1

Gazette

Volume 41 Issue 7 September 2014

In This Issue Chapters Minutes 3

Stoma Stroll 4

Notices 5

The overactive Ileostomy 6

H2O Power 7

Rectal Discharge after stoma

surgery 8

Next Meeting

Oct 5, 2014, 2:30 PM

Bethune Building Ballroom

VGH Site

Topic:

October 5, 2014

Ed Tummers, speaks on

blockages.

Ostomy Halifax Visitors Program By, Joel Jacobson

It took an idea, lots of discussion, dozens of telephone calls, a score or more of visits to pharma-

cies, perseverance and a strong will to succeed.

Now Ostomy Halifax Society has developed a program to help any and all ostomates having

difficulties living with their Ostomy.

A committee of Ostomy Halifax members Emery Fanjoy, Ruth Kenney and Irene Stagg worked

long hours to expand the currently-successful Visitors Program for new ostomates. Now,

ostomates who are having continuing problems at home, ones that seem to have no solution, will

be able to personally meet a peer ostomate at a local pharmacy, in a private consultation room,

to discuss non-medical issues and share Ostomy experiences.

Ostomy Halifax’s Visitor Program, in which trained volunteers meet with, and answer questions

for, new ostomates, is one of the crowning achievements of the chapter. This additional pro-

gram, arranged with local drug stores, is available to ALL ostomates. A telephone call to our

Visiting Coordinator is all that it takes.

If the problem is medical, you will be advised to see an ET in his or her office at the VGH site of

the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

If you need other advice on dealing with your Ostomy or issues surrounding it, the Coordinator

will select a peer visitor of a similar age bracket and gender as you, and ideally with the same

type of ostomy as you have. At no cost to you or any other party, this is part of our volunteer

commitment to Nova Scotian ostomates. The conversation will be kept private indefinitely be-

tween you and the visitor. That is the law.

Ostomy Halifax has received wonderful cooperation from drug stores throughout the county.

They appreciate the importance of this new service to you, and support it enthusiastically. We

value their cooperation very much.

Welcome to this innovative program, Please feel comfortable using it.

For information and to arrange a session:

Irene Stagg, RN (ret’d)

Ostomy Halifax Society Visiting Coordinator

902-462-0899 (phone)

902-473-0414 (cell

Ostomy Halifax Society is a

registered Canadian charity

that seeks to achieve the

highest quality of life for

ostomates in Nova Scotia.

Our Vision Achieve the highest quality

of life for ostomates in

Nova Scotia

Our Mission We are a not-for-profit vol-

unteer organization dedi-

cated to all people with an

Ostomy and their families,

helping them to live life to

the fullest through support,

education, collaboration and

communications.

Happy

Thanksgiving

2

Ostomy Halifax Society

Officers President: Elaine Jeffery Vice–President: Open Treasurer: Theresa Mason 861-4917 Correspondence Secretary: Barbara Barrett 443-8274 Recording Secretary: Florence Farrell 444-0657 Past President: Ed Tummers 425-0894

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 Room Bookings: Mike Woolridge 883-2438 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 883-2438 Canada Ostomy Day: Wanda Bernard 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 l u ntee r , C ha r i t ab l e , T ax Exe mp t ,

Rehab i l i t a t io n Orga niz a t io n . Re gi s t r a t io n

# 1 1 92 7 -7 1 8 4 -RP 0 00 1

Message from our President Happy fall,

Our first meeting of Fall 2014 was full of news

and new directions. With 45 members and guests

attending, Ostomy Halifax was off to another

exciting year.

The second annual Stoma Stroll will take place on

October 4th. Denise Nicholson and Wanda Ber-

nard are planning a fun event at the Halifax Pub-

lic Gardens with a stroll to the gazebo followed

by snacks and the draw for prizes. Denise’s son,

six-year-old Hazen has already raised over $300 so everyone is encouraged to

raise what they can in support of Ostomy awareness.

The national office of UOAC had several announcements this summer. They

informed us in July that the national web site is now operational. If you visit

www.ostomycanada.ca you will find a wealth of information about the organi-

zation, ostomy health and the various Ostomy chapters across Canada.

UOAC also announced five bursaries valued at $1,000 each, available for nurses

wishing to earn their ET certification. In addition, the bursaries will be open to

individuals with permanent ostomies who want to earn a post secondary certifi-

cation.

Unfortunately, our very able and respected Vice President, Bob Pembroke, will

not be able to continue his position. Bob has asked to resign for personal rea-

sons and while we will miss his wise counsel, we wish him well as he moves

forward. Ostomy Halifax will be recruiting a new Vice President over the com-

ing weeks. If you would be interested in taking a more active role on the Ex-

ecutive or if you would like to nominate someone else, please give me a call at

902-465-3533 and we can discuss the position and the duties involved.

An exciting new program was launched during the meeting. Over the past two

years, Emery Fanjoy, Irene Stagg and Ruth Kenney have been directing the de-

velopment of the External Visitor Program. (See Story page 1 for details).

Our sincere thanks go to Lawtons, Shoppers and Kyte Pharmacies for their gen-

erous offers of consultation rooms where appointments can be arranged for

meetings between ostomates and visitors. There are now about 40 drug stores

who have offered to place a letter explaining this new free service in the shop-

ping bags when ostomates purchase their supplies. Hopefully over the next few

months, all ostomates in the HRM area will have received the information and

will know there are people just like them who can offer help and support.

A special cake was available during the reception after the meeting to help cele-

brate this excellent new service. One result of the cake decorating was that I

explained to the baker and the assistant what an Ostomy was all about. I guess

they did not pass on the information to the decorator. When I picked up the

cake, I expected to see the words Ostomy Halifax with a red rose bud in the

middle of the ‘O’ in Ostomy. Well, the rose was there alright, but the decorator

had added green leaves! It occurred to me that if I had green leaves growing out

of my stoma, I would have a real problem!! After a laugh and an explanation,

the rose was de-leafed and ready to bring to the meeting.

The most beautiful season in Nova Scotia is now upon us. While the warm days

of summer will linger for a while yet, the crisp fall air can already be felt at

times. Enjoy the first days of fall and come join us for the Stoma Stroll on Oc-

tober 4th.

Be well,

3

Ostomy Halifax Minutes

September 7, 2014

The regular monthly meeting of Ostomy Halifax Society opened at

2:30pm. President Elaine Jeffery welcomed the members and Joel

Jacobson led the Ostomy Prayer.

Regrets and greetings were received from Barbara Barrett, Charlie

Baird, Jean Hiltz, Ed Tummers and Bob Pembroke.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership: Betty Woolridge reported we have 283 registered

members and 48 attended today's meeting.

Cards: Barbara's mother Helen is not well, so Barbara could not

attend the meeting. She mentioned that there were several cards

sent and she will provide an update at the next meeting. A sympa-

thy card was sent to Mike Woolridge on the passing of his sister.

Phone calls: Paulette Vivorder is the telephone co-ordinator and if

anyone would like to be reminded of the monthly meetings or any

other help, please let her know at 902-445-3832. Paulette wished

to thank the volunteers of this program - Charlie Baird, Elisabeth

Lambie, Judith Burns, Pauline Sabean, Geraldine Steele, Nan Fan-

joy, Florence Whitby, Helen Barrett, Marie Hussey, Terry Hurrell,

Alyson Walsh, Ann Roy and June Kirby.

Youth Camp: Mike Woolridge reported the campers had a won-

derful time with the exception of a run-in with a hurricane on the

way home which caused flight delays. Gail Creelman and Mike

will work on sending campers next year to the camp in Alberta.

The birthday bottle received several donations to help raise the

funds needed for this worthwhile project.

Announcements:

A local belly dancer, Margaret MacLellan, who is also an

ostomate, did an interview with CBC TV, along with Elaine

Jeffery, to raise awareness and promote Ostomy Halifax. Margaret

danced at the St. John's Conference and did an outstanding job; she

will dance for us at the Christmas Pot Luck.

The Colorectal Cancer Project being coordinated by Dalhousie

University through the University of Moncton is looking for peo-

ple to interview by phone, if you are interested in this project,

phone Julie Easley toll free at 1-866-323-1833.

Denise Nicholson gave an update on the Stoma Stroll which will

be held October 4th at the Halifax Public Gardens at 2 p.m. Re-

freshments afterward. Pledge sheets will be available and T-shirts

for participants are also for sale. Come support this cause to social-

ize or volunteer. There will be tickets on a knitted blanket made

and donated by Denise's mom. And suggestions for a team name

would be appreciated. Wanda Bernard will co-chair this event.

The website to register is www.stomastroll.ca

There is a new national website developed by the national office of

UOAC for ostomates to access, it is www.ostomycanada.ca.

A bursary program has been implemented by UOAC for 2014 and

future years. There will be 5 - $1000 bursaries for RN's for ET

certification or for individuals who have a permanent ostomy,

wanting to pursue post-secondary education.

Bob Pembroke has had to resign from the Vice President office.

He will surely be missed for all the work and attention given to our

chapter. A call has gone out to anyone who is interested in being

considered for this position. Please contact Elaine at 902-465-

3533.

Continued on pg. 6, Column 2

Recipe Corner

Quinoa Fruit Salad

Ingredients

3/4 cup quinoa

1 1/2 cups water

(two times as much water)

1 mango, chopped

1 nectarine, chopped

2 cups blueberries

3 stems fresh mint, chopped

pitted fresh cherries

1 plum

You can use any combination of

fresh fruit you like – go wild!

Mix up the colours.

Adjust the amount of quinoa

and fruit as desired.

Citrus Ginger Vinaigrette

1 tsp orange zest, grated 2 fresh oranges, juiced 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1

tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive 1

Tbsp brown sugar

Preparation

1. In saucepan, combine quinoa with water (2:1) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until quinoa is translucent and all of the water has been absorbed, about 18 minutes. 2. Remove pan from heat; cool quinoa and fluff with fork. 3. For the vinaigrette, whisk together or-ange zest, orange juice, lemon juice and ginger. In thin steady stream, gradually whisk in oil. 4. Add the vinaigrette and stir. Gently stir in fruit and chopped mint. Wrap and refrig-erate for 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Tip: In winter, substitute 2 cups dried blue-

berries, dried cranberries, pomegranate

seeds, raisins and apricots plus nuts or

seeds if desired.

Submitted by Elaine Jeffery

4

The 2nd annual

stoma stroll will

be held on Octo-

ber 4 at the

Halifax Public

Gardens. For

anyone inter-

ested in walking

and obtaining

sponsors they

can register

online at www.stomastroll.ca or contact me, Denise

Nicholson (by e-mail mikeden@eastlink.ca or phone at

259-2497) and I can get them a sponsor sheet. Every

participant gets a bracelet and walkers whose sponsor-

ship totals over $100 will receive a t-shirt. Otherwise

they will be for sale. Members are more than welcome

to just come for the walk and celebrate with us. Regis-

tration from 1-2 at the Gardens main entrance. The

walk begins at 2 p.m. We will walk to the gazebo where

refreshments will be served. Also, I will be selling raffle

tickets at next months meeting and doing the draw that

day, $2. each or 3 for $5. Prizes are so far two hand

made blankets, all proceeds to the stoma stroll’s Halifax

team.

Congratulation go out to Ruth and Harold Kenney

for their 50th Anniversary, from all of us at

Ostomy Halifax Society.

Ruth and Harold are shown here with the children,

at the party held in their honour, on August 9, 2014

5

Notice Board

Upcoming Events.

Oct.5/14. Ed Tummers speaks on

blockages.

Nov.2/14. TBA

Dec.7/14 Annual Auction and Pot Luck

Banquet.

Business Meetings …

The next monthly business meeting will

be held Monday Sept 22, 2014 at 2:00 pm

in Room 5132 of the Dickson Building.

Business meetings are open to all

members and are normally held on the

third Monday of each month. There will

be no business meeting in December

“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?

Birthday Greetings for

September Anne Dease, Jim Major, Leo Currie,

Robert Lennox, Marguerite Mills, Helen

Barrett, Evelly Brake, Louise Conrad,

Marlene Corbett, Annette Crummey,

Howard Dalton, Sharon Blinn, Anita

Kavanaugh, John McKay, Pauline

Sabean, Irene Stagg, Fred Wambolt,

Lawrence Boucher, Sandra Osborne,

Colleen Burton, Christina Plante.

Welcome New Members Margaret J. Curll

Phillip Warren

Joy Stoddard

William H. Bauer

Blanca Baquero

Paula Saulnier

In Memory Velma Saunders

April 2014 Member since 1994

Albert Webber

June 2014, Member since 2013

Roy Niven

July 23, 2014 Member since 2003

Gordon D. Greeno

Sept. 12, 2014, Member since 2013

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 these.

Visits for 2014 June, 3 Colostomies, 6 Ileostomies,

2 Urostomies

July, 3 Colostomies, 4 Ileostomies

Aug. 2 Colostomies, 2 Ileostomies,

2 Urostomies.

Thank you to all our visitors

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.

jhiltz65@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.

Submissions for Newsletter All Submissions must be received by

the 15th of each month, entries

received after the 15th will not be

included until the following month.

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.

Letter to the Editor Do you have a beef, a bouquet, or sim-

ply a suggestion for topics you wish

discussed or covered in the newsletter

or at meetings? If so, please write to

me, the Editor, and I will pass along

your comments or concerns or try to

find articles of interest to cover the

topic you wish discussed.

Please write or email to:

Jean Hiltz

52 Hurshman Rd.

Dutch settlement, NS, B2S 2K8

E-Mail: jhiltz65@eastlink.ca This is your newsletter and we hope it

reflects, your interests and concerns.

6

Continued from pg.3, Column 1

Emery Fanjoy gave a report on the External Visitor's Program which

he has been diligently working on since 2012. (See story page 1).

Elaine thanked him for his hours spend getting this program off the

ground.

A phone visit was made by Elaine to a woman ostomate in southern

Ontario last month. The local chapter was not able to find a woman

urostomate and put out a call for help to the chapters across the coun-

try. The conversation provided support and encouragement. The

national chapters discussed doing more phone visits this way to en-

sure they link people with similar situations where on-site visits are

not an option.

PROGRAM

Ruth Kenney and Lynn Atton reported on the Ostomy Conference

held in St. John's NL in August. There were 150 registered and 10%

were from the Halifax chapter. Lynn stated that the hospitality and

great information sessions were second to none.

Ruth Kenney introduced Eleanore Howard ET from the Valley, who

did a very informative presentation on "Everything You Wanted To

Know About Ostomies, But Were Afraid To Ask."

Emery Fanjoy introduced Shannah Jansen, our Convatec representa-

tive, who presented new aids, answered questions and had samples.

Refreshments for the October meeting:

Sandwiches: Barbara, Jim Major, Theresa Mason, Paulette Vilvorder.

Sweets: Charlene Hutchings, Nan Fanjoy and Judy Murray

The next general meeting will be on Sunday, October 5th at 2:30 in

the Bethune ballroom.

The next business meeting will be held on Monday, September 22nd

at 2pm, room 5131 of the Dixon building. Any member can attend.

The Overactive Ileostomy An overactive ileostomy can result from a variety of prob-

lems. If the small bowel is inflamed due to Crohn's disease,

radiation injury, or bacterial/viral enteritis, the output will be

profuse. If there is narrowing of the small bowel close to the

stoma, where the ileostomy goes through the abdominal wall,

a pressure backup can lead to explosive high output.

Any foods with a laxative effect should be eliminated or, at

best, kept to a minimum. People with lactose intolerance will

have high output if they consume any kind of milk product,

including powdered milk found in many prepared foods.

Drinking excessive fluids will also increase ileostomy output.

An ostomate, who has had their gall bladder removed, may

also experience increased output, but, prescription medication

to counteract bile salts can be used to reduce output. How-

ever, many prescriptions and OTC drugs list diarrhea as a side

effect.

Ostomates should work with their physician to evaluate the

problem. Once disease is ruled out, therapeutic emphasis can

be placed on cleansing the diet and utilizing foods to decrease

output. Bulk laxatives (stool hardeners) can be used with each

meal to absorb and solidify some of the liquid output. Source: Island Ostomy News, Fall, 2014

7

.. SHOPPERS

Home Healthcare

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, in-

cluding a wide selection of ostomy

supplies.

Collect valuable Shoppers Opti-

mum points on every purchase

H2O Power Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body

metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease

in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an

increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.

This happens because the kidneys can't function properly

without adequate water. When the kidneys don't work to

capacity, some of their work load is dumped on the liver.

One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored

fat into usable energy for the body. As a result it metabo-

lizes less fat, which means more fat remain and is subse-

quently stored in the body.

Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid reten-

tion. When the body does not get adequate water, it per-

ceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to

every drop. Water is stored in extracellular spaces (outside

the cells); this shows up as swollen feet, hands, and legs.

Diuretics can be used, but they offer a temporary solution,

by forcing out stored water along with

essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives this as a

threat and will rapidly replace lost water. Thus, the condi-

tion quickly returns. The best way to overcome the prob-

lem of water retention is to give the body what it needs--

plenty of water. Only then will the stored water be re-

leased.

If you have a constant problem with water retention, ex-

cess salt may be the problem. The more salt you eat, the

more water your system retains to dilute it. So, just drink

more water and as it is forced through the kidneys, the wa-

ter washes away excess sodium.

An overweight person needs more water than a thin one.

Larger people have greater metabolic loads. Water helps

maintain proper muscle tone by giving the muscles their

natural ability to contract, and by preventing dehydration.

It also prevents the sagging skin that usually follows

weight loss. Shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which

plumps the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient.

Drink about 2 liters (quarts) of water every day--and an

additional glass (200mL) for every 10 kg (22 lb) of excess

weight. Also increase water intake if you exercise or in hot

weather.

8

Rectal Discharge following Stoma Surgery

WWW.colostomyassociation.org.uk The aim of this document is to answer some questions about

rectal discharge, following surgery with stoma formation. It

explains why it might occur, what causes it and explores

some of the management and coping mechanisms that may be

beneficial.

Is it normal to have a mucus discharge from the rectum?

Surgeons and health professionals will say, “It is normal and

don’t worry”. This can be reassuring but frustrating as it does

not help the problem that you have to live with. The most

common type of rectal discharge is caused by mucus.

What is mucus? The lining of the whole of the bowel con-

tinuously produces a substance called mucous which acts as a

lubricant to assist the passage of faeces. In a person who has

a normally functioning bowel, mucus is not usually notice-

able as it mixes with the motion and passes directly into the

toilet. Mucus varies in consistency from clear “egg white” to

opaque, thick “sticky glue” both of which are considered

“normal”. Not everyone with a stoma will have discharge

form the rectum. One of the most common surgical proce-

dures resulting in the formation of a permanent colostomy is

called an Abdomino Pereal Excision of Rectum or APER

for short. This involves the removal of the rectum and anus.

The end result is a scar in the area where the anus used to be,

and once this has healed there is on external bowel opening.

In other surgical procedures, such as a Hartmann’s Proce-

dures or the formation of a loop stoma, the rectum is left in

place. The bottom part of the bowel becomes redundant as

faeces no longer pass through it. However , the lining of the

bowel wall still continues to secrete mucus, which can cause

problems as it on longer has a useful purpose. Ostomates who

have had this type of operation may pass a discharge out

through the anus. The mucus can build up and either leak out

of the rectum or dry up into a ball and cause pain. The fre-

quency and amount of mucus discharge is very individual

ranging from every few weeks or even months to a constant

problem several times a day. The length of the bowel that is

left behind varies: the longer the length of the redundant

bowel the more likely it is that you will have problems as

there is capacity for more mucus to be produced. Mucus

should always be clear or putty coloured unless you have a

loop stoma which can sometimes allow a small amount of

faeces to pass into the bowel leading to the anus in which

case it would make the discharge brown.

What if there is blood or pus in the discharge?

If the rectal discharge is blood or pus, or the mucus is

streaked with blood this should be reported to your GP or

consultant as it may be an indication of inflammation or in-

fection in the remaining redundant bowel. It is possible to

experience a discharge from the back passage even though

you have a colostomy. Rectal discharge, and whether it

causes problems, varies from one person to the next. As it is

quite a private issue many people don’t talk about it, making

the size of the problem relatively unknown.

Coping with Rectal discharge:

Most people appear, over time, to develop their own coping

strategies. It is very important to understand you are not suf-

fering alone and other people are experiencing the same prob-

lems. Discuss your fears an anxieties with your partner or

someone you can trust. It is a normal function of the body to

produce mucus so it will not go away. Some people , how-

ever, report a significant reduction over time. To evacuate

mucus naturally, sit on the toilet daily and gently bear down

as if you were to have your bowels open. This reduces the

risk of build up, which may lead to pain, and also reduces;

the amount of mucus that leaks out in an uncontrolled way. If

the mucus won’t come away naturally (some people say they

don’t have enough sensation in their rectum to push) a glyc-

erine suppository inserted into the anus may help. You could

discuss this with your GP who would be able to prescribe

them if it would be appropriate. The frequency of using the

suppositories to control the mucus varies between individu-

als. It may be necessary to use them twice a week; it may be

once a month. Persevering and experimenting with the fre-

quency will achieve the best result for you. Although there

does not appear to be any reported scientific evidence for this

suggestion, several people have reported a link between cer-

tain foods and an increase in mucus production. It is worth

just keeping a record of foods you have eaten for a while to

see if you can find any connection.

When the mucus leaks out it can make the skin around

the anus sore (like a nappy rash).

There are creams to help with this e.g. Sudocream and

Cavilon. Try the different barrier creams available from the

chemist to find one that suits you best or ask your local phar-

macist for advice. For ladies the application of barrier cream

can also reduce the stinging caused by urine splashing onto

sore skin. The cream can also be applied to a small pad or

gauze dressing which can be held in the cleft of the buttocks.

Regular showering and dab drying (rather then rubbing) will

remove the moisture, odour and keep the skin clean. It will

help reduce the skin irritation and itchiness caused by a per-

manently damp anal area. Using wet wipes can also help to

clean the area, especially if out and about or at work. Reapply

creams or barriers after washing or cleaning. Pads can be

used to protect clothes. If you find these too bulky make your

own from kitchen roll or gauze swabs, or use a ladies panty

liner. Good fitting traditional underpants for a man, or

stretchy support knickers for ladies, will hold it in place. Pel-

vic floor exercises may help to strengthen the muscles which

control the leakage of mucus from the rectum. Sit on an up-

right chair with your feet on the floor, hip distance apart.

Breathe deeply expanding your rib cage and try to sit up a

little taller. As you breathe out, gently squeeze the muscles

around the anus and at the same time draw up the muscles of

the vagina, or between the scrotum and anus. Continued on pg. 9, Column 1

9

Continued from pg. 8, Column 2.

(These muscles can often be located if you try to stop your-

self from passing urine.) Repeat this exercise at least five

times a day. If you are finding it hard to cope with rectal dis-

charge, contact your stoma care nurse for further advice.

Don’t forget that any persistent rectal bleeding at any time.

Any discharge or other changes-in fact anything that is not

normal for your should be reported promptly to your GP or

consultant. Many of the suggestions above are taken from the

results of a survey of 150 ostomates. They are therefore

“tried and tested” by people living with a colostomy and ex-

periencing problems with rectal discharge.

Editor’s note.. I had a similar experience in which the mucus

was unable to exit the rectum. It was quite uncomfortable and

painful. Dr. Mapasso enlarged the rectal opening and so far it

is working well and no more pain and discomfort. Source: Sleeping Giant Ostomy Group, Thunder Bay, Ont.

It’s your road and yours alone... others may walk it

with you, but no one can walk it for you

Western Australia

WA highway patrol pulled over a car on the main road. The

copper asked,

“Got any ID?”

The driver replied, “about what?”

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 - $28.00 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

(Please Print) Name: __________________________________________________

Address________________________________Apt.No._______________

City___________________________Province_______Postal Code________________Phone(s)_______________

Birth (day/mo/yr) / / / E-Mail:_______________________________

Languages Spoken______________________

Colostomy Ileostomy Urinary Diversion

Continent Ileostomy

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

Signature:______________________________________

Make cheque payable to Ostomy Halifax Society and mail to;

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

NOTE - Other Maritime Chapters, send directly to your Treasurer.