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Volume 29, Number 3 December, 2001
THE FLU AND WHAT TO DO
Via: Metro Maryland & So. NV. Town Karaya
The flu brings with it headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains! The advice to drink plenty of fluids and rest in bed remains sound medical advice for your general attack of the virus. But if your case of the flu includes diarrhea, the following may be helpful.
For those with a colostomy, it is usually wise not to irrigate during this time. Your intestine is really washing itself out. After diarrhea, you have a sluggish colon for a few days, so, “leave it alone”. Start irrigation again after a few days when your colon has had a chance to return to normal. In colostomy patients, drugs or certain foods can cause constipation, prevented during a cold by drinking plenty of liquids.
For those with an ileostomy, diarrhea is a greater hazard. Along with the excess water discharge, there is a loss of electrolytes and vitamins that are necessary in maintaining good health. This loss is usually referred to as a loss of fluid, which in turn, brings a state of dehydration. Therefore, you must restore electrolyte balance. First, eliminate all solid food. Second, obtain potassium safely and effectively from tea, bouillon and gingerale. Third, obtain sodium from saltine crackers or salted pretzels. Fourth, drink a lot of fluids, including water. Cranberry juice and orange juice also contain potassium, while bouillon and tomato juice are good sources of sodium. Increased water intake in the ileostomy patient results in increased urine output rather than increased water discharge through the appliance. Vomiting also brings the threat of dehydration. If it is severe and
continuing, your doctor should be notified. You should know also that diarrhea may be symptomatic of partial obstruction or acute gastroenteritis. Since the treatment of these two entities is entirely different, a proper diagnosis should be sought immediately. It is very important to determine whether the diarrhea is caused by obstruction or gastroenteritis. If you do not know, check it our with your
doctor. Do not guess—always call your physician unless you are 100% certain what you are doing.
For those with a urostomy, be sure to keep electrolytes in balance. Follow the general instruction for colostomies and ileostomies. No ostomate should take medicine for pain or a laxative without the physician’s order. Do not use an antibiotic for cough or flu unless ordered by the doctor.
When returning to a normal diet, use fiber-free foods at first, then gradually increase to a regular, normal diet. Prompt attention to symptoms of distress of colds and flu could bring a happier, and hopefully, healthier winter.
THE MOST POWERFUL PRESCRIPTION
By: C. Hagedorn, Evansville Ostomy Chapter
A positive attitude toward negative situations is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It not only affects how we respond to hardships and difficulties, it can actually help to change the outcome.
This can be seen first hand in many ostomates and people who have overcome potentially devastating diseases and gone on to lead full, productive, happy lives. The physical aspect of life may be compromised greatly by
illness or surgery, but with a positive mental attitude and willingness to let go of self pity and bitterness, life goes on and can even be enriched by a painful and traumatic experience!
Focusing on what we have going for us, instead of what we feel we have lost, can change our outlook for the better. Once we accept our situations, we have a starting point for moving forward. Helping some one else in need is a most healing and rewarding experience for both persons.
Keeping a strong sense of humor can prevent bad days from snowballing into bad weeks. Time is too precious to waste on “if
only” and “what ifs”.
What makes me so smart? The caring people who helped me through my difficult time, laid the groundwork for my positive attitude and changed my life forever.
THE ABC's OF OSTOMY CARE
Via: Ottawa (ON) Ostomy News,& S. Brevard, FL Ostomy News
Appliance: should fit, be comfortable, unimpaired, odor proof, and inconspicuous.
Bleeding: A few drops are normal, injury, cut, or anticoagulant bleeding is not normal.
Closure: Always carry a spare clip (and a spare pouch).
Dehydration: Watch for extreme thirst or no thirst; scant urine. Increase liquid intake.
Eating: Chew! Chew! Chew! And eat slowly.
Fluids: Two to three quarts of water every day.
Gas: Beans, milk, beer, cheese, spicy foods, carbonated drinks. Avoid these or put up with gas.
Hal zone: Use two tablets to a quart of water to purify questionable drinking water.
Irrigate: Irrigating is not an enema but using an amount of water to cause the bowel to empty.
Joy: Enjoy your new life.
Karaya: Skin protector, conditioner, and adhesive.
Leaking: Always empty pouch at about one third full.
Milk Intolerance: If lactose is deficient in the small bowel, there will be gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and cramping
Nuts: Your trouble is not in your head. It’s at the other end.
Odor: Garlic, eggs, onion, cabbage, and antibiotics can cause odor. Use a good pouch deodorizer.
Pouch covers: Make ’em or buy ’em if you like ’em.
Quiet times: Stomas are usually less active before breakfast.
Rosy red: The color of a normal, healthy stoma (rosebud).
Seat belts: Use them!!!
Travel: Use bottled water, bring along a diarrhea prescription and a note from your doctor stating your needs.
Urine: Crystals have an abrasive effect on the stoma. Use compresses soaked in a solution of half and half vinegar and water for 15 minutes.
Victory: It’s yours!
When can I? Have patience, what you did before, you will do again.
“X” marks the spot. Keep your appliances in a convenient spot.
“Y” did it happen to me? Try to be thankful for modern surgery which gave you your life back.
“Z” is for “Z End”: You now have a new end in view!
AS AN OSTOMATE, HOW LONG MIGHT YOU LIVE
By: L Wruble, M.D.
Via: Winnipeg & GB News Review
Well, prepare, for good news! There have been only a few long term studies of the post-operative life of an ostomate. Those whose findings have been made known, were mainly done during the past 10 years. What do you think is the ultimate outcome? What may an ostomate expect in terms of health and life expectancy? The studies done indicate that the health of an ostomate is exactly the same as that of anyone else. And, of more importance, there is no difference in your life expectancy from the general population.
Every part of the intestinal tract works in harmony, so it might be expected that the removal of one part, such as the colon, might affect the rest. But the studies reveal no indication of this. Diseases of the intestinal tract, such as gallstones and peptic ulcers, are not found to be in higher incidence after ostomy surgery. There is, however, an increase in the formation of kidney stones in the ileostomate, possibly because of the increase in the absorption of certain chemicals that stimulate the formation of stones.
There is an enormous amount of data, which indicates that women with ostomies have no more problems with their pregnancies than women without ostomies. The gastroenterologist’s major thrust in therapy has always been through the patient’s diet. In recent years, however, it has been found that diet really has small value in most gastro-intestinal conditions.
According to dietary studies, there is no one food that affects the ostomate out of proportion to other foods. To sum up, I would say that the diet of the ostomate should be a normal diet and that the outlook for his or her health is on a par with that of the population as a whole.
THE POWER OF SALIVA
Via: Metro MD & Indian River, FL
Saliva makes food easier to chew and helps prepare the stomach for digestion. But, what’s another function of saliva? According to a 1998 study, saliva assists in the clearance of acid from the esophagus following reflux, which occurs when contents of the stomach tend to back up.
The study reported on a series of experiments in which the volume of salivary secretion generated by chewing a piece of soft plastic was measured. T
he main finding was that the chewing alone, without a taste stimulation, caused increases in salivary volume. Because saliva protects the lining of the esophagus against acid reflux, the study speculated that chewing might provide an additional, simple control for reflux.
MORE HINTS & TIPS
Fats of all kinds should be kept at a minimum by most ostomates. Fats induce an increased flow of bile into the intestines and make the body wastes more liquid and harder to control. They also tend to produce gas.
If you want medicines to work quickly, drown ‘em. They dissolve and absorb faster with lots of water.
Use a hand mirror for a better view of the stoma. It’s about the only way you can see under it.
PREVENTING SKIN IRRITATION
Via: Metro Maryland & So. NV. Town Karaya
You do not have to put up with irritated skin. A properly fitting pouching system changed as needed will prevent skin irritation in most instances.
Irritation right around the stoma can be a sign of poor adhesion which permits leakage of body waste. Your skin barrier should be changed as soon as it starts to leak. The time you can wear it comfortably will vary depending on your activities. You may need to change it more frequently when you exercise strenuously or when the weather is hot and you are perspiring.
Itching, redness, or rash may be caused by constantly pulling the adhesive away from the skin. It may also indicate that you are allergic to the adhesive. Report any such reaction to the doctor, nurse, or ET nurse immediately.
There are several types of skin barriers available. You should be able to use at least one of these with no problem.
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