the mail pouch · highlights from the 2012 uoac conference by daryl & adeline eggen we were...
TRANSCRIPT
![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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
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
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
Vice President
Allie Korpesio 780.463.2645
Treasurer/Membership
Angie Topilko 780.994.9623
Secretary
Eileen Broberg 780.454.2523
Visiting Coordinator
Elizabeth Cloutier 780.452.3965
Newsletter Editor
Stella Varvis Grossman 780.451.1970
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
PAGE 3 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9
President
Vic Stryski 403.342.0018
Vice President
Secretary
Colleen Graham 403.347.0115
Treasurer/Membership
Barry Bowkett 403.347.8821
Publicity
Visiting
Crystal Lynch 403.342.2851
Hostess
Mae Thompson 403.782.6116
Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Nurses
Maureen Coe 403.341.2121
Annette Paradis 403.341.2122
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
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
![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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
![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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
The Ostomy Shoppe
WE SPECIALIZE IN OSTOMY PRODUCTS
FREE SAME DAY DELIVERY
COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY
OSTOMY PRODUCT CONSULTATION
CERTIFIED OSTOMY CONSULTANTS
PROBLEM-SOLVING PHARMACY
AADL VENDOR
Ostomy Consultants
Mark Ferbey, Val Hallet , James Wu, B.Sc. Pharm.,
Tania Van De Vosse and Sally Poon
Market Drugs Medical is the leading pharma-medical company in Alberta. We work with
Healthcare Professionals and Patients to deliver specific products and innovative services to help
fulfill their pharmaceutical & medical product needs.
(780) 422-1397 or Canada Toll Free 1-800-282-3913
10203—97 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 0L5
www.marketdrugsmedical.com
Authorized Retailers for
![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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
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
Free city-wide delivery
A.A.D.L. approved vendor
AVAILABLE AT:
Homecare & Surgical on Whyte Aspen Healthcare Aspen Healthcare on Kingsway
11044 – 82 Ave. 11 C St.Anne St. 11315 Kingsway Ave.
Edmonton, AB St.Albert, AB Edmonton, AB
T6G 0T2 T8N 1E8 T5G 0X3
Ph: 780-439-6367 Ph: 780-458-5349 Ph: 780-452-4386
Fax: 780-439-5846 Fax: 780-459-0017 Fax: 780- 447-3416
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,](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022080721/5f7b354defde1947624a5218/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
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