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Volume 31, Number 10 July, 2004
HERBS AND THE INTESTINE
Via: Cheers & Tears, & Greater Cincinnati Chapter
Herbs have long been proclaimed nature’s remedy for many of our maladies. The fact is that 40% of all prescribed drugs are based on chemicals from plants. The following are a few examples:
* The juice of Aloe leaves is very helpful in caring for the skin around the stoma.
* Bay leaves, added to slow cooking foods are said to “tone” the digestive tract. They also relieve cramps and expel wind from the stomach and bowels.
* Cayenne is claimed to have such benefits as easing congestion, warming your feet, and aiding digestion.
* Dill is an old remedy for stomach ulcers, probably because of its calming effect. But it will also reduce flatulence when used as a seasoning.
* Garlic has long been proclaimed to be an aid to the immune system and effective against colds, flue and bronchitis. It, also strengthens the digestive system and helps in gastro-intestinal disorders. It works better raw than cooked.
* Parsley is nature’s finest deodorant. It is a breath freshener but also reduces odor in the stool. Chew a couple of sprigs of parsley, especially after eating Garlic.
* Thyme in tea is proclaimed to be a cold remedy assist.
DON’T SWEAT IT!
By: Christine Newberry, RN, WOCN, Cymed Via: The Greater Cincinnati Chapter
Does sweating cause you pouching problems? If you work or live in a warm environment, if you are an athlete or just prone to sweating, you may have problems keeping your pouch barrier on.
Here are three approaches to solving your problem:
Sweat less! Some antiperspirants can be used underneath an ostomy barrier. Many antiperspirants dry after application and leave little residue that would affect the adherence of a pouch. C.C. a cyclist in Maryland, uses Tussy 5-day Antiperspirant that is sold in packets. Mitchum and Crystal, among others, have been used successfully by ostomates to diminish perspiration. Do your own research and find one that works for you.
Increase Adhesion! If your barrier is floating off, consider increasing the quantity of adhesive. SKIN TAC has recently been produced in a new wipe-on form. This is a thin, clear adhesive that is easily removed with alcohol; Torbot manufactures it. Hollister makes a medical adhesive spray. And for the truly needy, there are paint-on adhesives that, though more cumbersome, can make a dramatic difference in adherence. Two of these are NuHope Adhesive and Skin Bond by Smith and Nephew. All of these products are available at most ostomy product dealers.
Try a Breathable Barrier. The MicroSkin adhesive barrier on all Cymed pouches is moisture-vapor permeable and allows perspiration to flow through the barrier rather than being trapped beneath it. John Dermengian recently wore a Cymed pouch through the grueling Iron-Man Triathalon. His pouch held up through 16 hours of extreme physical exertion and lasted a total of 6 days. A sample of these pouches is available from
Cymed Ostomy Company at 800-582-0707.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO USE SKIN BARRIER PASTE
Via: www.convatec.com &Hemet-San Jacinto, CA.
There are a variety of types and brands of skin barrier pastes, so check with the manufacturer of the brand you’re using for specific instructions. Skin barrier pastes are used as “caulking” to fill in the space between the stoma and the opening in the skin barrier. Skin barrier pastes are not “glue”, and should not be used to keep the pouch on the abdomen. The pastes fill in gaps or uneven areas, protect the skin around the stoma, and can increase wear-time.
Generally, this is the procedure you should follow if skin barrier paste has been recommended to you.
1. Remove the soiled wafer and gently clean the skin around your stoma in the usual way. Pat the skin dry.
2. Apply a bead of skin barrier paste around the stomal opening on the body side (sticky side) of the skin barrier/wafer or apply the paste to the skin immediately surrounding the stoma.
3. Let the paste air dry for about one minute.
4. Gently place the wafer over the stoma and on to the skin. Hold in place for a few minutes, allowing the warmth of your hand to mold it to your abdomen.
5. Attach your pouch to the flange on the skin barrier.
ASK THE ET PANEL
So. Maryland Counties Chapter & Hemet-San Jacinto, CA. Newsletter
Question: Does the appearance of my stoma change over time? Does it age?
Answer: The size and shape of a stoma generally changes within 6-8 weeks after surgery. This is why it is not recommended to purchase precut pouches immediately after surgery. Alterations in the abdominal contour related to weight gain or loss or abdominal muscle weakness can result in a change in the size and shape of the stoma. If the size and shape do change, the size and type of pouching would need to be adjusted. The stoma doesn’t “age”, but a healthy stoma is always pink or red and moist.
Question: Should an ostomy be a consideration when taking medications for other conditions?
Answer: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, multiple small bowel resections, or radiation enteritis require special consideration for medication regimes because of the decreased absorption capacity. Some forms of medications are not completely absorbed with patients who have an ileostomy. Examples of such medications are enteric coated tablets, large tablets, and time released capsules and spanules. Liquid forms will ensure the best absorption.
STOMAL STENOSIS
Via:Ralph Kaye Chapter, San Antonio, TX
Stomal Stenosis is a narrowing of the lumen of the stoma as it passes through what is referred to as the fascia (located an inch or so below the ostomy opening) or a narrowing of the ostomy opening due to a tightening of tissue about the ileum or ostomy. The peristomal hernia is a widening of the defect of the abdominal wall through which the ileum passes to reach the surface. If this defect becomes too large, then more ileum can move into the space between the skin and the lining of the abdominal cavity. The ileum in this space can then twist or kink on itself and cause a blockage.
Any type ostomy can become stenosed. Your doctor can help resolve this by several methods.
Stenosis that develops right after surgery is usually attributed to mucocutaneous separation—the stoma separating from the skin to which it is sutured. Stenosis that develops later may be caused by disease (Crohn’s or tumor), excessive scar tissue formation at the skin or fascial level, trauma resulting from improperly fitting equipment, hyperplasia or chronic irritant dermatitis or peristomal skin.
Preventive measures include maintenance of a secure pouch seal to prevent peristomal skin breakdown, urine acidification measures, prompt treatment of hyperplasia and awareness of signs and symptoms of partial stoma obstructions.
DEHYDRATION AND THE ILEOSTOMATE
by: Terry Gallagher, UK (Edited & Excerpted)
When we had our ileostomy surgery, our colon was removed. In a normal person (that is a personwith a working colon), the colon is responsible for absorbing most of the water we drink and that is contained in our food. In addition, electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, essential to maintaining good health, are absorbed there. Removal or disconnection of the colon immediately causes the first problem because of the removal of the ileo-valve. This valve is between the ileum or small intestine and the colon where the appendix is attached. Its purpose is to hold back the food in the ileum to enable it to be absorbed better. When we lose this valve, food and water pass through our digestive system faster, so less is absorbed, often accounting for weight loss when a person first recovers from the surgery. The ileum does absorb more water to compensate, but still absorbs much less than the colon did. Waste from the ileum normally has about 30% of the water remaining, while waste from a colon has about 10% remaining-quite a difference. In addition, we lose ten times as much sodium and potassium as someone with a colon.
Because of all this, anything which upsets the balance in our bodies has a much faster effect, as well as happening much quicker than in a person with a colon. A typical example is gastroenteritis. A normal person with the same degree of infection may well be sick and have diarrhea for a couple of days, whereas we may well end up in the hospital as an emergency. This may apply to other problems which upset the digestive system’s balance as well as gastroenteritis.
When these occur, a normal person may experience nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, bloating, sometimes bloody diarrhea and signs of dehydration (including the veins on the back of the hands and elsewhere becoming invisible). Ileostomates may experience these signs differently. My ileostomy filled up very rapidly with fluid. On emptying, the pouch refilled in minutes. I felt nauseous and developed abdominal discomfort. I rapidly began to experience the symptoms of dehydration which include a dry mouth, decreased or virtually non-existent urine output, heart irregularities and dry skin. In my case, I could see my urine output had ceased as I have a urostomy as well.
This is a medical emergency! In less than a 15 minute trip to the hospital by ambulance, the driver remarked that I had visibly deteriorated during the trip, even with an iv of saline being administered.
If hospitalized for dehydration, the ileostomate may expect iv solutions to be given. The fluid given will be saline, potassium, or potassium and glucose to replace those essential electrolytes lost as mentioned earlier. Expect an EKG to check for heart problems, bloods to be taken, and stool and urine samples (to check for infection) and chest and abdominal X-rays .
Dehydration is a serious medical emergency that can lead to shock, unconsciousness and death if not treated soon enough. Delaying treatment can also lead to kidney damage, which may be permanent, requiring life long dialysis or a transplant.
If you become ill with diarrhea, vomiting and fever that persists and you find yourself with a pouch which is filling and refilling with fluid and start to develop a dry mouth with abdominal pains, seek emergency treatment immediately. Normal people may sneer that we’re making a lot of fuss for a simple “tummy bug” — we’re not! It is much more serious for us than for people with a colon.
SOME OF THE BEST BASIC OSTOMY HINTS
Via: The Right Connection, San Diego
Don’t believe as if having an ostomy makes you less of a person or some freak of nature. There are lots of us and most of us are glad to be alive.
Build a support system of people to answer questions when you have a problem. Consider our ETs and your officers who are listed in this newsletter.
Don’t play the dangerous game of making your appliance fail by over taping or putting off a change. There aren’t any prizes given for the longest wear time except accidents.
Don’t wait until you see the bottom of your supply box before ordering more. Always count on delays in shipping, holidays, etc. when calculating what is needed.
Zip-lock sandwich bags are useful and odor-proof for disposal of used ostomy pouches.
Don’t get hung up on odors. There are some great sprays and some internal deodorants...Remember— everybody creates
some odors in the bathroom. Don’t feel you are an exception.
Hydration and electrolyte balance is of vital importance. Be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain good hydration, ileostomates especially.
Read and learn all you can about ostomies. You never know when you may find an opportunity to educate someone about the life-saving surgery that has extended so many lives. Learn to be matter of fact about this and never embarrassed. Few folks get out of this life without some medical problems and unpleasant situations with which to cope. You may be amazed at how people will admire your adaptability and courage.
In the beginning after surgery, almost everyone experiences some depression. If you fit into this category, you are certainly not alone. But it need not be a lasting condition. Try something as simple as walking….long walks. If the depression seems to linger, don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help. There is help out there!
The bottom line is— We are alive! In other times, in other countries, we might not be. Medicine and techniques today have given us an opportunity to experience this second chance. It is certainly an opportunity worth accepting and exploring. The most important part of you as a human being has not changed.
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