the mail pouch · highlights from the 2012 uoac conference by daryl & adeline eggen we were...

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A Publication of the Edmonton Ostomy Association (EOA) September 2012 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9 The Mail Pouch The next meeting of the Edmonton Ostomy Association (EOA) will be on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at the St. Andrew’s Centre. Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you—please contact Peggy Thiessen for more information about how to get involved with the EOA’s mission of providing education and support to the ostomate community. The EOA meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the St. Andrew’s Centre (12720-111 Avenue )starting at 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. Join us in October President’s Message by Peggy Thiessen It’s with a heavy heart that I sit down to write the President’s Message this month. As many of you already know, we lost our dear friend and colleague Sheelah Zapf on September 4th. She founded the Edmonton chapter of the Edmonton Ostomy Association 40 years ago and poured her heart and soul into the organization. She will be sorely missed. Sheelah’s memoriam is included in this newsletter. October brings the reality of fall. Soon we will all be gathered around family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the good things that have happened in our lives this last year. Take time to reflect, because you will soon have the scampering feet of little witches and goblins heartily crying out “Trick or Treat” or “Halloween Apples”! We are also starting to gear up for our annual Christmas Party and Silent Auction. Start looking for those unique things that will become best sellers at our sale. If you know you are coming to the party this year, sign up at our next meeting. Fred Hermary, our Special Events Coordinator, is already busy planning. We are aiming for the first Tuesday in December, which is the 4th. The sooner we know our numbers, the better we can plan. Stay tuned for more details in the next few weeks. I am still beating the bushes for a newsletter co-editor to help Stella. We are in desperate need. The person can be a son or daughter, brother, sister, or friend who is interested in gaining some experience in publishing. If you know someone who is going to a technical school studying journalism, computer design work or any related field, they may be interested, as they often have to do practicums. Use your imaginations folks: we must get Stella some help. For those who did not experience good health, we wish you a speedy recovery. See you all on Oct 2nd in our regular room by the back door. Inside this issue: Red Deer Ostomy Association 3 Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference 4 In Memoriam— Sheelah Zapf 7 Remembering Sheelah 7 In Fashion 8 Visiting Program Update 8 20/40 Meet & Greet 8 Ostomy on the Internet: Forums 8 Cricket’s Corner 11 How to go on a Doctor’s Visit 12 The Phases of Surgical Recovery 13 Upcoming Dates Oct 2, 2012: EOA meeting Nov 6, 2012: EOA meeting

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Page 1: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

A Publication of the Edmonton Ostomy Association (EOA)

September 2012 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

The Mail Pouch

The next meeting of the Edmonton Ostomy Association

(EOA) will be on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at the St.

Andrew’s Centre.

Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you—please

contact Peggy Thiessen for more information about how to get

involved with the EOA’s mission of providing education and

support to the ostomate community.

The EOA meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the St. Andrew’s

Centre (12720-111 Avenue )starting at 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted.

Join us in October

President’s Message by Peggy Thiessen

It’s with a heavy heart that I

sit down to write the

President’s Message this

month. As many of you

already know, we lost our dear

friend and colleague Sheelah

Zapf on September 4th. She

founded the Edmonton

chapter of the Edmonton

Ostomy Association 40 years

ago and poured her heart and

soul into the organization. She

will be sorely missed.

Sheelah’s memoriam is

included in this newsletter.

October brings the reality of

fall. Soon we will all be

gathered around family and

friends to celebrate

Thanksgiving Dinner.

Thanksgiving is a time to

reflect on all the good things

that have happened in our

lives this last year. Take time

to reflect, because you will

soon have the scampering feet

of little witches and goblins

heartily crying out “Trick or

Treat” or “Halloween

Apples”!

We are also starting to gear up

for our annual Christmas

Party and Silent Auction. Start

looking for those unique

things that will become best

sellers at our sale. If you know

you are coming to the party

this year, sign up at our next

meeting. Fred Hermary, our

Special Events Coordinator, is

already busy planning. We are

aiming for the first Tuesday in

December, which is the 4th.

The sooner we know our

numbers, the better we can

plan. Stay tuned for more

details in the next few weeks.

I am still beating the bushes

for a newsletter co-editor to

help Stella. We are in

desperate need. The person

can be a son or daughter,

brother, sister, or friend who

is interested in gaining some

experience in publishing. If

you know someone who is

going to a technical school

studying journalism, computer

design work or any related

field, they may be interested,

as they often have to do

practicums. Use your

imaginations folks: we must

get Stella some help.

For those who did not

experience good health, we

wish you a speedy recovery.

See you all on Oct 2nd in our

regular room by the back

door.

Inside this issue:

Red Deer Ostomy Association

3

Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference

4

In Memoriam—Sheelah Zapf

7

Remembering Sheelah

7

In Fashion 8

Visiting Program Update

8

20/40 Meet & Greet

8

Ostomy on the Internet: Forums

8

Cricket’s Corner 11

How to go on a

Doctor’s Visit 12

The Phases of

Surgical Recovery 13

Upcoming Dates

Oct 2, 2012: EOA meeting

Nov 6, 2012: EOA meeting

Page 2: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 2 THE MAIL POUCH

Thank you to everyone for your

feedback and support of The Mail

Pouch—it is great to know that our

little newsletter reaches so many

people in the ostomate community.

Thank you also to the many folks who

contribute articles and suggestions for

topics that they’d like to see covered

in The Mail Pouch—my goal as editor

is to make the newsletter truly

reflective of the community it serves,

and the best way of doing that is by

giving all our members a chance to tell

their own stories about living with an

ostomate.

If you have an article you’d like to

submit for publication, please sent it

to [email protected] by the

15th of the month and we’ll try to

include it in the next newsletter.

As always, we encourage our members

to sign up to receive The Mail Pouch by

email—the electronic version of the

newsletter includes links to other

useful websites. Happy reading!

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Articles and information printed in

this newsletter are not necessarily

endorsed by the Edmonton Ostomy

Association or the United Ostomy

Association of Canada may not be

applicable to everybody.

Please consult your own doctor or ET

nurse for medical advice.

Editor’s Note

COMMITTEES

Special Events Coordinator

Fred Hermary 780.463.4746

[email protected]

Meeting Host

Joan Currah 780.488.9761

Greeting Cards

Janet Nichols 780.437.4160 [email protected]

Spouses and Significant Others (SASO)

Shirley Dool 780.789.2659

Adeline Eggen 780.418.2028

Website www.ostomyedmonton.com

President

Peggy Thiessen 780.434.9118

[email protected]

Vice President

Allie Korpesio 780.463.2645

[email protected]

Treasurer/Membership

Angie Topilko 780.994.9623

[email protected]

Secretary

Eileen Broberg 780.454.2523

Visiting Coordinator

Elizabeth Cloutier 780.452.3965

[email protected]

Newsletter Editor

Stella Varvis Grossman 780.451.1970

[email protected]

EOA Executive Committee 2012-2013

Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Nurses & Medical Advisors

Royal Alexandra Hospital: Donna Weiss, Samara Rao Sturgeon Community Hospital: Shelley Sluser

Misericordia Community Hospital: Guen Kernaleguen Grey Nuns Community Hospital: Camille Ream

University of Alberta Hospital: Sandy Allen, Sharon Goodhelpsen and Sandy Bressmer

Homecare Edmonton SW, Leduc: Melody Yaceyko Dorothy Phillips (Independent ET nurse; Health Canada, First

Nations & Inuit Health Branch, Home and Community Care

Program )

Medical Advisor: Dr. R.J. Bailey

Page 3: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 3 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

President

Vic Stryski 403.342.0018

[email protected]

Vice President

Secretary

Colleen Graham 403.347.0115

Treasurer/Membership

Barry Bowkett 403.347.8821

Publicity

Visiting

Crystal Lynch 403.342.2851

[email protected]

Hostess

Mae Thompson 403.782.6116

Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Nurses

Maureen Coe 403.341.2121

[email protected]

Annette Paradis 403.341.2122

[email protected]

Fax 403.346.2610

The Red Deer Ostomy Association meets

on the second Tuesday of every second

month at Millerdale Pharmacy (5201-43

Street) at 7:30 pm.

The next meeting is scheduled for October

9, 2012.

Red Deer Ostomy Association

WELCOME TO

HOME HEALTH STORE INC.!

7917-106th Avenue Edmonton AB, T6A1H7

www.homehealthstore.ca

We are Dedicated to Improving

Your Tomorrows

Home Health Store Inc. carries a full line of medical

supplies. We know how difficult a hospital stay can be, so we

bring the conveniences and supplies of a medical facility into

the comfort of your home.

Let us improve your tomorrows with a full line of medical

equipment. We carry a large selection of medical supplies. If

you don’t see something you’re looking for, ask our

representatives to assist you.

FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, PROMPT, COURTEOUS

We carry: We accept: Contact us at:

Store Hours Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30-5:00 Tues/Thurs 8:30-6:00

Owner Whitney Modersohn E-mail :[email protected]

* Ostomy

* Bladder

* Bowel Supplies

* Wound Care

* Bath Safety

* Walkers & Mobility

* AADL

* WCB

* DVA

* NIHB

* Blue Cross

* MVA

1-800-417-9106

780-469-8499

780-469-8864

Fax 780-469-8864

[email protected]

SPECIALIZING IN:

MILLERDALE GUARDIAN DRUGS

5201 – 43 Street (located west behind Hospital)

RED DEER

403-342-1434 Free Parking

COMPLETE

HEALTH CARE

CENTRE

Our qualified pharmacists and

health care specialists will answer

all your questions.

No appointments necessary.

(Some conditions apply)

Come in or call us anytime.

∙ Prescription Drugs ∙ Surgical Instruments & Blood Pressure Monitors

∙ Breast Prosthesis ∙ Surgical Dressings & First Aid Supplies

∙ Specialty Bras ∙ Private Counseling & Fitting Rooms

∙ Ostomy Supplies ∙ Graduated Compression Stockings

∙ AADL Vendor ∙ Foot Care Products

∙ Bathroom Aids ∙ Alberta Monitoring For Health Vendor

∙ Walkers, Canes, etc. ∙ Will Direct Bill (e.g. DVA, WCB, Social Services,

∙ Orthopedic & Sport Braces Blue Cross

∙ Diabetic Counseling ∙ Free Rx Delivery

∙ Incontinence Supplies ∙ R.N. on Staff

Page 4: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 4 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen

We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto, Ontario. Here are some conference highlights and comments on key sessions we attended.

August 15: We both attended an all-day session on ' Visitors’ Training'. This was very beneficial and covered may interesting and helpful topics.

August 16: We both attended the keynote address by Telus Health Solutions (Ont.). A very interesting talk that set out the many details of how technology can be applied to health services and to help people such as health workers and patients use new systems to gain a better quality of life. Much of this will be for future generations, of course. Many challenges have to be addressed first, especially regarding privacy, confidentiality, access and costs of such new methods.

August 16: Adeline attended the SASO (Spouses and Significant Others) session, which was conducted by an ET nurse. The main concerns expressed indicating the lack of inclusion of spouses and families/caregivers both before and after surgery, the need for education/help to adjust and deal with problems and the new lifestyle. The ET nurse is setting up a study in a Toronto hospital to develop a better system to assist people involved.

August 18: Adeline also attended a more informal SASO session where the group members were able to discuss and share ideas, frustrations, suggestions and encouragement. Eventually a newsletter will be sent out to us. A new SASO pamphlet is being formulated but will have to be done in alignment with the new name of the national association. (Incidentally, before the discussion session, there was an option for members to visit a nearby shoe museum and those who went thoroughly enjoyed it ! )

Other very good presentations attended include: Skintegrity, intestinal-disease research, intimacy and relationships.

Another highlight from the conference was the Meet & Greet on the first evening, which was a wonderful time filled with lively dancers, music and food.

A personal highlight for Daryl was being honoured as the Alberta flag-bearer on the opening morning of the Conference. The most interesting session for Daryl was 'What's new with ileostomy/pelvic pouch? '.

The FOWC (Friends of Ostomates Worldwide Canada) had an excellent display booth with lots of information about where our donated ostomy supplies are going and how they are used in other countries. More information about FOWC can be found on their website: www.fowc.ca.

The conference theme of 'Caring in a changing world' was very timely.

We were kept busy all days and evenings enjoying the sessions, food and hospitality. It was a pleasure to be with others from our Edmonton Ostomy Association group and we thanks you for the funding assistance and fellowship.

Page 5: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,
Page 6: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

For more information please

Page 7: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 7 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

UOA board several years ago. She will

be missed by so many. Gene, if you

are reading this, please accept my

condolences to you and all of your

family.”

“My deepest sympathies to Gene and

the family. It was a true honor to meet

her briefly at the conference. She was

a true inspiration.”

“I am so very sorry to hear of

Sheelah's passing. She was both a

friend and mentor to me. I cannot

express what she brought into my life.

My thoughts and prayers go out to

Sheelah and her family.”

“Gene, Sheelah was truly a warrior in

spirit even when her body was failing.

Short days before she died she insisted

Remembering Sheelah

Sheelah Zapf aged 74 of Edmonton

AB passed away peacefully on

September 4, 2012, at Toronto

General Hospital, of complications

related to renal failure. She will be

sadly missed by her husband of 48

years, Gene; her daughter Patricia

(Patty) and husband Robert Parfitt

and their son Maxx: her son Bill and

wife Tanya, and their children Jessica,

Dylan, Madison, Riley and Blake; her

sister Rosemarie MacDonald and her

brother Bill Wallace

Sheelah overcame many adversities in

her life, and used her strength of

character and determination not only

for herself but to help many others.

She was a long time volunteer with the

United Ostomy Association in both

the US and Canada, serving on the

boards of both groups. She was

president of the Edmonton Chapter

of the United Ostomy Association for

32 years, only resigning her post in

June 2012.

She also served on the board of the

Canadian Paraplegic Association for

10 years, including two years as chair,

and chaired the Red Carpet Gala

dinner and fundraiser for the CPA.

She also worked as a volunteer with

In Memoriam—Sheelah Zapf

the Northern Alberta Kidney

Foundation, and was its Past President at

the time of her passing.

Sheelah touched many lives, and will be

remembered with love by her family and

friends.

These are just a handful of comments shared

about Sheelah from various social networking

sites:

“Please pass on to Gene and his family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thank you for all you have done for

your fellow ostomates. Hugs.”

“It was an honor to meet her briefly.

Such an inspiring woman. My deepest

sympathy to Gene, family and anyone's

hearts she has touched.”

“Sheelah was the first to contact me

after my surgery in Edmonton Alberta.

She got me through very tough times

even beyond my ostomy world.”

“Sheelah was a true inspiration to me.

She was one of the reasons I ran for the

on supporting the UOAC by bidding on

auction items. Her memory lives on with

all who have known and admired her.

Our thoughts are with you and your

family at this time of grief.”

“Sheelah was an inspiration and mentor

who made me a better leader and

advocate for social justice. We had lots

of fun together and battled lots of

issues.”

“I was deeply saddened to hear of

Sheelah's passing. It was a privilege to

have known her for many years. Her

passion for her causes inspired many

people. You hear many times that a

person is special but that is very true for

Sheelah. You will be missed.”

Page 8: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 8 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

Ostomy on the Internet: Forums

I have never really enjoyed clothes

shopping, and after my ostomy

surgery 27 years ago that didn’t

change. I love to go with friends, but

I have to keep reminding them that

the short shirts and the tight pants

they want me to try just don’t work

very well for me. Just like all of you I

have tried many different styles, sizes

and patterns to try to disguise the

“pouch bulge”, with various degrees

of success. It seems like no matter

what I buy, and think will work in the

store, when I get home and actually go

to wear it somewhere I feel either

sloppy with clothes that are too big, or

conspicuous because the “bulge”

might show. When I go into malls for

other items I find myself staring in the

windows to see if there is anything

better out there. This fall I finally was

rewarded. I started to notice, really

notice, the tops that were on

display. At first they just reminded me

of the 70’s, and then I realized that

they were also longer, looser and not

tummy showing!!! So I went

SHOPPING!!! I found some

wonderful tops that I feel comfortable

in, that I complemented on AND that

are actually in fashion!! What a

change. I also bought a new pair of

In Fashion by Sharlene Baergen-Fladager

FOUND AN INTERESTING

WEBSITE ABOUT LIVING

WITH AN OSTOMY? LET

US KNOW!

SEND IT TO

THEMAILPOUCH@

GMAIL.COM

VISITING PROGRAM UPDATE

Liz Cloutier, the EOA’s Visiting Program Coordinator, is looking to organize a Visitor training session in the fall. Many

new ostomates prefer having a visit with a trained ostomate to help them rationalize their experience and to show them

that a happy and productive life is indeed possible after their ostomy surgery. Potential visitors attend a training session

that focuses on certain fundamentals of visiting: purposes and objectives, visitor responsibilities, phases of psychological

adjustment, and concepts of basic care and management. Then the Art of Visiting is examined by looking at: visiting

techniques, frequently asked questions, types of visits, and potential problems. If you are interested in attending the

Visitor training session, please contact Liz at 780.452.3965 or [email protected].

20/40 MEET & GREET

Are you an ostomate between the ages of 20 and 40 (give or take a couple of years)? Please join us as the 20/40 group

hosts another Meet & Greet on Friday, October 19, 2012, at 8:00 pm, at Pub 1905 (10525 Jasper Avenue). For more

information, please contact Allie Korpesio at [email protected].

Are you on Facebook? If so, join the group called “United Ostomy Association of

Canada”, which can be found at http://www.facebook.com/groups/UOACanada/. Once

you have joined and have been approved, you can post questions and receive answers from

any one of our 287 members. Remember, we are here to support each other, but do not

provide medical advice.

Another great online forum is Shaz’s Ostomy Pages, which can be found at ostomates.org/

forum/, which calls itself “the friendliest ostomy community you could ever hope to find!”

You can view the messages boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most

discussions, articles and photo galleries. By joining the free community, you will have

access to post topics, communicate privately with other ostomates, respond to polls,

upload your own photo gallery and access many other special features.

jeans, well fitted, but with enough

stretch to leave room for some

growth and with the long lose,

fashionable tops – no one can see

the growth!!!! Over the last 27 years

I have tried many things, but this is

one of the few seasons where the

clothes work and I feel really good

going out and dressing up. I decided

to share this story as I am sure I am

not the only one out there who has

found dressing fashionably and

comfortably haven’t always gone

together. So if there are others out

there who have given up going

clothes shopping this might just be

your season! Enjoy shopping!

Page 9: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,
Page 10: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

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Page 11: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 11 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

Cricket’s Corner From Ostomysecrets, October 2011 Newsletter by Cricket Henley

My father told me that every word has a category and every category has a joke. Maybe; maybe not, but every ostomate ought to have a theme song.

Mine would be “Leaving on a Jet Plane”. Not because while growing up I was obsessed with John Denver or because I travel a lot and do, in fact, often leave on a jet plane. But because the very first line of the song makes me laugh about all the meanings that the world has for bags.

“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go.” It is highly unlikely that John Denver was thinking about an ostomy bag. People who are not members of the plastic pouch society will never appreciate the momentary swerve in the road we might take when others say things about bags. We ostomates put the word in an entirely different category!

Who but we would chuckle when the grocery clerk asks “Paper or plastic?” I always choose plastic, just to be safe. Or when the skycap at the airport asks if I am checking my bag? “I don’t know, was I?” I inquire while reaching down to pat my stoma. “Yes, I am. I’m good and thanks for asking. Now here’s my luggage.”

Or when someone asks if I saw the bag lady downtown, I worry that, oh dear, I have been found out! Then thankfully, I realize they are speaking of that woman on the corner of 3rd and Washington, begging for coins. My bag lady-ness is still somewhat of a secret! (Unless they saw me at the airport checking my bag with the skycap!)

What about when someone tells you about another person, perhaps a sort of crazy, mixed-up soul who has a lot of baggage? They really have NO idea about baggage, baby, until they’ve met someone with an ostomy! Now there’s some serious baggage! Everywhere we go, we got the baggage coming along side us!

You know, you gotta laugh about it all or you will cry. I might be a little off, but I do find it fun choosing a theme song and making a bag joke or reference without anyone even being aware. I have found this attitude is just a little something I keep in my personal bag of tricks. I hope you will add it to yours as well.

Page 12: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 12 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

How to Go on a Doctor’s Visit From Lutheran General Hospital

Have you ever gone to a medical appointment only to find yourself unable to remember the details of your health history or

struggling to recall your questions for the doctor? If so, you are not alone. It can be tough explaining your symptoms or

understanding your doctor's advice, especially if you are anxious or not feeling well. Medical professionals offer this advice

for making the most of your doctor visits:

Organize a health file: It is always useful to have information about your past history on hand. Bring a detailed list of

previous medical issues; i.e., the dates you had surgery and what was done; medications taken and any reactions.

Also bring pertinent information about your family's health history and

records of immunizations. Ask your doctor for copies of your medical

records and any relevant test results to keep in your personal files.

Don't forget to keep a list of previous doctors' names and addresses.

Schedule your appointment wisely: Plan ahead for your

appointment by getting your medical records from laboratories or

previous physicians transferred to your doctor's office. When

scheduling appointments, ask if certain days of the week are less busy.

Also ask about the expected length of the appointment so you can plan

you time accordingly. If neither of you feel rushed, you are more likely

to cover all the issues you want to discuss.

Bring your medication bottles: Your doctor will want to know

about the medications you are taking, their dosage and frequency, how

long you have been taking them and possibly contact the prescribing

physician. Having the actual bottle provides all this information.

Don't forget the over-the-counter remedies, vitamins and herbs you are

taking. All of these can impact your diagnosis and your treatment.

Make a list: It is easy to feel tongue-tied, especially if it is your first visit with a new doctor. To ease some of this anxiety,

write down your thoughts ahead of time. Having this information on hand will keep you from forgetting any questions you

have. A list is particularly helpful for those with multiple health needs. It gives your doctor a complete picture of your

concerns and helps prioritize issues that need to be addressed.

Be prepared for questions about your symptoms: Before your appointment, take a few moments to really think about

your condition. When did you first notice the problem? Have you had the problem before? What are your symptoms?

How often do they occur? If you are in pain, would you describe it as a dull ache or a stabbing pain? What have you done

for it? Does anything make it worse? Have there been changes lately in your life related to stress, medications, food or

exercise? The more clearly you can define the health problems, the more likely your doctor will be able to find the best

possible solution.

Bring your diary with you: At your appointment, having a diary is helpful for many reasons. Write down when the

doctor thinks you will start noticing improvements in your health condition, the dates and directions for receiving any lab

test results and the date and time of your next visit. You may also find a planner useful for jotting down your doctor's

advice for taking prescribed medicines or preparing for lab tests.

UOAC 2012 PRESIDENT’S AWARD

The President's Award can be bestowed on any one of the UOAC members or associates. The award is presented annually

to the individual, at the Annual Conference, who the President deems to have demonstrated outstanding voluntary service

on behalf of the organization. This year, the President’s Award was given to Gene Zapf, in thanks for his extraordinary

service at both the local and national levels. Our heartfelt congratulations to Gene on receiving this prestigious honour.

Page 13: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

PAGE 13 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9

Homecare & Surgical on Whyte HAS YOUR OSTOMY SUPPLIES

The one stop shop for all your ostomy needs

Serving Edmonton and area for over 20 years!

Quality brand name appliances and accessories Hollister Convatec Coloplast NuHope Smith&Nephew

Courteous, knowledgeable customer service representatives

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AVAILABLE AT:

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Ph: 780-439-6367 Ph: 780-458-5349 Ph: 780-452-4386

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Toll Free: 1-800-272-8851 Toll Free: 1-800-272-9617 Toll Free: 1-888-764-7043

The Phases of Surgical Recovery By Dr. Albert G. Wagoner

Each patient, along with the family, usually goes through four phases of recovery, fol-

lowing 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:

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 connected later.

The Phase of Acknowledgment—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, apathy, agitation, or bitterness

and of high anxiety. You hate your stoma, yourself, you cry a lot, pity or condemn yourself. You may not eat, be unable to

sleep or want to be left 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 adapt, 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 ET nurse and an ostomy visitor, you can learn about living with an ostomy. Aided by

your physician, social workers, ostomy association and family, you go about rebuilding and altering the life that brought

about the condition.

Sound familiar?

Page 14: The Mail Pouch · Highlights from the 2012 UOAC Conference By Daryl & Adeline Eggen We were fortunate to attend the 2012 Biennial UOAC Conference, held August 15-18, 2012, in Toronto,

C OMME N T S?

S UG GE S TION S?

E MAIL US

AT

T HEM AILP OUCH

@ GMAIL . COM

The Back End (The Thanksgiving Edition)

EDMONTON OSTOMY ASSOCIATION (EOA) - 2012 MEMBERSHIP FORM Comments?

Membership Status:

New Member

Renewal

Change of Address

Type of Surgery:

Colostomy

Ileostomy

Ileo Conduit

Special Groups:

20/40

Spouses and Significant Others (SASO)

Parents of Children with Ostomies

Would you like to receive The Mail Pouch by

email?

Yes—Email only

No—Print only

Both

Name

Address

Phone

Name

Address

Phone & Email Please detach and return to Angie Topilko, #144, 3-11 Bellerose Drive, St Albert AB T8N 5C9 Thank

Membership fees are $30.00 per year and include 9 newsletters.

Please make cheque payable to “The Edmonton Ostomy Association”.

Watch for the

following new

features and

articles in

upcoming issues:

EOA

Programs &

Activities

Friends of

Ostomates

Worldwide

Member

Profiles