The Newsletter of
The Winnipeg Ostomy Association
November/December 1997
WOA'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY!
December 7, 1997
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Auditorium
St. Boniface Hospital,
Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Maria Siegl
President of U.O.A. of Canada and Chairman of the IOA World Congress Organizing
Committee in Calgary this past summer died on November 6, 1997.
Our thoughts go out to her family. All Canadian ostomates have
been touched by her vision.
She will be sorely missed.
Click Thumbnail for Photo (IOA, Calgary '97) 
Link to Maria Siegl Page
Inside This Issue
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Articles and information in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by the Winnipeg Ostomy Association and may not apply to everyone. It is wise to consult your E. T. or Doctor before using any information from this newsletter
.
WOA'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY!
LET'S CELEBRATE!
The Winnipeg Ostomy Association is celebrating its 25th Anniversary! The party is on December 7, 1997 at the St. Boniface Hospital in the Auditorium. It starts at 1:00 p.m. and goes until 4:00.m. Cake and refreshments included and it's free for all. Come out and met some old friends or make some new ones.
In June, 1971, a group of ostomates held their first meeting in the Auditorium of the St.
Boniface Hospital. With advice and help received from Dr. Karl T. Riese and Margaret
Hurl, R.N., the Ostomy Club of Winnipeg came into being in September of that year.
It's first constitution was accepted and approved at a General Meeting of the membership
at the St. Boniface Hospital on March 15th, 1972. It was signed by President Art Young,
Vice-President Bob Ibison, Secretary Carolyn Birnie and Treasurer Bill Logan.
On August 30th, 1972 the Province of Manitoba granted our charter and the Winnipeg
Ostomy Association Inc. was born. Mr. Earl Soloman was instrumental in obtaining the
charter and provided the necessary legal work as well as donating the necessary fees.
The Manitoba Ostomy Program commenced operation in July, 1974. This was directly
due to the efforts of the WOA and the program still operates today. It is unique in North
America and strongly reflects the dedication of past Winnipeg Ostomy Association
members!
The next priority of the WOA, now under President Ab Foreman, was to obtain the
services of an Enterostomal Therapist for Manitoba ostomates. The WOA lobbied
strongly and Mrs. Genevieve Thompson, E.T. was hired by the St. Boniface Hospital in
1974.
The following years have seen the WOA serve ostomates in Winnipeg in many important
areas. The Visiting Program has done thousands of visits over the years. The recent
government deficit problems have put much pressure on Health Care in Manitoba and the
WOA has had to work very hard over recent years to keep the Manitoba Ostomy Program
intact.
The Winnipeg Ostomy Association has made great improvements in accessibility in
recent years. We were the first ostomy association in North America (probably the
World) to have our own World Wide Web site. We have became known world-wide due
to this site. We have a permanent mailing address, an Email address and recently, a
permanent telephone number with voice mail. Next year this number will go in the
Winnipeg telephone book under both Winnipeg Ostomy Association and Ostomy and
should make us much easier to get hold of. We are also considering putting a listing in
the Manitoba Directory and in the Yellow Pages. By the way, the new number is 237-
2022.
We are hoping to see many you out at the Anniversary Celebration. If you need a ride
please call Audrey Foreman at 269-6784.
So come out, meet some old friends and hopefully make some new ones. We have much
to be proud of and lots to celebrate.
Mike Leverick, Editor
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by Marjorie Kaufman, Los Ileos, via Austin (TX) Austi-Mate, Dec 1995
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the flat,
There was general confusion including the cat.
The bathroom was strewn with the ostomy ware,
That I had abandoned in utter despair.
The courage I'd had in the hospital bed,
To follow instructions, had suddenly fled.
It all looked so strange, and uncommonly new;
I swore I would never know quite what to do.
Now which goes to which, and what sticks to what?
I fumbled each step, with my nerves overwrought.
And then in my anguish, I went to my room,
To settle my brains for a night full of gloom.
With a household a-flutter in holiday matter,
I shut out the sounds of excitement and chatter.
When out in the hallway I heard from below,
The sound of a voice with a jolly "Hello."
As I peeked through the door, up the stairway she came;
And she smiled when she saw me, and called me by name.
And I, in my wonder, just couldn't believe,
That ostomy visits were made Christmas Eve.
And then in a twinkling she put me at ease,
And said she could lessen my anxieties.
She was dressed all in white, in a form-fitting sheath,
With nary a sign of what lay underneath.
So trim and well-groomed, a delight to behold,
No one would suspect, unless they'd been told.
That standing before me so calm and serene,
Was the very first ostomate I'd ever seen.
Her manner so friendly, with faith and good cheer,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to fear.
My questions, like leaves in a hurricane flew;
And with each knowing answer, my confidence grew.
Then under her guidance each part fell in place,
As I conquered the problem I'd just failed to face.
And all of a sudden I knew I was free,
To live just as normal and happy as she.
For only an ostomate is really akin,
To the fears and frustrations that lie deep within.
Her time and her friendship so willing to give,
Will keep me remembering as long as I live.
And my family was grateful for what she had done,
For once more the evening was festive and fun.
Now each time I meet her, more clearly I see
The "Saint" who came calling with blessings for me!!
From Stillwater-Ponca City (OK) Online Ostomy Outlook Dec 1996
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What is the meaning of laceration? The definition of the word according to Taber's medical dictionary is: "A wound or irregular tear of flesh."Could it happen to your stoma? What type of stoma can be lacerated? It doesn't matter if the stoma eliminates urine or feces. If the stoma protrudes or has what we call a "bud", it can be lacerated. Actually, the stoma that protrudes is the preferred stoma. Primarily because the protruding stoma empties the waste into the ostomy pouch. But since the stoma extends beyond the skin level, there is the danger that it can be lacerated. Almost any appliance that has a stiff or rigid backing can lacerate the stoma. The symptoms that may indicate that laceration has taken place would be bleeding and/or swelling of the stoma. Since there are no sensory nerve endings in the stoma, usually pain will not be experienced. 1he fact that you may not feel pain does not minimize the seriousness of this condition. If not treated, surgical intervention may be the end result. It is not always obvious what has caused the laceration. And, of course, it cannot be corrected until the cause is determined. In my experience, there are many reasons for stoma laceration. The majority of times, improperly centering the flange or faceplate could be responsible. Whenever there is difficulty in centering the flange or face plate properly, enlarge the opening and protect the skin immediately surrounding the stoma with a paste or powder made expressly for that purpose. Applying the paste directly on the skin or around the hole on the flange or faceplate is appropriate. Either way this will provide a seal and will protect the skin. Using a mirror can be helpful when centering the flange to the skin around the stoma. Remember. The entire stoma - all of the moist bright pink tissue must be exposed. Shifting of the appliance can sometimes cause a cut around the stoma. When the adhesive barrier washes away, the thin celluloid film remaining is capable of cutting the stoma. Positional changes, like bending or even turning when sleeping can cause slippage. Consider the ostomy belt, if the belt is not positioned to support the appliance and is pulled either upward or down- ward, this may cause the appliance to shift and lacerate the stoma. Outer clothing, whether it is a belt of stiff waist. band on skirts or trousers that ride over the appliance can cause it to shift. Never underestimate a lacerated stoma. Careful investigation will reveal the cause. The stoma will heal by itself when the problem is corrected - provided the stoma is not badly damaged. Lacerations usually heal slowly, taking from four to sex weeks. Careful measurement and application of your appliance is always necessary. As usual, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care. Source: Stella Krouse, ET, Temple University Hospital: via Dallas, Corpus Christi: via Metro Halifax News. February 1997.
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Many ileostomates include a banana in their diet to help replenish the potassium in their bodies. But did you ever notice that when you are fresh out of bananas, the ones you can buy in the store won't be fit to eat for at least another three days? Or, how about the times when the only bananas available, if not eaten immediately, will end up in the garbage because they are overripe. Of course, sometimes you can get those on sale for a good price, so here is an excellent suggestion for you.
Buy the bananas! Peel the bananas immediately, wrap them in aluminium foil and place them in freezer. The next day have a frozen banana delight. You will find you have a delicious sweet treat. At Disney World, they dip the banana in chocolate before freezing and get a very good price for this treat. You may not want to freeze banana every day, but when your fresh supply runs out, or the ones on hand are too green to eat, you will be delighted to have this delicacy on hand.
Via Big Sky Informer (Great Falls, MT) via Redstone Area, June 1996.
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"No set of guidelines for being a good friend can replace your own style," says former cancer patient Georgia Photopulos, "but if you'd like a few simple tips on how to talk to someone who's very sick, here they are."
- Don't be afraid to ask me what I have, how I'm doing or what my treatment will be. At worst, I'll say I don't want to discuss it. At best, I'll welcome the opportunity to talk about my situation.
- Worried about what to say? What did we talk about before I became ill-politics, art, religion, the PTA, grandchildren? I'm still interested.
- Don't try to cheer me up by telling me things could be worse-that I'm lucky my husband or wife hasn't left, or that I could have been hit by a truck. It doesn't help. In fact, don't try to cheer me up at all! What I need most when I'm depressed is a compassionate comforter and listener.
- Don't assume you know how I feel. If you're prepared to find out, ask me, for I need every sensitive, empathetic listener I can get.
- If I look horrible, don't tell me I look great. Your lie will hang between us and undercut anything else you say. You don't have to comment on my looks at all.
- Remember, I chose my doctor and unless I say otherwise, I'm probably satisfied with him or her. Don't bring me articles about other doctors, other hospitals, or other treatments unless I ask you to.
- Do bring flowers, books, games-whatever you know I like. Most of all, bring yourself. Illness interrupts so much; don't let it interrupt our friendship.
- If anything about my illness troubles you, if it makes you upset or sad or nervous, tell me! Your silence may hurt me-something I know you don't want.
From The Hope Heart Institute, via Northern Virginia The Pouch via Stillwater-Ponca City (OK) Ostomy Outlook Online June 1997
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Visitor's Report
By Christel Spletzer
Patients with the following ostomies were visited in September and October:
Colostomy - 12
Ileal Conduit - 2
Ileostomy - 7
Pelvic Pouch - 3
Continent Urostomy - -
Total = 24
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Insomnia
Insomnia is the inability to sleep long enough or deeply enough to refresh or rejuvenate you for the next day. Everyone needs a different amount of sleep each night - from just a few hours to 10 or more.
Insomnia can manifest itself in different ways: an inability to fall asleep, waking up frequently during the night or waking too early in the morning. Each of us has occasional problems getting to sleep because of stress or an upcoming event. But only when the trouble becomes persistent and begins to affect daytime functioning do we refer to it as insomnia. Generally speaking, elderly people sleep more lightly, and need fewer hours of sleep than when they were young.
MEDICATION
Medications used to treat insomnia (hypnotics) should generally be thought of as temporary, short-term solutions. They should be used with caution, in the smallest effective dose.
There are numerous hypnotic medications available, both with and without a prescription. Some prescription hypnotics can cause drowsiness the next day, Those available without a prescription are less potent. In any case, you should always seek the useful input of your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you find you need a hypnotic for more than just a few days.
Over time, your body builds up a tolerance to some hypnotics. As a result, the drug effects become less pronounced. The drug effects wear off more quickly and you may have to increase the dosage to fall asleep.
These problems can he avoided by taking the medication for short periods, and only when it is absolutely necessary. Hypnotics are intended to help you get adequate sleep so that you can function the next day. But this is a short-term solution to help your body's sleep system get back on track. This can be achieved by the following strategies which will serve you better over the long term.
A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER
Avoid heavy exercise or effort before going to bed but continue to exercise regularly during the day or early evening.
Avoid all forms of caffeine (coffee, cola, chocolate, tea) within six hours from bedtime.
Avoid smoking before bed - nicotine is a stimulant. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime.
Try to relax for one hour before bedtime. A warm bath, wan-n milk or some reading might help.
Your bedroom should be calm, dark and cool, your bed should be comfortable.
Always wake up at the same time and avoid taking naps during the day.
If you can't fall asleep, get out of bed and return only when you feel sleepy.
If you take any medication on a regular basis, ask your doctor if this might be the cause of your sleeping problem. Some medications, such as decongestants or asthma drugs can disrupt sleep.
Getting back to a regular schedule is the ultimate goal - be it through modifying behaviour or perhaps in the short-term, through the use of hypnotics. But if insomnia persists or returns be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist so that you can work on getting back to a regular sleep/wake pattern.
For more information, call Sleep/Wake Disorders Canada at 1-416-787-5371.
Ostomy Highlife; via Ostomy News, Okanagn Mainline Ostomy Association
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Osteoporosis and Milk
It's an odd fact that Americans drink a lot of milk, yet American women get
osteoporosis more often than women in countries where little milk is consumed. Why
is this?
Osteoporosis (a loss of bone mass and subsequent disabling weakening of bones that
occurs in older women and occasionally in older men) is not a new disease, nor is it
occurring in epidemic numbers. It's just that the population is aging, and people are
living longer, thus becoming more susceptible to the disease of old age. It is true that
blacks (often lactose intolerant) have almost no osteoporosis and that women of
northern Europe extraction have a high incidence of the disease, but so do Chinese
women. Though milk-drinking people seem to be more susceptible to osteoporosis,
that doesn't mean milk is the culprit. Many factors are involved in keeping bones
strong.
Heredity - Osteoporosis tends to run in families. Being small-boned is another risk
factor. Chinese women tend to be small-boned, which makes them susceptible.
African women, on the other hand, tend to have more mass throughout life - a
protective genetic trait.
Hormones - Estrogen aids in building women's bones, so when estrogen production
drops after menopause, bone mass declines. How much it declines varies; a woman
whose bone mass is greater in middle age will be less affected by the loss. 
Calcium intake - It's vital to start consuming adequate calcium in childhood. People
who don't drink milk get their calcium from plant sources, small animals and fish
bones, and even from the lime (calcium hydroxide) used to prepare certain foods.
Weight-bearing exercise - such as walking, running, and cycling. An active life style
strengthens bones.
Smoking and heavy drinking - These are particularly dangerous for women with
other risk factors, such as small bones and a sedentary life-style.
Calcium intake is thus one factor in preventing osteoporosis - but an important one for
bone strength and good health. Milk is the best source of usable calcium. If you don't
drink milk and eat dairy products, you should turn to plant sources. Calcium
supplements, once highly recommended for postmenopausal women, may do some
good - especially for people who simply can't get enough calcium from food. Still,
you're much better off getting your calcium from foods, and to get adequate amounts
over your lifetime.
As with many other diseases, there's no single "cause" for osteoporosis. Hereditary
risks can't be altered, but there are many steps that a woman can take to reduce her
risk.
Source: Tidewater Tidings, Norfolk, VA; via Monterey, CA & Stillwater, OK; via Metro Halifax News,
March 1996
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All fruits contain fiber. An orange gives you 7 grams, an apple 5, and a banana 4. A half
grapefruit contains 6 grams of fiber (half is insoluble which helps prevent constipation
and the risk of colon cancer, and half is soluble which helps lower cholesterol levels).
But to get that fiber, you have to eat the walls that separate the segments. Grapefruit juice
contains no fiber.
Source: Nutrition Action, January/February 1997; Aviation Medical Bulletin; via Metro Halifax News,
October 1997
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by Dr. Albert G. Wagoner
Each patient, along with the family, usually goes through four phases of recovery
following an accident or illness that results in loss of function of an important part of the
body. Only the time required for each phase varies. Knowledge of the four phases of
recovery is essential. They are:
- The Shock Phase - The period of psychological impact. Probably you remember nothing
of this phase after your operation. Nevertheless, it is a phase that requires a lot of support.
- The Defensive Retreat Phase - The period in which you defend yourself against the
implication of the crisis. You avoid reality. Characteristic in this period is wishful
thinking, or denial or repression of your actual condition. For example, an ostomate
believes that his/her entire colon is still there and will be reconnected later.
- The Phase of Acknowledgement - In this period you face reality. As you give up the
existing old structure, you may enter into a period, at least temporarily, of depression, of
apathy, of agitation, of bitterness, and of high anxiety. You hate your stoma, yourself, cry
a lot, pity or condemn yourself. You may not eat, be unable to sleep, or want to be left
alone to die. In this phase you need all the support that can be mustered.
- The Phase of Adaptation - Now you actively cope with the situation in a constructive
manner. You adopt, during a shorter or longer period, the adjustments that are necessary.
You begin to establish new structures and develop a new sense of worth. With the aid of
an enterostomal therapist/nurse and the ostomy visitor, you learn about living with a
stoma. Aided by your physician, social workers, ostomy association and family, you go
about rebuilding and altering the life that brought about this condition.
Via Metro Halifax News
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From UOA Canada's Connection
Finishing touches are just now being put on these four-part Guidelines. After they have
been sent to our Medical Advisors for their critique and returned, the finished product
will be given to all UOA of Canada Inc chapters for use by their Visiting Coordinators.
In order to keep replacement costs to a minimum, they will be in a loose-leaf binder, so
any updated pages can be easily inserted.
- Part I - Management Guidelines - a general explanation of the Program under topics
include Management Team, Visiting Coordinator, Preparing Certified Visitors and
Marketing the Visiting Program.
- Part II - Instructor's Guidelines for Training Sessions - various topics such as
Preparing For the Training Session; Suggested Agenda; Fundamentals Including Visitor's
Responsibilities, Hospital and Healthcare Team, Patient's Concerns After Surgery,
Phases of Psychological Adjustment, Ostomies and Continent Procedures, Art of
Visiting, Business of Visiting and Resources.
- Part III - Participants' Guidelines - to be ordered separately by the chapter for use in
the training sessions by the prospective visitor and retained by the chapter for use in
further sessions. Topics include many of the topics in the Instructor's Guidelines. Costs
to the chapter will be minimal and cover just the cost of printing.
Part IV - Visitor's Reference Guide - topics include: Hints For a Better Visit, Visiting
Do's and Don'ts, Psychological Phases of Recovery. Upon receiving a listing of visitors
to be certified, agreed upon by the Visiting Management Team, UOA of Canada Inc
Office will send to the Visiting Coordinator for distribution, a Visitor's Reference Guide
for each visitor along with Certified Visiting Cards.
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Editor's Comment
This is the electronic version of The Winnipeg Ostomy Association's newsletter, Inside Out. The newsletter includes articles from other United Ostomy Association chapter newsletters and these are credited at the end of each article. Please credit the source as well as Inside Out Online if you wish to use any of this newsletter.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR & SUBMISSIONS
Submissions and Letters to the Editor can be mailed to:
The Editor, Inside Out,
130 Woodydell Ave,
Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada. R2M 2T9.
All submissions are welcome, may be edited and are not guaranteed to be printed (but I'll make every effort).
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Last updated June 15, 2001. Comments to: Mike Leverick
Link to Maria Siegl Page