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March 2004 Newsletter
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Our Next Meeting
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| Date | • | Thurs. March 18, 2004 |
| Time | • | 7:00 pm |
| Place | • | Middlesex-London Health Unit 50 King Street, London |
| Guest Speaker | • | Brenda Turner |
| ET Advisor | • | Kathy Kozell St. Joseph's Health Centre |
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| April's Meeting | ||
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| Date | • | Thurs. April 15, 2004 |
| Time | • | 7:00 pm |
| Place | • | Middlesex-London Health Unit 50 King Street, London |
| Guest Speaker | • | Sarita Gupta, Dietitian LHSC, University Campus |
| ET Advisor | • | Jill Allen Saint Elizabeth Health Care |
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LDOA Announcements 
P.O. Box 24206 |
Printing Firm Sponsor
LDOA is still looking for a printing firm sponsor. If you have connections or know of a company that would be willing to donate their services to print our newsletters and brochures, please contact our Newsletter Editor, As a gesture of appreciation, LDOA offers a print ad for the firm in each news- letter, a sponsor-type ad on the web site, and a "Printed by our Sponsor" promo line in the brochures. Thank you.
LDOA Picnic and BBQ
This year’s picnic will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2004 at Mark and Heather Smith’s house, commencing 2:00 and “dining” at 4:00. More details and a map will follow in the next newsletter. Family and friends are welcome.
Visitor Training Workshop
It has been brought to our attention that visits are being made without the Visitor Co-Ordinator’s knowledge. Please be advised that this is not allowed. All visits must be arranged through the Visitor Co-Ordinator, Brenda Turner.
For those members interested in becoming a visitor, the next Visitor Training Workshop is scheduled for April 24, 2004. For more information, contact Brenda at 681-5973.
For Sale
One large ostomy hernia belt. Never worn. Original cost $100, selling for $90. Please contact Kathryn Kozell at 519-646-6000, ext. 64749.
Return to Top 
Secretary Position
Due to time constraints, Deanna Sterling wishes to resign from her position as Secretary but will retain her positions as Newsletter Editor and Webmaster. In this regard, the Secretary position on the Executive Committee is open to members.
Duties and responsibilities include taking down the minutes of the meetings – which basically means writing a synopsis of who attended the meeting in what capacity and what was discussed; compiling the minutes into a readable format for inclusion in the newsletter and web site for the benefit of those members who were unable to attend; keeping said minutes in an organized system; and preparing and distributing correspondence for the Association.
Someone with access to email would be an asset. Contact Caroline Chiasson by phone at 681-5973 or by email at if you are interested.
LDOA’s Web Site Wins Award
London & District Ostomy Association is pleased to announce its web site has been awarded the Golden Web Award for 2003-2004. The International Association of Webmasters and Designers presents the award to web sites whose content, web design and originality have achieved levels of integrity, crea- tivity and excellence deserving of recognition.
Good news spreads quickly and Roger Ivol, Senior Editor for Ostomy Canada, contacted LDOA with the following message: "Congratulations are in order to your London Chapter. This sounds like a newsworthy event, and I would like to publish the details in the Spring issue of Ostomy Canada magazine."
So be sure to look for an article entitled "Blueprint for an Award-Winning Web Site" written by Deanna Sterling in the next Ostomy Canada issue.
Minutes of Meeting
Commencing with this issue, the Minutes of Meeting for the previous month's meeting will be included in the newsletter for the benefit of those members who were unable attend. You can read the Minutes for February 19, 2004 by clicking here. Click your browser's back button to return to this page.
Return to Top ET Corner
Each newsletter, London’s ETs answer your concerns
| Submit your questions or concerns in writing at an LDOA meeting or send them to your ET (Enterostomal Therapist) by e-mail. |
Instead of the regular question and answer format, we would like to bring to your attention a helpful article we came across via the Stratford & District Ostomy Association’s newsletter, which, in turn, sourced the UOA Evansville, Indiana Re-Route newsletter.
In managing one's ostomy, there are basic, good principles that should be followed and there will be some practices or suggestions that are not sound advice. The suggestions from others "because it worked for them" or experiments that are not logical or safe, may result in adverse experiences. This could have a detrimental impact on the quality of life you wish to achieve. Here are few.
Using alcohol regularly to clean the peristomal skin • Alcohol is very drying. Used over time, it will result in itching, irritation, and potential breakdown. Also, alcohol will disturb the normal, healthy bacteria on your skin and potentially invite unhealthy bacteria.
Using the pouch beyond the recommended seven days • The plastic pouches have been treated to be odour-proof. Over time, fecal odour will be absorbed by the pouch, which cannot be eliminated. Vinegar and baking soda are helpful in eliminating odour, however, if you get seven days pouch wear, GREAT. Dispose the pouch and put on a new one. NEVER use bleach or Lysol agents to clean the pouch. This will destroy the pouch and cause ill effects to the stoma and skin.
Always treat skin irritations ... but know what you are treating • Creams, sprays, lotions, and skin barriers are designed to help skin irritations providing the right product is being used for the right situation. Prolonging attention can lead to further skin complications and decreased wear time. Seek consultation with your ET/physician for examination and treatment.
Wrap the drainable pouch end around and around the clamp before closing for "extra security" • This will not make the clamp work better or prevent accidental leakage. In fact, because of the bulkiness of the plastic wrapping around the clamp, it will dislodge the locking mechanism of the clamp. The manufacturers have designed the clamp and thickness of the plastic pouch to work together. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for clamp security. Get in the habit of changing your clamp monthly for added security.
Let the pouch fill up. It has lots of capacity • Avoid testing the pouch’s endurance! It’s true the pouch is designed to hold about 300 – 400 ml, but this will cause significant discomfort and pressure on the seal securing your pouch to either the wafer or your skin. Better to empty your pouch when you start to feel the weight or a gentle "hand full" when feeling your pouch.
Not coming to an LDOA Chapter Meeting • Keep yourself informed. Ask questions. There are many resources available to you – the London chapter meetings, LDOA’s newsletter and web site, UOAC annual conventions, company representatives, vendors and your ET's.
Return to Top Cutting Edge Technology: The Camera Pill
Digital capsule captures 50,000 still images of the small intestine.
Doctors have used small cameras on snaking tubes for years to check patients' intestinal troubles. These days, they are asking some patients to swallow the entire camera.
With a single pill loaded with technology similar to a digital camera, doctors can view more than 50,000 still images captured during the trip through the 20 feet of the small intestine that previously was visible only on x-rays.
The pill, known as the M2A Capsule Endoscopy, is about the size of a multi-vitamin and is swallowed with a sip of water. The product represents a technological advance in methods of examining the gastrointestinal tract.
Currently, the standard method of detecting abnormalities in the intestines is through endoscope examination in which doctors advance a scope down into the small intestine via the mouth. However, these scopes are unable to reach through all of the 20-foot-long small intestine, and thus provide only a partial view of that part of the bowel. Alternate methods of examining the undetectable section of small bowel involves swallowing barium, then xraying the area to look for trouble spots. Invasive surgery would be the next option if a disorder was diagnosed.
The camera is designed to take photos of the entire small intestine, enabling doctors to see areas that the endoscope cannot reach.
The device comes in capsule form and contains a camera, lights, transmitter and batteries. The capsule has a clear end that allows the camera to view the lining of the small bowel. The battery has an expected life of eight hours, which is generally long enough to photograph the small intestine, but not long enough to photograph the entire GI tract.
The patient swallows the capsule, and the natural muscular waves of the digestive tract propel it forward through the stomach, into the small intestine, through the large intestine, and then out in the stool. The capsule transmits the images to a data recorder, which is worn on a belt around the patient's waist. The physician then transfers the stored data to a computer for processing and analysis.
Study results showed that the camera pill was safe, without any side effects, and was able to detect abnormalities in the small intestine, including parts that cannot be reached by the endoscope.
The camera pill has been an effective way to diagnose unexplained bleeding, Crohn's disease, celiac disease and intestinal tumors.
In addition, the test is totally hassle-free. The camera does all the work. You fast for 10 hours before taking the pill. Two hours after the study starts, you're allowed to eat a meal. Eight hours after- wards, you return to the hospital to have the data recorder belt removed. Inbetween that time, you can go to work, go shopping, whatever it is that you want to do.
The only down side to the test – it isn’t covered by OHIP, and at $2,500
per procedure, it’s a costly pill to swallow.
Deanna’s Comments • I faxed Dr. James Gregor’s office, a gastroenterologist at London Health Sciences Centre, South Campus, for more information about the camera pill as I had been advised that he has used this new technology first-hand. I did not receive a reply, however, I shall continue to pursue the matter and keep you posted if I learn anything more.
Source • Toronto’s Pulse24 Newsource
Related Articles
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ABC News.com | |
| New pill camera shows promise | ||
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BBC News World Edition | |
| Pill camera reveals the inside story | ||
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BBC News | |
| Pill camera to "broadcast from the gut" | ||
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Detroit News Health Section | |
| Camera pill takes doctors inside the digestive tract | ||
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Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas | |
| Camera pill reveals "inside" story on pain relievers | ||
Return to Top Maybe It’s More Than Just Heartburn
Untreated reflux disease can lead to serious complications
If you're popping antacids regularly, you could be suffering more than heartburn. And you may be ignoring the symptoms of a more serious, though treatable, digestive disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Doctors say many people mistakenly assume GERD is heartburn and aren't aware of other symptoms, such as bloating or gas, an acid taste in the mouth, trouble swallowing or regurgitation of food.
In fact, most people incorrectly assume GERD is simply heart- burn. A national survey found 70 percent of those with GERD symptoms haven't discussed them with a health-care profes- sional and almost half relied solely on over-the-counter antacids.
That means many suffer needlessly because they don't get more effective medications. But more than that, doctors say, chronic GERD, if untreated, can lead to serious complications, including ulcers; bleeding from the lining of the esophagus; narrowing of the esophagus; and Barrett's esophagus, a change in the cellular makeup of the esophagus that increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
The esophagus is the tube-like structure that connects the mouth to the stomach. When you swallow, food and beverages are moved down the esophagus by wavelike involuntary muscle contractions to the stomach's entrance. At that point, the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes (opens) to let the food pass into the stomach and quickly closes again.
The backwash of stomach contents into the esophagus, com- monly called reflux, occurs when the LES muscle is very weak or, more commonly, when it inappropriately relaxes causing heart- burn. Heartburn is the burning sensation in the throat or chest caused by the backwash of the stomach contents (usually acidic).
GERD is extremely common, with 20 percent of all adults reporting at least weekly episodes of heartburn. Up to 10 percent of all adults complain of daily symptoms.
However, it's important to distinguish occasional heartburn from GERD. If you get indigestion after having margaritas and nachos, for example, you can take an over-the-counter medication to treat the symptoms. But, if you have persistent symptoms, such as those described here, they must be treated very systematically.
Over-the-counter antacids are typically the first medications used to treat GERD, which slow or stop acid production.
Drugs known as proton-pump inhibitors effectively shut off acid production, reduce GERD symptoms and help cure inflammation of the esophagus.
GERD has also been associated with alcohol use, smoking, being overweight and pregnancy. Citrus fruits, chocolate, fast food, garlic, onions and tomato-based and spicy foods could be linked to GERD, too. So, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, losing weight and eating smaller meals might help relieve GERD symptoms.
If lifestyle changes or medications fail, you may need tests that help spot abnormalities or inflammation of the esophagus.
Surgical treatment includes a procedure in which the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach. Other, newer procedures help strengthen the muscle, but long-term effects remain unknown.
Why people get GERD remains uncertain, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. But the agency, part of the National Institutes of Health, says a hiatal hernia – when part of the upper part of the stomach moves up in the chest, above the muscle that separates the stomach and chest – may contribute to GERD.
Many dismiss symptoms of GERD as mere annoyances, but effective treatment can reduce the risk of more serious conditions.
Whatever the risk of more serious conditions, treatment for persistent GERD is worthwhile. The change in a person's quality of life will be so dramatic, that there's no reason really not to go see a physician.
Return to Top Second Opinions
Physicians often speak with such authority that there seems to be little room for discussion. However, there is often more than one way to skin a cat. In some cases, obtaining a second opinion from another physician may open new possibilities for discussion and/or treatment.
Second opinions are usually considered for operations or procedures which are "elective" – things that could be fixed which are not critically urgent. However, if someone is having a clear medical crisis, it is usually fairly obvious what needs to be done and when. Nuisance problems, on the other hand, often lend themselves to different recommendations from different physi- cians. Every physician you consult may give you a different option.
For some people, it is confusing to have more than one opinion. If you don't enjoy the challenge of taking responsibility for your own health care decisions, you only need one trusted physician.
But if you want to consider all the angles or feel the security of having two physicians give the same advice, you may be wise to get a second opinion. Remember that if you received different opinions from different doctors, it doesn't necessarily mean that one is wrong. Listen to the recommendation of each doctor and ask plenty of questions. Use your physicians and other resources, such as the Internet or an up-to-date medical book, to learn enough about your body to make intelligent decisions about your health. The peace of mind you have from making a well-researched decision can be priceless.
I’m Still StandingBrenda Turner’s Personal Story
I’m just an ordinary person. I get up in the morning. I do things throughout the day. I go to bed when I’m tired and get myself rested to take on another day. I thank God I’m still alive!
Ten years ago, I was extremely sick. I was close to death. I had had ulcerative colitis for about seven years. I took medications. Pills and pills and pills, and I even had the thrill of an enema or two. At the time, I was a registered nurse. Now I understand what "non-compliant patient" really meant. I also understand why I became a difficult patient.
I went to Mexico in 1989 for an early Christmas present and became ill while I was there. The doctor I saw in Mexico got me thinking I might see Canada again.
April 27, 1999, I had the first of five surgeries. They removed all of my large bowel, leaving me with a temporary ileostomy – a bag on my tummy to collect the contents of my bowel. My guts hurt like crazy. The nurses and doctors seemed to understand what I felt like even though I don’t think they had ever been there personally.
Ten years have gone by, five surgeries and seven hospital stays. Now I’m back to having an ileostomy. I feel great. I don’t work in nursing any longer but that is due to a back injury. I’m a very active person. I swim, dance and do a variety of exercises as much as my joints allow me to. I also have arthritis due to having inflam- matory bowel disease.
I’m still involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Canada and LDOA. Currently, I am LDOA’s Visitor Co-Ordinator. It is a job that is very rewarding, although I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have an excellent health care team. The support of my family and friends over the years have made the difference in my life. But that is especially so for my mother, Madeline Turner. To put into words the impact you’ve had on my life, Mom, is to say you truly are the “wind beneath my wings.” I would be nothing without you.
Brenda is the guest speaker for the March 18th meeting and will be discussing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Return to Top Stoma Laceration
A laceration is a wound or irregular tear of flesh, and it could happen to your stoma. If your stoma protrudes, it can be lacerated. A stoma that protrudes is preferable because the protruding stoma empties the waste into the ostomy appliance more easily with less chance of leaking. But since the stoma extends beyond the skin level, there is the danger that it can be lacerated. As well, virtually all barriers manufactured today have stiff or rigid material next to the stoma that can cut it.
Symptoms that indicate that laceration has taken place are bleeding or swelling of the stoma. Since there are no sensory nerve endings in the stoma, you will not usually experience pain. The fact that you may not feel pain does not minimize the seriousness of this condition. If not treated effectively, surgical intervention may be the end result.
It is not always obvious what has caused the laceration. It cannot be corrected until the cause is determined. There are many reasons for stoma laceration, but the most common are:
- Improperly centering the flange
- Shifting of the appliance
- Cutting too small a hole in the flange
Whenever there is difficulty in centering the faceplate properly, enlarge the opening and protect the skin immediately surrounding the stoma with ostomy paste. Urostomates may need the intervention of an ET to review their special needs.
Using a mirror may be helpful when centering the faceplate to the skin. Remember, the entire stoma – all of the moist, bright red tissue – must be exposed through the faceplate. The extended-wear barriers – ConvaTec’s Durahesive and Hollister’s Flextend – are manufactured with an inner barrier material that will swell around the stoma. This material is made to actually touch the stoma as it is worn and will not harm it. The outer barrier is a plastic that may still cut the stoma if in contact with it.
When the adhesive barrier washes away – like all other dispos- able barrier materials – the thin, celluloid film remaining is capable of cutting the stoma. Positional changes like bending or even turning when sleeping can cause slippage. If you use an ostomy belt, it may pull the barrier either upward or downward causing the appliance to shift, thus cutting the stoma. Outer clothing – a belt, waistband, etc. – that rides over the appliance may also cause it to shift.
It has been found that a number of people, in an effort to follow the application directions found in all ostomy supplies, cut the opening too small. The opening should be no smaller than 1/16 of an inch to the stoma on any disposable ostomy system. A gap of up to 1/4 of an inch is fine for most fecal ostomates, as long as the gap is filled with a quality paste.
Never underestimate a lacerated stoma. Careful investigation should reveal the cause. The stoma will heal by itself – providing it is not too badly damaged – when the problem is corrected. Lacerations usually heal slowly in about four to six weeks. Careful measurement and application of an ostomy appliance is always necessary. As with most things in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Push the Skin, Don’t Pull the Tape!
Damaging the skin around a stoma (or anywhere else) is asking for infection. Don't peel your pouch away from your body. Take hold of an edge of the adhesive sections of tape and push the skin away from the tape.
In older people and babies with thin skin, you can peel their skin off by pulling on the tape. Take a good look at what is happening when you pull on the tape. The tape is being pulled upwards, dragging the skin with it until it is pulled hard enough to break loose. It even looks painful!
When you push the skin away from the tape, it doesn’t hurt and the outer layer of skin is not torn off which sometimes happens with pulling. And those who think pulling it off quickly is best ought to take a good look at the skin afterwards!
If you have a leak, digestive enzymes in the discharge will excoriate your damaged skin quicker and deeper than if your skin is in good condition or protected with some kind of skin preparation. The farther away your stoma is from the rectal area, the stronger the digestive enzymes are in the discharge leak. Therefore, your skin can become excoriated much sooner. Learn to treat your skin very gently.
Return to Top The Healing Value of Sex
by David Spero – RN, Journalist and Health Educator
Sex can be a wonderful reason to keep going when everything else seems bleak. It can be a way of connecting with someone you love, of giving your body attention, of relaxing, even of mild exer- cise. It's good for fatigue and excellent for pain relief. And there really is no disability that makes sex impossible, if we define sex not as intercourse, but as physical contact for the purpose of sharing intimacy and pleasure.
People with chronic illness sometimes forget about sex or give up on it. In many cases, about 50% of women and 75% of men experience some kind of sexual problems. You may have discomfort, loss of sensation, or unpleasant feelings in your genitals or other parts of your body, discouraging thoughts of sex. Men may not be able to get erections; women may lose the ability to become lubricated and relaxed.
Psychological factors can also block your sexuality. You may feel unattractive or undeserving of pleasure. Feelings such as depression, worry and anxiety may limit your interest in sex.
You can and should overcome most of these problems. Yes, sex does require some effort, but it also strengthens your connection with your partner and gives you a chance to forget about illness for a while. You learn that your body can still be a source of pleasure, not only of frustration.
Overcoming Barriers to Sex
But how do you enjoy the benefits of sex when illness and other things get in the way? How do you overcome the fears, the fatigue, the frustrations and discomforts and really enjoy your body? First, you have to open your mind.
Healthy sexuality involves mutuality, warmth, tenderness, and love – not just genital contact. Stroking, kissing, looking, holding – these can all give the pleasure of sex without requiring intercourse. The body is full of sensitive places most people never find because they don't look. By exploring the body for responsive areas, even quadriplegics can enjoy good sex lives. So people with less devastating conditions definitely can find pleasure.
Take your time. Don't feel pressured. Foot rubs, neck rubs, holding hands and hugging should feel like safe ways to start enjoying physical pleasure. Some counselors say the key to enjoying sex, with or without disability, is to relax. Let whatever happens happen. It's not a competition or a performance; it's a chance to connect with your body and your partner.
Obviously, couples finding better ways of pleasuring each other depends on communication skills. Talking about sex can feel threatening or uncomfortable, but you have to be willing to tell your partner what feels good and what doesn't. You may also need to talk about feelings, to reassure yourself that you are still desirable and desire your partner. You may have to experiment with different positions, strokes, or equipment to find what works for you, and you have to share what you find with your partner.
Medical Treatment
For erection problems, many doctors will prescribe Viagra, which is quite effective in many chronic conditions. Some women have found that Viagra raises their sexual interest, too. Also, be aware that medications such as antispasmodics and some antidepressants can decrease sexual desire and response.
Depression may also be a major part of low sex drive. It is worth being evaluated for depression and treated if necessary. While it's normal to feel down about chronic ill- ness and the reality of life with a pouch attached to your body, depression causes problems of its own and is fully treatable.
Feeling Attractive and Attracting Others
When you are sick or consider yourself disfigured, it is sometimes hard to imagine yourself attractive even to a longtime lover, much less to someone new. But most people struggle with feeling unattractive anyway, no matter the state of their health or the condition of their body. Your partner probably considers you much more attractive than you do. Some couples benefit from counseling to help them deal with sexual relationship changes, communication problems and other stresses caused by illness.
If you don't have a partner, you often feel you will never find a one, especially when you have health problems. You fear the pain of rejection, so you don't make yourself available. It may take time to build confidence to where you can envision finding someone. You will probably be amazed, however, to discover how many good potential partners are out there, even with illness or disability. Of course, you have to get involved in social situations to let them find you, but other people can often see the good qualities you can't see in yourself. One mixed blessing is that some people are looking for someone to take care of. Support groups or volunteer organizations are good places to meet people. Ninety percent of finding someone is making yourself available.
Sex is a valuable part of life and health, a gift you shouldn't throw away if you can avoid it. Try some new approaches, get some help, talk things over with your partner. Sex with an ostomy can still be good.
LDOA Supplement
What Do You Do With the Pouch?
Most people wonder what to do with the pouch during sex! If you don’t want your pouch to show, then you can buy underwear that hides it (ideal for men and women) or women can buy lingerie that have "tuck away" pockets sewn in them and still look sexy. Men can wear cummerbund type coverings, which goes around the midsection and the pouch can be tucked out of the way.
Regardless, your pouch should always be emptied beforehand (unless the sex is totally spontaneous), clean and neat and fastened securely or tucked out of the way to prevent the "pendulum swing" motion. If possible, wear an opaque pouch rather than a transparent one. If you don't have any opaque pouches handy but you do have a pouch cover, then wear that.
Nevertheless, you'll figure out what works best for you and your partner and, eventually, having an ostomy and having sex will become a non-issue.
David Spero is a 51 year old registered nurse, journalist and health educator living in San Francisco. In 1989, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He struggled for years before beginning to absorb the lessons of his illness. In addition, he counsels and coaches people with all types of chronic conditions.
The Art of Getting Well: Five Steps to Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Condition © 2001, Hunter House Publishers,
Alameda, CA • Reprinted with permission.
Return to Top Members: How You Can Do Your Part
Volunteer for the Executive Committee, rather than waiting to see who else does.
Assist with activities, rather than just praising (or criticizing) the results.
Become a visitor, rather than hoping someone else will step up to the plate.
Submit questions and/or suggestions, rather than wondering if anyone else thought of it.
Come to the meetings, rather than just reading the newsletter.
Suggest a meeting topic or speaker, rather than discussing how uninteresting the meeting was.
Volunteer to help with a meeting or social function.
Talk to a new member, rather than wondering who that shy, embarrassed person is there in the corner.
Bring a new member if you know of an ostomate who doesn't know about us.
This group belongs to each of you, not a handful of members, volunteers, medical advisors, or equipment suppliers. If it thrives and grows, it will be because of each and every one of you.
Suggested Reading
From the Publisher • When Jill Sklar was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1989, she quickly discovered the infor- mation she sought wasn’t available. Since then, Sklar has educated herself on every aspect of the management and treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, and networking with other people who have Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. She now shares her experience and knowledge with everyone who has been newly diagnosed. As a "patient expert," Sklar walks you step-by-step through every- thing you need to do and learn each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and the following eleven months of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Sklar covers a wide range of practical, medical, and lifestyle issues, beginning with coming to terms with the diagnosis and then moving on to subjects including:
By providing reliable, useful, empathetic, and up-to-date information you need to know when you most need to know it, this book is an insightful guide for everyone seeking gain back control over their IBD and their lives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Return to Top Great Comebacks: Profile of Rolf Benirschke
When Rolf Benirschke was chosen as the second-to-last pick in the 1977 NFL draft, few people could have imagined the football career that would unfold. He became the placekicker for the San Diego Chargers for the next 10 years and set 16 team records before retiring as the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history. But what makes Rolf's career so remarkable is that he played while battling ulcerative
colitis and after undergoing ostomy surgery midway through his third season.
Severe abdominal cramps and bouts of diarrhea were the first signs of trouble. When the symptoms persisted, he finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. He played "sick" for the entire 1978 season while trying everything and anything to get rid of his little-understood illness.
Trying to press on, Rolf began the 1979 season by kicking four field goals in a Charger win against Seattle. Unfortunately, his success on the field masked the worsening of his disease.
Three weeks later, he collapsed on the team plane on a flight home and required emergency surgery that removed most of his large intestine and left him wearing two ostomy appliances. After a month in the intensive care unit and his weight a frail 123 pounds, he was devastated – not just about football – but about adjusting to life with an ileostomy.
As he wrote in his inspirational autobiography, Alive & Kicking, Rolf found strength in his faith, the love of family, friends, and teammates, and the support of his doctors and nurses.
One of the most dramatic moments in Rolf's recovery from ostomy surgery came on Sunday, November 18, 1979, at San Diego Stadium a few weeks after he had been released from the hospital. Rolf returned to the cheers of his teammates and a standing ovation from the sell-out crowd of 52,000 Charger fans. He was named honorary co-captain for the day and asked to walk to midfield for the pre-game coin flip with teammate Louie Kelcher. Uncertain if he could walk that far because of the painful wire sutures still in his abdomen, Rolf was reassured by Louie, "If you can't make it, I'll just have to carry you!" Louie didn't have to lift Rolf that day, but the big lineman held his hand. That afternoon, the Chargers walked all over the Steelers and Rolf took a giant step forward on his road to good health.
Wearing two ostomy appliances, Rolf amazingly returned to professional football the following season healthier and stronger than ever. He played seven more seasons and retired as the team's leading scorer with 766 points. His field goal in a 1982 playoff game in Miami lifted the Chargers to a 41-38 overtime victory against the Dolphins – a game that many sportswriters still consider the most exciting NFL game ever played. In addition to being named "NFL Man of the Year," Rolf received such honours as "Comeback Player of the Year," "Most Courageous Athlete" and "Hero of the Year" awards. In 1997, he became the 20th player inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame.
Today, Rolf is an author, TV personality, and frequent motivational speaker for companies across the country. As an advocate for people with IBD or those who have experienced ostomy surgery, Rolf is actively involved in the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America and with ConvaTec. Married in 1990, Rolf has four children, and he enjoys golf, tennis, skiing, roller hockey, and scuba diving, and he volunteers his time for numerous organizations, including the San Diego Zoo, Scripps Hospital, and the United Way.
Rolf often gets asked • How did you tell your family and friends about your condition? What advice can you offer someone who isn't sure how to tell their family and friends?
Rolf’s reply • There is no doubt that sharing your illness with someone is difficult. It is never easy to talk about illness of any kind, but it can be even more uncomfortable when talking about embarrassing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Neverthe- less, I believe it is absolutely critical to let your family and good friends understand what you are going through. There is nothing like the support from the people who care about you to help you through the tough times. They can also provide encouragement while you concentrate on reducing stress, eating well, and taking your medication so that you may live better.
I recently read a book about prisoners of war and the challenges they experienced. They said that no matter how difficult their imprisonment, they were able to endure as long as they could communicate with one another. I believe the same is true with our illness. We must be able to share our struggles and receive support and encouragement from others.
When you talk with family and friends, keep in mind that they may have never heard of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Take the time to educate them. Explain that you had no control over getting your illness, but that you are doing the best you can to manage it. It has been my experience that being up front about what you are dealing with is best. Through education and honesty, the people you talk to will have a greater understanding of what you are experiencing.
You may also want to tell them about other successful people who have the condition, including pro golfer Al Geiberger; Marvin Bush, youngest son of former President George Bush; and Mary Ann Mobley, former Miss America.
Rolf's book is available through UOAC’s web site. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On the Lighter Side
Bubba and Earl are out hunting, when Earl falls to the ground and his eyes roll back in his head. Bubba whips out his cell phone and calls 911.
"My friend just feel down an' it looks like he's dead! What do I do?"
In a calm, soothing voice, the 911 operator says,
"Just take it easy. First, let’s make sure he's dead."
Silence. A shot is heard.
"OK, now what?"
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