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Volume 30, Number 4 January, 2003
THE PHOENIX
Via: The Beacon, Coos Bay & The Spacecoast Shuttle Blast
The legend of the Phoenix was told and retold throughout the ages, even appearing in Greek and Chinese literature. The bird was said to live for 500 years or more, to be consumed by fire by its own act, and to rise in youthful freshness from its own ashes.
For now his feathers were afire and the top of the palm tree burst into flame. Now there was nothing left of the bird but a still glow atop the charred tree. The glow took form and the color moved; sparks renewed, assumed the shape of the feathers, and the gentle desert breeze blended the sparks together into the new phoenix, tall, iridescent and magnificent. For now his rebirth was complete. As he rose from the flames, his song also rose like a silver clarion call proclaiming his rebirth to the world.
Adopted as the symbol for the United Ostomy Association, the Phoenix represents a fiery symbol of the spirit and feeling underlying the growth of the association.
For the ostomate, what more appropriate symbol? From the ashes of despair and disease, from the fate of disability and death, from the ebb tide of physical and emotional being to the full tide of life-of hope-of health.
Reborn to a life of fulfillment—of dedication—of giving to others, although not ourselves immortal. We gain perhaps true immortality by giving of ourselves to others, so that we may live on in the hearts and minds of others.
As the symbol of the constant renewal of spiritual values, of the flames of love and compassion, of the season; springs life, may the Phoenix serve as a glowing vibrant sign for each of us.
HOW TO CATCH A COLD
Via: Hope Heart Institute & S. NV. Town Karaya
Make sure your immune system is a little haywire. Avoid vegetables and
fruits-especially citrus. Don’t take vitamin C. Forget about performing daily
exercises. Fill your life with unnecessary activities so that your stress level
reaches new heights. Give humor the heave. Limit sleep to five or six hours a
night. Smoke cigarettes. Smokers are more prone to viral infections and are more
apt to pick up secondary bacterial infections which demand doctor’s visits and
antibiotics. Hang out with the crowd. Take packed office elevators instead of
the stairs. Go to the movies instead of renting a home video. Shop during peak
hours. Throw a birthday party for 20 sniffling preschoolers.
Don’t wash up. Shaking hands, picking up a phone or touching a doorknob can transfer live cold and flu viruses onto your hands. Don’t disturb the germ’s breeding grounds by washing up every few hours.
Rub your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. This is one of the most effective ways of helping a live cold or flu virus make its way from your hands into your bloodstream.
Don’t get a flu shot. Hey, you’re tough. Take your chances. If you’re laid up in bed, don’t worry. There’s always chicken soup.
YOUTH AND GROWING OLD
(An excerpt from McArthur’s 75th Birthday speech) Via: Senior Focus and GB News Review
Youth is not entirely a time of life—it is a state of mind. It is not wholly a matter of ripe cheeks, red lips or supple knees. It is a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions, a freshness of the deep springs of life. It means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity, of an appetite for adventure over love of ease.
Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair– these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust.
Whatever your years, there is in every being’s heart the love of wonder, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing child-like appetite for what is next, and the joy and the game of life.
You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your desire.
In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber. So long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer and courage, so long are you young.
When the wires are down, and when your heart is covered with the snow of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then, and only then have you grown old.
COLOSTOMY BOWEL CONTROL
Via: Space Coast Shuttle Blast
Patients with a right-sided or upper colostomy do not have as much remaining colon as those with a left-sided or lower colostomy. Because of this, there is usually too little colon left in a lower colostomy to absorb enough water to make a solid stool.
A lower colostomy cannot be controlled by irrigation, but instead behaves very much like an ileostomy with a fairly continuous discharge. The left-sided colostomy is often described as a “dry colostomy” since it usually discharges formed stool. One has the choice of attempting to manage this type of colostomy by either trained control or irrigation control.
Only one-third of the people who attempt to train themselves to control the lower colostomy without irrigation are successful in doing so. This type of training relies very heavily on diet and medication to achieve regularity. Many physicians in this country feel that control is more easily and satisfactorily achieved by irrigation.
However, there are some patients who can’t achieve irrigation control because they have an “irritable bowel”. This problem has nothing to do with the colostomy. It is just part of some people’s makeup.
Some people, even before they have their colostomy surgery, may have had very irregular bowel habits. They retain these habits after the colostomy is performed. Regular irrigation does not assure regularity with irritable bowel syndrome.
When this condition exists, the physician will sometimes suggest that the patient dispense with irrigation, since it will not produce the desired regular pattern. The person may become frustrated trying to achieve this.
People with an irritable bowel situation should treat the colostomy much like an ileostomy; i.e., wearing an ostomy appliance all of the time. This also applies to people with a right-sided or wet colostomy.
YOUR URINARY OSTOMY
From Philadelphia (Pa) Ostomy Association, via S. Alameda County (CA) Newsletter & S. Brevard (FL) Ostomy Newsletter
The urinary ostomy requires three kinds of preventive attention: care of the stoma; care of the skin around it; and care of the kidneys.
Your routine care of kidney functions includes:
1. Drinking, at the very least, one quart of liquids daily, such as tea, coffee, juice, soup, colas, water, beer, etc. These should be decaffeinated preferably.
2. Getting your urine tested every six months.
3. Having an X-ray taken (IVP—intravenous pyelogram) of the kidneys once every two years.
Observations to be made:
1.
Stoma—changes in size. After initial healing is complete (about six months), measure with paper measuring gauge every six months; change to equipment with correct opening. Appearance of stoma: does it appear different from usual (color, shape, little white or red spots, etc?). Look for this at each change of appliance, and show to your surgeon or ET nurse.
2. Signs of irritation: Are there pink spots, tiny pimples, reactions to adhesive, etc? Look for this at each change of appliance; learn methods of dealing with routine minor irritations. If you experience soreness, raw or infected area, do not delay; see a doctor or ET nurse right away. At each change of appliance, look for white deposits or whitish appearance of skin around the base of the stoma. Drink at least 8 oz. of cranberry juice daily. Soak appliance in water/vinegar solution (3 parts water to 1 part vinegar). If there is no improvement in two weeks, call your urologist or GU clinic.
3. Kidneys—nature of urine. Look at it every day. Is it dark? Drink more liquids. Is it gritty? Tell your urologist. Is there some mucus? This is normal. Is there a persistent unpleasant odor? This is a sign of infection and must be treated by your urologist.
LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS: REDEFINING “NORMAL”
Excerpted from Mayo Clinic.com, By: New Diversions, Worcester, MA. & The Pouch, Northern Virginia
“New Diversions’ Editor’s Note: I personally don’t believe an ostomy is or should be considered a chronic illness. However, a person with an ostomy shares some common issues with a chronic illness sufferer. When reading this article, if you substitute ostomy for chronic condition or illness, the similarities will be apparent and the solutions are the same.
If you’ve ever been on a walk in the woods, you know how varied the path can be-level areas covered with soft pine needles can give way to rocky descents or short climbs that require careful footing. In some ways, living with chronic illness is very much like going for a walk in the woods. You’re never quite certain what lies ahead of you. If you live with a chronic condition, how you view the path you’re on and decide to manage your day-to-day situations can greatly affect your quality of life.
Acute vs. Chronic—Most people are familiar with acute illness. An acute illness comes on suddenly and often has an identifiable cause. Generally, it’s treatable-often with a return to normal health. And usually you’re not sick very long. Some examples of acute illness are appendicitis, ear infection and pneumonia.
On the other hand, a chronic illness may often have several causes. Rarely is a chronic illness cured. Chronic illness can often produce symptoms; however, there are some illnesses that produce absolutely no symptoms. Usually it persists for an indefinite time. Diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and high blood pressure are examples of chronic illness.
Restoring a Sense of Control—Living as well as possible with a chronic illness begins with understanding your illness. What you know about your condition can make a difference in how you approach each day.
Start by asking your doctor for information. He or she may be able to recommend books or articles. Another resource is your local library. Contacting national organizations, such as the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the Arthritis Foundation, and the United Ostomy Association also may help.
If it is appropriate, your doctor may suggest that you take part in an education or rehabilitation program, such as support groups for all of the diseases mentioned above, (including the local ostomy chapter).
Adjust Accordingly—Living well with a chronic illness often involves making important lifestyle adjustments. One of the first things to consider is how to pace yourself. Adapting to a moderate pace, keeping a regular schedule and getting adequate rest and exercise can help you better manage your illness.
Be wary of overextending yourself. Learn how to say “NO.” It is especially important to pace yourself on days when you feel energetic and may be tempted to overdo. (Most people with ostomies lead normal active lives and have few restrictions and
and/or limitations.)
Other Adjustments May Include: Taking Medications Regularly—Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to take your medications and what side effects you experience. Keep a diary.
Eating Properly—Depending on your illness, you may need to avoid some types of food and incorporate others into your diet. In addition, talk with your doctor about determining a healthful weight and ways to reach that goal.
Exercising Regularly—Appropriate exercise, as prescribed by your doctor, is a vital tool in managing chronic illness. Regular exercise can improve strength and energy levels, as well as self-confidence. It also plays a role in lessening anxiety and depression, which can be associated with chronic conditions. Increasing exercise is often also a vital component of treating a chronic illness.
Emotional Ups and Downs—Living with a chronic illness can be a roller coaster of emotions. There are several ways you can help even out the ups and downs:
Maintain normal daily activities as best you can.
Stay connected with friends and family.
Continue to pursue hobbies that you enjoy and are able to do.
If your illness impairs your ability to do the things you enjoy, talk with your doctor about possible ways to get around the obstacles.
Keep in mind that your physical health can directly impact your mental health. Denial, anger and frustration are not uncommon when you learn life has dealt you something painful and unexpected.
At times, you may need more “tools” to deal with these or other emotions. Professionals, such as therapists or behavioral psychologists, may help you put things in perspective. They can also teach you coping skills, including relaxation techniques, which may be helpful.
Sometimes a support group such as ours is the best answer. Talk with your doctor about the route that might be best suited for you.
Establishing A Steady Course—If you have a chronic illness, there’s no denying that it affects your life. But how much you allow it to determine the quality of your life depends, to some extent, on the way you choose to live day by day.
SOME HINTS FOR COLOSTOMATES
Via: The Pouch, Northern Virginia
Allergies can wreak havoc on colostomates who must take antihistamines for relief, especially on those who irrigate. These drugs can slow down intestinal action, making irrigations less effective.
Do you like nuts—but you’re afraid to eat them because of digestive problems? Try eating softer nuts such as pecans and cashews instead of the more indigestible peanuts and almonds. Always remember to chew your food carefully and very well.
Hot water, fruit juice or a cup of hot coffee before a morning irrigation may initiate gut action. Those who irrigate at bedtime should drink an extra glass or two of water before starting the process, especially if not much water has been consumed during the day; otherwise, the body’s tissues will absorb much of the irrigation water introduced through the stoma, making for a frustrating, fruitless irrigation attempt.
HELPFUL HINTS FROM HERE AND THERE
If you suffer with arthritis in your hands, here’s a simple tip you might not have thought about. Substitute thin inexpensive wash cloths for your prettier heavy ones. The thin cloths lather with less effort, rinse easier and wring drier with less finger pressure. With the thin cloth, it’s easy to scrub using only the palm of your hand.
To save money and give added comfort, make your own appliance covers. Use an old T-shirt or slip. A very light weight material is best so as not to make the pouch area more bulky.
Polident and Efferdent are very effective for SOAKING your appliance. They deodorize, remove stains and clean. If it’s good for your teeth, it’s good for your appliance.
After any abdominal surgery, heavy lifting, pushing or pulling should be restricted for 6 to 12 months. Check with your doctor.
If you are experiencing sore muscles, tiredness and weakness, your potassium level may be low.
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