noon until April when it will be closed permanently. We are in urgent need for volunteers to pack new ostomy supplies that will be sent to poorest countries worldwide. There is a desperate need, and the warehouse is busting out at the seams with donations to package and send out. Please help. We need at least two dozen new volunteers to handle our needs. The warehouse phone number is 847-375-0169. Please phone to be sure that someone will be there. AF300 Ostomy Filter by Hollister Hollister, Inc. is now offering the revolutionary new pouch filter, the AF300 Ostomy Filter—the AF stands for airflow and the 300 is for the size of the filter, 300mm2. This filter is not as any other ever produced. It will improve the quality-of-life for people with ostomies that are concerned about gas. Two white, high air low membranes reduce gas build-up and ballooning thus making the pouch less visible under clothing. Continuous venting and filtering allows gas and air to escape unnoticed. The secret of the success of the AF300 is a new manufacturing process under patent by its creator, Hollister Inc., which decreases embarrassing odor release without leaking. This product is the result of many years of research and dozens of trials by many different people with ostomies to assure its efficacy. This is all made possible by a specially designed film barrier that will not let liquids through it. What makes this more wonderful is that there is no type of filter cover or device needed . . . ever. This means that one may confidently wear any of the New Image pouching systems while bathing, swimming or taking part in other forms of an active lifestyle. The average person should expect this filter to last about two days. Air in the pouch takes up space and adds to the profile of the pouch under clothing. A filter allows the air to escape. When the gas in the pouch goes through the filter, it travels through several layers. This results in deodorization of the gas, and stops the liquid—the pouch contents—to go outside the pouch. Some interesting facts about gas and filters are that too much gas built up inside the pouch will not make the pouch explode. Pouches are very strong. The real risk for excessive gas build-up is that it can loosen the pouch seal at the skin causing failure of the pouching system. And as we mentioned, it creates a bulge in ones clothes. Some people have developed the habit of burping the pouch whenever they have gas. An integrated filter like the AF300 offers several advantages. First, the filter eliminates odor when expelling gas. Second, it vents continuously so one does not need to wait for a build-up in the pouch. Lastly, the filter eliminates the need to go the toilet to expel air from the pouch. Only some of the New Image pouches will offer the new AF300 filters because the amounts of gas different individuals have varies quite a bit. Some people have very little gas and do not need a filter. Others choose a filtered pouch for some situations and a non-filtered one for others. Always choose what best fits your lifestyle with a better alternative for pouching systems, the AF300 filter.
A True Story—Packs a
Pouch By Georgene Whiteway
After years of struggle with ulcerative colitis, I finally faced the
inevitable and had surgery, which resulted in an ileostomy. I endured the same fears, depression and
hopelessness common to anyone undergoing this type of traumatic
procedure. With the total support of
my family, I faced each day of my hospitalization hopeful of a recovery so I
could resume my life once again. Finally, a milestone—I would get to see my
10-year-old daughter! It meant walking
all the way to the visiting area, but rolling my IV stand and holding on to
my sister-in-law, I knew I would make it.
My nurse placed a fresh ileostomy pouching system on me and I started
my journey. Within a few minutes, I
felt fluid draining down my leg and knew the pouch had broken. Back to my room; Call the nurse. Replace the pouch. Start again.
Halfway there, the pouch broke again.
Is this what my future was to be? Was there something about me that caused the
breakage? I was in tears as the nurse
placed a new pouch on me. When the
third pouch broke, my morale was very low.
My daughter was still waiting, crying now to see her mom. A new nurse came in and in a matter of
seconds was able to turn disaster into a quick and happy reunion between my
badly shaken daughter and me.
What magic did this new nurse perform?
She actually did nothing special.
However, she did know that drainable pouches require a clip at the end
to hold liquids in! Yes, the first
nurse had been “exposed” to ostomy care, but her skill was so minimal that
she could not identify the various forms of pouches. As a result, she inadvertently put me
through 60 minutes of anxiety and depression.
Will I help promote familiarization training in our hospitals? You bet! If four out of five
people suffer from diarrhea . . . does that mean that one out of five enjoys
it? To Our Loyal Members /
Supporters
The Ostomy Association of Greater Chicago is your organization. We will achieve our goals only if you 1. Sit and talk to a new person
at one of our meetings. New people are
here to meet other people with ostomies.
Smile and visit for a while. 2. Volunteer for a committee. We have a place for virtually everyone. Assist with our activities to make them
better for you and our guests. 3. Run for office on our board
of directors rather than waiting to see who is elected. We do make a difference. 4. Become a visitor rather than
remembering how helpful your visitor was or how you did not even have one
because too few were available. 5. Come to our meetings. It is better than even reading about them
in the newsletter. Moreover, people
with new ostomies have the opportunity actually to see people experienced living
with an ostomy. We want to show them
that we look, feel and smell good; have active fulfilling lives; and are
grateful for our new life. 6. Write an article for The
New Outlook. People just like you
researched and created most of the articles.
These people want to tell a message. 7. Assist with a meeting or a
function. It is really a lot more fun
when you do, and you will be surprised how many new friends you make. 8. Offer to do a program geared
toward people with ostomies for our General Meeting. You may have an idea and the people to
implement it that can turn lives around. 9. Bring a new person to a
meeting. If you know a person with an
ostomy or considering ostomy surgery, bring him/her with you. Our Association welcomes all well-intentioned
people and admission to our meetings is free.
We are a collection of individuals, not a handful of members, medical
advisors or equipment suppliers. If we
are to thrive and grow, it will only be because of the desire of each one of
you. Support Group Seminar
The United Ostomy
Associations of America (UOAA) invites us to a regional leadership seminar on
Saturday, April 5 at the Holiday Inn Select,
A small block of hotel rooms is available for those who want to come
in Friday night and or stay over on Saturday night. Rates are $72 per night for king
single/double occupancy plus tax. Make
your own reservation before March 21 at 636-928-1500 or e-mail mmanno@cooperhotels.com and
reference the “UOAA Group”.
There will be a continental breakfast served on Saturday morning and a
lunch Saturday at noon. There is no
registration fee. Please plan on
joining us and meeting leaders from other local ostomy associations. We plan a full agenda but will have plenty
of time to share ideas, concerns and what works well in your group!
Please contact either LeeAnn Barcus leeann@uoaa.org
or Steve Strizic steves@uoaa.org to let
us know if you will attend. Some Interesting Thoughts Forwarded
By Joe Rundle, ü There comes a time when one
should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about our
birthday. That time is age 11. ü Your friends love and accept
you just as you are. ü Smile, it really feels
good—no matter what the day brings us. ü Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes and it is up to
women to the stomp them until they turn into something acceptable to have
dinner with. Ostomy Hints ·
Two-piece users . . . Make sure the pouch is snapped onto the flange
on the skin barrier securely. Take
that extra second to be sure. ·
Once a year or so have your stoma and your pouching system checked by
a WOC nurse. ·
Do not use antibiotics for colds or the flu unless a doctor orders
it. Antibiotics can change the proper
balance of bacteria in the intestines and cause diarrhea. Antibiotics will also make you much more
susceptible to fungal infections under your barrier as well as MRSA
infections. ·
Parsley is one of nature's best deodorants. Do not push it away on your plate. Have some. ·
If you are having gas problems, do not take bismuth subcarbonate. ·
Store pouching systems away from warm humid places. Melt out can render equipment
ineffective. Most ostomy equipment
does not have a specific shelf life, per se, if it is stored in the proper
environment. ·
Barriers and pouches leak for a variety of reasons. If yours does regularly, find out why. Do not settle for less than an excellent
ostomy management system that provides you with confidence, security and
comfort. ·
If you have a hard time remembering the exact day you put on you
system, write the day of the month you changed right on the pouch or barrier
with a pen. ·
Do not keep a lifetime supply of ostomy supplies on hand. Manufacturers are always making some
improvement on the products they make.
You want to be able to take advantage of these . . . so let your
supplier keep inventory. ·
Most people with ostomies should keep fats of all kinds to a minimum. Fats induce an increased flow of bile into
the intestines and make body wastes liquid and harder to control. They also tend to produce gas. ·
Do not spread paste on the entire back of the barrier; it will
produce less than satisfactory results.
Use paste only sparingly to fill uneven areas and around the
stoma. Paste is a great filler if used
correctly. ·
After bathing or showering with the barrier off, hold a cold compress
or something similar over the peristomal area for a few seconds to close the
pores before putting on a new pouching system. Only put an adhesive barrier on dry that is
bone-dry skin. ·
After surgery, you were advised to chew-chew-chew and to
drink-drink-drink. It still
applies. Chew food thoroughly and
never pass a water fountain without drinking. ·
Do not try to set a world record for the longest time between changes
and/or emptying. Therein lies the way
to some of the most spectacular messes you have ever seen. ·
Do not be so rigid about your stoma management program that the
absence of one item throws you. ·
Do not stay home. Travel and
have fun. However, do not put all of
your pouching systems in a suitcase that you check through the airline. Always bring some changes in your carry on
luggage. ·
Do not worry about accidents and problems that may never happen. ·
Do not put limitations on yourself just because you have a
stoma. You can do most anything anyone
else can. An ostomy is seldom a good
reason for not doing something, although it is a good excuse. Stoma Laceration
A laceration is a wound or irregular tear of flesh, and it could
happen to your stoma. If your stoma protrudes,
it can become lacerated.
A stoma that protrudes is preferable because the protruding stoma
empties the waste into the ostomy pouch more easily with less chance of
leaking. Nevertheless, since the stoma
extends beyond the skin level, there is the danger that it can be
lacerated. Some skin barriers
manufactured today have stiff, rigid or sharp material next to the stoma that
can cut it. Extended barriers, like ConvaTec’s
Durahesive and Hollister’s Flextend are manufactured to actual touch the
stoma without damage. For people with
urostomies, the Cymed Micro-Skin barrier may touch the stoma safely.
The symptoms that may indicate that laceration has taken place are
bleeding or swelling of the stoma.
Since there are no sensory nerve endings in the stoma, usually pain
will not be experienced. The fact that
you may not feel pain does not minimize the seriousness of this
condition. If not treated effectively,
surgical intervention may be the result.
It is not always obvious what has caused the laceration. It cannot be corrected until the cause is
determined. There are many reasons for
stoma laceration, but the most common are:
·
Improperly centering the skin barrier ·
Shifting of the pouching system ·
Cutting too small a hole in the skin barrier Whenever there is difficulty in centering
the skin barrier properly, enlarge the opening and protect the skin
immediately surrounding the stoma with an ostomy paste. People with urostomies may need the
intervention of a WOC nurse to review their special needs.
Using a mirror may be helpful when centering the barrier to the
skin. Remember, the entire stoma—all
of the moist bright red tissue—must be exposed through the barrier.
Again, let us repeat that the newer extended wear barriers made by
ConvaTec and Hollister are manufactured with an inner barrier material that
will swell around the stoma. This
material is made actually to touch the stoma as it is worn. It will not harm the stoma. The outer barrier is a plastic that may
still cut the stoma if in contact with it.
When the adhesive barrier washes away—like all other disposable
barrier materials—the thin celluloid film remaining is capable of cutting the
stoma. Positional changes like bending
or even turning when sleeping can cause slippage. If you use an ostomy belt, it may pull the
barrier either upward or downward causing the pouching system to shift thus
cutting the stoma. Outer clothing—a
belt, waistband, etc.—that rides over the pouching system may cause it to
shift on some people.
We have also found a number of people, in an effort to follow the
application directions found in all ostomy supplies, cut the opening too
small. The opening should be no
smaller than 1/16th of an inch to the stoma on most disposable ostomy
system. A gap of up to 1/8th
of an inch is fine for most fecal ostomies, as long as the gap is filled with
a quality paste.
Never underestimate a lacerated stoma.
Careful investigation should reveal the cause. The stoma will heal by itself—provided it
is not too badly damaged—when the problem is corrected. Lacerations usually heal slowly—about four
to six weeks. Careful measurement and
application of a pouching system is always necessary. As in most things in life, an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure. Chemotherapy and Ostomies —Ostomy Association of Peristomal Skin Reactions ·
Skin is more difficult to heal due to a change in blood chemistry. Take extra care of skin when pouch is
removed—concentrate on good skin hygiene. ·
Chemotherapy may cause deep red or purple skin discoloration under
the barrier. ·
Small red spots may appear under the barrier due to decreased
platelet counts as on other areas of skin—make sure you tell your doctor
about this. Stoma Reactions ·
Stomatitis—small ulcers may appear on the stoma or on the rest of the
gastrointestinal tract. If cold sores
appear in your mouth, rinse your mouth using a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide
and half water, every two to four hours.
Your physician may also recommend that stoma dilations and irrigations
be stopped until stomatitis resolves itself. ·
Due to decreased platelet count, the stoma may bleed more than normal
when touched. ·
There is an increased need for good hygiene due to low white-cell
counts. Your peristomal skin may be
more prone to infection. If wearing
permanent pouches, it may be necessary to change to wearing disposable or
non-adhesive systems to help increase cleanliness. For Fecal Ostomies ·
Diarrhea is a possible reaction to chemotherapy. Monitor the amount of stool output, and
inform your physician if it increases significantly above normal. ·
Drink adequate amount of fluid—up to a gallon a day, if permitted by
your doctor. This may be difficult due
to nausea medicine taken prior to meal times. ·
Eat foods to help thicken-up your stool; i.e., applesauce, cheese,
white rice, bananas, peanut butter, plain tea and milk. ·
Stay away from fatty foods, highly spiced foods, and foods and
beverages, which cause gas or could cause cramping. ·
Potassium is lost in diarrhea and needs to be replaced. Foods high in potassium are bananas, fish,
potatoes, apricots, peach nectar and Gatorade. Doctors may order potassium supplements. ·
Constipation is also an occasional reaction to chemotherapy and to
some pain medications like codeine. ·
Warm prune juice daily may help with constipation. ·
Foods with a laxative effect are raw fruits, raw vegetables,
chocolate and coffee. ·
Try to stay away from strong laxatives. They will distend the bowel over time
causing serious complications. For Urinary Ostomies ·
Check carefully for skin infection.
Fungus infections are common, but easily treated with a
micro-granulated anti-fungal powder. ·
Some chemotherapy may turn urine colors. Adriamycin turns urine red; methotrexate
turns urine yellow. ·
If any blood is noted in your urine, report this to your doctor
immediately. ·
Some chemotherapy drugs; e.g., cytoxan and cisplatinum, need to be
adequately flushed from the kidneys.
Drink up to one gallon of fluids a day but only with your doctor’s
permission. Bacteria and Ostomies By Liz O'Connor, WOCN
Many patients having ostomy surgery worry about bacteria. Those with colostomies and ileostomies ask
if their stomas will become infected from the discharge of stool . . . they
heard this from concerned sources.
This is a myth! The stoma is
accustomed to the normal bacteria in the intestines. Definitely, keep the skin around the stoma
clean and be careful of adjacent wounds.
You want to keep the fecal drainage away from the incision.
Do not worry about the ostomy becoming infected from the normal
discharge. This does not happen. Nature has provided for us well. Our bodies are made so that the intestine is
accustomed to having stool on it.
Stool is what it was manufactured to handle. We also have good bacteria in the stool
that works with our bodies to help in the digestive process. These bacteria do not hurt us.
The urinary ostomy patient is more likely to be susceptible to
infection than people with fecal ostomies are. Urine is normally sterile. Therefore, it is important to keep the
urinary pouch very clean.
On days a urinary pouch is not changed, the pouch should be rinsed
with a solution of 1/3 part white vinegar to 2/3 part tap water. This can be allowed to run up over the
stoma and will prevent crystals being formed on it. The vinegar produces an acid environment in
the pouch Bacteria cannot multiply as
readily in an acid condition.
The night drainage system used with urinary ostomies should be cleaned
daily. White vinegar and water can be
used for this too. As an alternative,
one may use an ostomy disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide or a diluted Lysol
solution. When the drainage system has
sediment that cannot be removed by cleaning it, the system should be
discarded and replaced with a new one.
Saving a few pennies by using it too long can cost more in the long-run
if you have to treat an infection.
Drinking plenty of liquids is important for all people, but especially
for those with ostomies. Many
urologists also prescribe vitamin C to help keep urine acidic; therefore,
less susceptible to infection.
Cranberry juice may also help to keep urine acidic. Check with your doctor before taking these
first as some people have body chemistries that would require an exception to
these rules.
What are the signs of urinary infection? Some are fever, pain in the region of the
kidney, very strong odor to the urine and excessive mucous. All people with urinary ostomies produce
mucous. You should learn what is
normal for you. When it is excessive,
you will be aware of a difference.
Pouching systems should be changed on a regular basis, if
possible. Some people wear them for only
a day, yet some wear them for up to a week.
It is not advocated that you keep any skin barrier on you skin more
than seven days—maximum. For one
thing, the skin under the barrier must be inspected at least once a week so
that problems may be solved before they become too serious. Three women, two younger and one older
were sitting naked in a sauna.
Suddenly, there was a beeping sound, and the one young woman pressed
her forearm and the beep stopped. The
others looked at her questioningly.
“That was my page,” she said, “I have a microchip under the skin of my
arm.” A few minutes later, a phone
rang. The second young woman lifted
her palm to her ear and explained, “It's my mobile phone. I have a microchip in my hand.” The older woman felt very low tech. Not to be outdone, she decided she had to
do something just as impressive. She
stepped out of the sauna and went to the toilet. She returned with a piece of toilet paper
hanging from her rear end. The others
raised their eyebrows and stared at her.
The older woman finally said, “Well, will you look at that . . . I’m
getting a fax!” The Ileostomy vs. the Colostomy Adapted
By The New Outlook Most people with ostomies know what type
of ostomy they have, but every now and then, it is good to review and
distinguish between the ileostomy and the colostomy, the fecal ostomies. If after looking at our little chart you
are still not exactly sure about the differences, we suggest you make an
appointment with a WOC nurse to discuss these. Knowing the difference is one of the
essentials in managing your ostomy.
This chart is a generalization that represents most people. Individual circumstances, body chemistry
and the like will be different. Colostomy Ileostomy Both can be permanent or temporary; i.e., reversible Opens from the large Opens from the small intestine intestine Is relatively flat Usually protrudes 1” Part of colon retained Entire colon removed Common surgery for Common surgery for cancer, birth defects, ulcerative colitis, FAP diverticulitis, accidents Crohn’s disease Discharge consistency Discharge is liquid
to depends on ostomy site mushy but never solid located in lower colon firm if in upper colon mushy Discharge may be Discharge
is highly slightly irritating if irritating and will allowed to dry on the skin burn the skin The bowel may be Never irrigated irrigated for control under cannot be reliably the right circumstances controlled A pouching system may A pouching system be prudent to wear but is is always needed not always needed Few dietary issues Few dietary issues provided food is well provided food is
well chewed and eaten in chewed and eaten in small quantities small
quantities A high residue A
low residue diet preferred diet
preferred Drink water as normal Drink more water (8 glasses a day) (8+ glasses a day) Can become constipated Is never constipated Most medicines taken as Great care must be normal but always let taken in case the your doctor know that medication is you have a colostomy designed to dissolve in
the colon Has more abdominal Has fewer abdominal adhesions adhesions Has greater chance of Has smaller chance of peristomal hernias peristomal hernias Has stronger feces odor Has less feces odor Has more gas Has less gas Normal absorption of food nutrients of
food nutrients Should be able to live Should be able to live a normal healthy life a normal healthy life Emotional
Issues of Ostomy Surgery By Julie Maloy, CWOCN
Ostomy surgery may cause a threat to one’s self-esteem and a readjustment of one’s body image. Self-esteem is based on how each person accepts and values him/herself. Fears have a negative affect on self-esteem. Some of the common fears that one who has had an ostomy may experience first after surgery are fear of rejection, leakage, odor embarrassment and a decrease in feelings of personal attractiveness. Not only can these fears lower one’s self-esteem, they can create a barrier in an intimate relationship. Successfully pouch fitting; changing and caring for a pouching system independently; open and honest communications, are the first steps necessary for restoring one’s self-esteem and returning to the previously held roles in a relationship. There are several phases in
rehabilitation from ostomy surgery.
The meaning of your own personal medical diagnosis may cause an
emotional impact, as well as the adapting and adjusting to having an
ostomy. In the first few weeks after
surgery, energy is exerted toward recovery and toward the task of mastering
ostomy care. Develop a routine of changing the pouching system before the possibility of a leak occurs. Check the skin barrier when you change for signs of wearing or undermining, such as staining under the tape or discoloration from the stoma to the edge of the pouch. Keep the tail of the pouch clean. Individual moist towelettes carried in a pocket or purse are handy to clean the pouch tail after emptying. As one masters the task of stoma care, it is not unusual to discover that there may be a hypersensitivity to the reaction of others. Any behavior or reactions that are interpreted as negative can have an effect on interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, self-confidence and the physical competence of the person. The person with an ostomy who can be independent yet allows the spouse to stay in a care- giver role is fostering an image of being disabled and not promoting the return of the previous sexual relationship. Good personal hygiene will help decrease anxiety and promote confidence, particularly during intimate times. Pouch covers that are plain, lace, pastels or prints are available for those who would like to cover the pouch. Taping the body of the pouch in place will help prevent pouch movement during sexual activity. A common fear of the spouse is one of hurting the partner or the stoma. Reassurance will dispel fears. Experiment with positions that will not rub or irritate the stoma. During recovery from ostomy surgery, holding, touching, caressing and kissing are all-important methods of expressing affection that should not be forgotten. The readjustment period continues for several months after surgery as each person reestablishes a suitable lifestyle. The supportive network of friends, family and health care team is important; however, the overall adjustment is ultimately the responsibility of the person with an ostomy. Patience is necessary with oneself as the process unfolds; however, if a particular hurdle seems very large, seek help to put things in the proper perspective. Why Do We Meet? Forwarded By The NewsLeak, Ø Our presence is an encouragement to others. Ø No matter how long ago our surgery, no matter how may meeting we have attended, there is always information—some we may have forgotten—to be gained. Ø We are able to keep up on the newest, state-of-the-art developments in ostomy care and hear speakers with cutting-edge knowledge pertinent to people with ostomies. Ø We may have questions and problems that can be asked, answered or researched at a meeting. Ø We give support and encouragement to the volunteers—our association leaders, ostomy visitors, etc.—and to each other. Ø We see that many of those who were in trouble are now helping others. Ø We feel better after attending a meeting. We experience a sense of accomplishment and renew a positive attitude for going out again into the world. Ø Most of all, we are role models for new people with ostomies. We show them how good we look and how an active life may continue. Don’t Suffer in Silence Remember, a completely new world will open up to you by discussing your problems with others who have experienced these same doubts and reactions. We have all gone through this period of learning to live again and in many ways, even better than before. Bring your fears and concerns out into the open. Take advantage of the friendships and knowledge of others by coming to a general meeting of your ostomy association. That is why we are here. Competitive Bidding There is a politically motivated proposal before Medicare, as well as the state run Medicaid program, to implement a competitive bidding process for ostomy supplies. In this proposal, Medicare and Medicaid will pay for only specific ostomy supplies purchased at the one low-bid dealer in a region or from another dealer who will match the low-bidder's price. Of course, this implies that the best quality products will not be offered at all. The availability of your ostomy supplies will be made on price alone, not on product needs. We believe this concept is not in the best interest of people with ostomies, the medical community, dealers, manufacturers or the American people. This is a dangerous attempt to divert money to other political causes by establishing an unfair monopoly providing only the lowest price ostomy products. The one dealer that everyone will be required to use only needs to have a minimal standard of quality and service and will not be required to carry all brands or styles of ostomy equipment. In fact, if the low-bid dealer has only 50-year-old rubber bags available, that would be all a person with an ostomy could receive unless paying the difference in cost personally. This will put many ostomy suppliers out
of business. It will also bankrupt the
many small manufacturers of specialty equipment. This will affect all people in the The advocacy committee of UOAA is strenuously fighting theses rules changes. We want people with ostomies to have the widest selection of products to choose from along with many suppliers and dealers available to service our needs. We want to keep the manufacturers strong and innovative so they can develop even better ostomy products and provide extra-ordinary customer service. A free, competitive marketplace where people can make their own choices will allow commerce to flourish and best serve everyone's needs. Write to your representative today. Tell him/her you do not want bidding for ostomy supplies. Comfizz.com My father had an ileostomy a few years ago and initially struggled with low self-esteem. He could not find suitably supportive and comfortable underwear. Because of him, we started a business designing and producing high performance sportswear. We came up with Comfizz Stoma Support Wear, which is comprised of woman’s briefs, unisex boxers and a waistband. They use breathable two-way stretch fabric, which is like a second skin that moves with the body offering support without restricting the stoma flow. Please visit www.comfizz.com for full details. These garments proved so successful in
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