Lawton-Fort Sill Ostomy Association

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The smallest attendance we have had in several months enjoyed one of our better programs. Kim Churchill a ConvaTec representative, gave us a real good talk on new ostomy equipment. Anita Todd from Gibson Pharmacy, Lawton (Lee Blvd) also gave us information of the ostomy supplies she has on hand and she said she could order anything she didn’t have on hand for us. From the length of the talk and the questions asked from our members, you could tell that they thoroughly enjoyed the two ladies and their instructions. Thank you very much Kim and Anita.

"If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet they will have a higher water bill."

AN ARTIFICIAL SPHINCTER

Of great interest to ostomates who have had their rectums removed is a recent procedure under development in England. The surgery gives the patient a new sphincter, the muscle that controls bowel movement. Muscle is taken from the patient’s thigh and sewn around the patient’s large intestine at the exit. Wires connect the muscle to a pacemaker-like device called an electrical stimulation that controls its movement. The device, implanted under the skin near the ribs, charges the muscle with electricity that enables it to stay closed. When the patient feels the need for bowel movement, he passes a hand held magnet over the stimulator, shutting it off. This allows the muscle to relax and the bowel movement to occur. The patient then passes the magnet back over the stimulator, the muscle contracts, and the opening closes. “This operation offers new hope to patients whose only other alternative would be a permanent colostomy,” declared Dr. Norman Williams, a professor of surgery at the Royal London Hospital, who developed the technique with E. Sidney Watkins, a professor of neuro-surgery. Dr. Williams said, “We’ve done the procedure on 22 patients and the success rate is now up to 70%.

by Victor M. Parachin

Of course, Jesus is the most mentioned Man in the Bible; but David, writer of many psalms, is next. He is mentioned 1,118 times. After David comes Moses (740 times), Aaron (339 times), Saul (338 times), Abraham (305 times), Solomon (295 times), Jacob (270 times), Joseph (208 times), Joshua (197 times), Paul (185 times), and Peter (166 times).

“If the going seems to be easier, you may be going down hill.”

Dietary Influences on Stoma Function

• Foods that increase odor-asparagus; broccoli; Brussels sprouts; cabbage; cauliflower; beans; eggs; fish; onions; some spices.
• Foods that increase gas-beans; beer/carbonated soda; broccoli; Brussels sprouts; cabbage; cauliflower; corn; cucumbers; mushrooms; peas; radishes, spinach; dairy products.
• Foods that thicken stool-applesauce; bananas; cheese; boiled milk; marshmallows; pasta; creamy peanut butter; pretzels; rice; bread; tapioca; toast; yogurt; bagels.
• Foods that loosen stool-green beans; beer; broccoli; fresh fruits; grape juice; raw vegetables; prunes/juice; spicy foods; fried foods; chocolate; spinach; leafy green vegetables; aspartame/Nutra-Sweet.
• High-fiber foods that may cause blockages-dried fruit; grapefruit; nuts; corn; raisins; celery; popcorn; coconut; seeds; coleslaw; Chinese vegetables; meats with casings; oranges.

Roy Parker of 2303 NW 38th St, Apt 3, Lawton, OK 73505. Roy lives in the Summit Apartments. He had an operation in July that resulted in him having a colostomy. Roy is blind, other problems since July have been infections. Due to scars, wrinkles, etc. he has had a hard time keeping a bag on. Roy is being assisted by his wife, Marie. They are both coping. Please send Marie and Roy a Christmas card or get well card.

Our Christmas party will be at 4pm on December 18th at the American Cancer Society building. You should bring whatever you wish to eat with you. We will do what we have done in the past, sitting down and eating our meal together. The eating utensils will be provided. There will be ice and a microwave available on that day. Dorothy will probably have the coffee ready when you get there.

There were several attachments to the December newsletter that will be available soon.

It is my sincere wish that all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please, all of you say a prayer for the Parkers and send them a card.

See you at the party!

Marcus