GLOCONTACT Vol 24 Issue 1, January, 2008

The newsletter for the Gay/Lesbian, and Bisexual Ostomate (or other type of diversionary procedure) their Partners, Family, Caregivers and Friends

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

By: J. Radhakrishnan, M.D., via: The New Outlook (OAGC), Park Ridge, Illinois

The Good

An ostomy should look like a rose bud. It should be pink, protrude an inch or so and be circular or minimally ovoid to permit application of a leak proof device. For proper placement of the skin barrier, the stoma should be away from bony points, surgical scars and the belly button, and it should not lie in a skin fold when the patient changes positions. Finally, clothes or belts should not constrict it.

The Bad

Compromise of any of the above features results in a bad stoma, since a leak proof seal is not always obtainable. In addition to improper location or construction, narrowing (stenosis), prolapse of the stoma and peristomal hernia affect drainage and the ability to apply an adequate device. The patient has little control over the previous factors, but we patients create stomal problems for ourselves, if we gain or lose 20 or more pounds in weight, permit abdominal muscles to become flabby, or strain excessively at work or play.

Two problems peculiar to urostomies are also under control of patients. The first is encrustation of the stoma and surrounding skin by white, alkaline crystals. Urinary alkalinity can be reduced by increasing fluid intake and the use of Vitamin C, both, under medical supervision. The WOC nurse may also suggest washing the area with a dilute solution of vinegar in water. Secondly, skin around a urostomy may thicken and become wart-like, if it is constantly bathed in urine because of too large an opening in the skin barrier. The management is obviously to re-measure the stoma and apply a suitable skin barrier.

The Ugly

Ugly lesions affect the appearance of the area and cause local irritation and discomfort but they usually do not affect stomal function. Irritant dermatitis or skin excoriation occurs when intestinal contents seep under the seal or skin is stripped upon removal of the skin barrier. A WOC nurse is crucial in resolving the problem.

Allergic contact dermatitis is the result of delayed sensitivity to materials in the skin barrier. It is corrected by eliminating contact between the offending agent and the skin. On occasion, local corticosteroids are prescribed.

A yeast-like fungus from the patient’s own intestines, Candida Albicans, can flourish on the moist, warm, protected skin around the stoma. Cure generally requires the use of a micro granulated anti-fungal powder on the infected skin and keeping the area as dry as possible.

Irritation and infection of hair follicles occurs if hair is pulled out from its root. This condition, folliculitis, is prevented by removing the adhesive gently and clipping hair in the area with scissors or an electric shaver.

For those who may be interested, Clint Eastwood’s career took off after he acted in three “Spaghetti Westerns” produced by Sergio Leone. United Artists promoted his character as The Man with No Name. In fact, he had rather unimaginative names in two of the movies, Joe in A Fistful of Dollars and Blondie in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. In For A Few Dollars More, he was Monco (a monk or a one-handed person in Italian).

Ostomy Stomal “Bumps” What Are They?

By: Liz O’Connor, RN, CETN, via: Metro MD and the United Ostomy Association, Inc, Evansville, Indiana Chapter

ET nurses are often asked about small” bumps” which appear on a formerly smooth stoma. They can be on the surface or around the edge where the stoma base meets the skin. They can occur in a single area or around the circumference. Most of the time these are granulomas which are benign in nature. Granulation tissue is a normal defense reaction of the body to injury. Those at the edge can be due to (1) a reaction to suture being sewn through the stoma and to the skin or (2) too rigid or too tight a face plate rubbing the stoma. This can happen when the stoma points down.

What should you do? Most of the time these are nothing to worry about. Don’t second guess, though. See your ET nurse and if he or she advises you to visit your GI doctor or surgeon, please do so!

Occasionally these can be a manifestation of some other condition like a recurrence of Crohn’s disease, for instance. Often they can be taken care of by treatment with Silver Nitrate sticks. Occasionally, they may need to be biopsied. Quite often a change in pouch or face plate can help resolve the problem. You can develop an allergic reaction to a particular plastic, even after using it a long time. The ET Nurse can suggest other types to try. The ET Nurse can recommend something softer. Your stoma size can be recalibrated if it fits too snugly.

If you are concerned about anything unusual regarding your stoma, don’t fret and don’t procrastinate! Pick up the telephone and make an appointment to get it checked out. Usually it is nothing to worry about. Give yourself the benefit of peace of mind. You deserve it.

Another Side of the Story

by: Lynne Rich, Ph.D., via: Winnipeg Ostomy Association

If anyone walked a mile in the shoes of an ostomate, how would they feel? Maybe a little tired, but their ostomy would work just fine, thank you.

What does having an ostomy mean to you? Survey says: good health, no pain, belonging to a group of strong, caring and compassionate people - ostomates, savvy individuals who‘ve learned how and where to get and share knowledge, help, humor and hope.

Okay, there hasn’t yet been a comprehensive survey. Are you trying as actively as you’d like to? If not, why? An ostomy is merely tissue that’s been surgically relocated and designed to function smoothly. Even if a temporary ostomy doesn’t work correctly and trouble-free-it may only need a little extra attention and care. You and your ostomy deserve the time necessary to be taken care of really well. After that, let your heart and brain take charge.

Living through health problems that led to ostomy surgery, you no doubt gained strength and fortitude. Your ostomy won’t break and neither will you. You might develop feistiness and greater determination. You may also discover more bad hair days are likely than bad ostomy days especially in a tropical, humid climate, during blistery winters or in the windiest rainstorms.

If you’re not sure whether an activity is medically or physically all right for you to do, before you stop yourself from trying, ask your physician and WOCN (Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurse) if actual medical or physical restrictions prevent you from participating in or learning to water ski; play the guitar; swim; play canasta or poker; scuba dive; speak Spanish, French or Italian; dance (ballet, tap, waltz, samba); eat Cajun, sushi or Greek foods; hike, canoe, kayak; take a trip by car, bus, ship, plane or train; ride a horse; run a marathon; walk 30 minutes; do yoga; golf; garden; sing or laugh.

Ostomies don’t prevent working, traveling, living anywhere, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, or water skiing. Don’t allow inaccurate information or a negative attitude to prevent you from doing what you want. Adjust your attitude with realistic information. Just as you adapted to the ways your body changed as you were growing up and as an adult too, you can adapt again and resume living as millions of other ostomates have done.

Learning how to take care of an ostomy is not as difficult as originally learning--easier than you may remember--to walk, or later perhaps learning to drive a car, to wear contact lenses or bifocals. Ask questions. Terrific at sharing information, ostomates are resilient, inventive, practical and creative. At ostomy association meetings, notice how well people look. That’s due to deliberate effort and an optimistic attitude. Give yourself the same quality of care you expect from your doctors. Don’t ask less of yourself.

Having an ostomy might mean better health now and living longer. Decide each day what you’d like to do. Socialize with other people, or spend time alone. Count on the 0people most important to you to remains loving and supportive. Call people you’d like to see. Let your family and others know when you want them to join you in various activities. Don’t think or expect the worst from anyone, including yourself.

An ostomy gives you health and options. Consider the Spanish proverb: Living well is the best revenge. Live well!

Ostomy Traveling Tips, by Coloplast

via: Re-Route, Evansville, Indiana ASG

Your travel kit - before you pack:

** Make a note of the size, name, order number and manufacturer of your supplier and the supplier’s phone number.

** Colostomates: you may like to order some drainable bags which can make coping with diarrhea a little easier.

** Two piece users: check that the bag and flange are the same size and fit together properly.

** Ask the airline about an extra hand luggage allowance for medical supplies;

** When you book your flight ask for an aisle seat near the lavatory.

** To counter dehydration (and jet lag) drink a glass of water or fruit juice every hour.

** Take your supplies in your hand luggage--that way, if you’re in Nice and your luggage is in Abi Dhabi, you’re still okay.

Packing

** Your ostomy care supplies - take more than you think you’ll need.

** Pack twice as many as you would normally use

** For easier packing you can take your supplies out of the box-as long as they are not convexity products

** Disposal bags for used appliances

** Wipes, tissues, scissors, sticky tape

** Unscented deodorant

** A diarrhea remedy like Immodium, Lomotil, Codeine or Kaaolin are all available without prescription

** Any other medicines you need properly labeled with the unbranded name

** Travel-wash for clothes

** Bottled Water for Irrigation

** And, if it would make you feel more confident when staying away from home take a plastic sheet to protect the mattress.

*A small travel kit is also useful for short trips in the car or to the shops.

Some Helpful Hints

Adapted by: The New Outlook, Ostomy Association of Greater Chicago, Park Ridge, Illinois

• Avoid “vacuum lock” in your pouch by keeping a little air in it. This is a big reason that people with new ostomies have leaks.
• If you use soap on your abdomen, make sure you use one that does not leave an oily residue. You probably do not need to use any soap on your belly—after all how dirty do you think it gets—just gently wash it with warm water.
• If your an irrigate you colostomy, you may use a toilet paper cylinder to keep your irrigation sleeve open to allow for drying after use.
• Parsley is an excellent natural internal deodorant.
• Never wait until you have used your last pouching system before ordering new ones. Always keep a list of your supplies with you on a small piece of paper complete with order numbers, sizes and manufacturers.
• Let a good friend or a family member know where you keep your list of ostomy information just in case of an emergency.
• If you have had an ostomy for years, there are new products that may cost a little more, but may give you more comfort as well as longer and more reliable wear time. In the end, you may actually save money as well as time, frustration, cleaning, confusion, odor, comfort, comfort and of course comfort. Just because you learned one ostomy system way back when, does not mean you cannot change a product or habit. You might want to try something new. Call one of the many quality ostomy manufacturers and ask them to send you some samples to try before you buy.
• Urostomy—Wrap your stoma in a tissue or a paper towel to absorb drops of urine, which flow during pouching system changing.
• Urostomy—Make sure you empty the pouch before it passes the half-full level. If the pouch becomes full, there is a chance of urine back-up—the urine flowing back through the stoma into the conduit, through the ureters into the kidneys. This will lead to a kidney infection.
• Colostomy—irrigating action—for those that irrigate with a descending or sigmoid colostomy—may be stimulated by gently massaging the abdomen starting at the lower right side and coming up across your abdomen above your belly button then down the left side like a question mark.
• Ileostomy—these people will experience hunger more often than other people will. Eat a snack of fruits or vegetables in-between meals if you are hungry; eat smaller but more frequent meals; eat slowly. An ileostomy continues to work—function—whether or not you have eaten, so do not skip meals. Gas will be expelled through an ileostomy more readily if one’s stomach is empty.
• Time release pills will dissolve all at once if alcohol is also consumed resulting in a heavy dosage of medication all at once.
• If you want medicines to work quickly, drown them. They dissolve and absorb faster with lots of water.
• Vitamins should be taken on a full stomach; otherwise, they irritate the lining of the stomach and produce the sensation of feeling hungry.
• When skin under porous tape becomes irritated or itchy, simply rub calamine lotion or Maalox over the tape. It seeps through the porous tape and sometimes soothes the skin.
• People with ileostomies should rarely, if ever donate blood. Dehydration is a likely side effect that usually occurs, which will put serious stress on your kidneys.
• Be careful about zippers. They can catch a pouch when zipped up in a hurry. Also, watch out with ballpoint pens, keys nail files and any sharp object in your pocket.
• It is not necessary to use sterile supplies. The stoma and surrounding skin are not sterile and only require the same sort of cleanliness that the rest of the exterior body does.

Don’t

• Wear a pouching system over seven days.
• Be so rigid about your changing routine that the absence of one item throws you.
• Stay home . . . travel and have some fun.
• Worry about accidents and problem that will probably never happen.
• Put limitations on yourself just because you have a stoma.

Bacteria and Ostomies

By: Liz O'Connor, CWOCN, via: Ostomy Association of Greater Chicago, Park Ridge, IL

Many patients having ostomy surgery worry about bacteria. Those with colostomies and ileostomies ask if their stomas will become infected from the discharge of stool . . . they heard this from concerned sources.

This is a myth! The stoma is accustomed to the normal bacteria in the intestines. Definitely, keep the skin around the stoma clean and be careful of adjacent wounds. You want to keep the fecal drainage away from the incision.

Do not worry about the ostomy becoming infected from the normal discharge. This does not happen. Nature has provided for us well. Our bodies are made so that the intestine is accustomed to having stool on it. Stool is what it was made to handle. We also have good bacteria in the stool that works with our bodies to help in the digestive process. These bacteria do not hurt us.

The urinary ostomy patient is more likely to be susceptible to infection than people with fecal ostomies are. Urine is normally sterile. Therefore, it is important to keep the urinary pouch very clean.

On days it is not changed, the pouch should be rinsed with a solution of 1/3 parts white vinegar to 2/3 parts tap water. This can be allowed to run up over the stoma and will prevent crystals being formed on it. The vinegar produces an acid environment in your pouch Bacteria cannot multiply as readily in an acid condition.

The night drainage system should be cleaned daily. White vinegar and water can be used for this too. Perhaps some of you use an ostomy disinfectant or a diluted Lysol solution. When the drainage system has sediment that cannot be removed by cleaning it, the system should be discarded and replaced with a new one. Saving a few pennies by using it too long can cost more in the long-run if you have to treat an infection.

Drinking plenty of liquids is important for all people with ostomies, but especially for the person with a urostomy. Many urologist also prescribe vitamin C to help keep urine acidic; therefore, less susceptible to infection. Cranberry juice also helps to keep urine acid. Check with your doctor first before increasing your intake of liquids. Some people, like people with kidney disease or diabetes may need to restrict liquid intake.

What are the signs of urinary infection? Some are fever, pain in the region of the kidney, very strong odor to the urine or excessive mucous. All urinary ostomies produce mucous. You learn what is normal for you. When it is excessive, you will be aware of a difference.

Urinary pouches should be changed on a regular basis, if possible. People wear them for a day to a week. It is not advocated that one keep any pouching system on more than seven days—maximum. For one thing, the skin under the skin barrier must be inspected at least once a week so that problems may be solved before they become too serious.

Speech for World Aids Day

By: Mark Nowak, GLO Network Board Member

The following is a speech that was given by Mark Nowak at a recent World Aids Day event. A number of our ostomy members are HIV+ people. In fits into our Mission and it is something that our members should be reminded about. It also serves as a reminder that the world is still not a safe place to play.

On this occasion, World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2007, I ask Canadian and Americans to celebrate the enormous progress that has been made in treating HIV/AIDS and to remember those we have lost to this disease. I celebrate all those that have died during the drug trails that helped me obtain medication that has kept me alive. I rally behind all those arrested for staging “die-inns” at the FDA to get drugs approved on a fast track. I applaud the results consumer advocates before me that have changed legislation so that I may standing here in 2007, 19 years after my HIV diagnosis.

In 1988 I was told I had about 3 years to live. I did not expect to see my children graduate high school. When my 5-year-old son was told I was infected, he called me and asked “does it hurt?”

Well at that time I said no, but after thinking about it…

It hurts to be standing here almost 20 years later, slinging around all these great slogans year after year. Take the Lead, Keep the promise, I care do you, One World, One Hope, Force for a change, Listen, Learn Live…

It hurts to that we only wear red ribbons, today on World AIDS Day.

It hurts, when I have diarrhea for 6 years because that is just a side effect of the medications.

It hurts to swallow 43 pills a day.

It hurts, that I am fatigued 90 % of the time and can’t walk a flight of stairs. It hurts that my

lean muscle mass is deteriorating,

It hurts to sit because the lipodystophy has sucked all the fat out of my butt and redistributed it around my liver.

It hurts when my liver enlarges from the toxic medication it filters.

It hurts when my cholesterol and tryclicerides skyrocket and give me heart pains because the of the medications side effects

It hurts that my fingers, toes feet and legs tingle with neuropathy.

It hurts to loose your job, your savings, your retirement, your home, your friends,

It hurts to think that by age 40 I had lost over 100 friends to this disease. And they still continue to die.

It hurts to know, that in NY State there are an estimated 172, 000 reported AIDS cases and 42,000 known HIV cases. It hurts to know that these are old numbers because (in my opinion) our current administration doesn’t want updated numbers released that would show that the abstinence plan doesn’t really work.

It hurts knowing that a many Americans cannot afford insurance, health care or treatment for HIV/AIDS. At a time when the U.S. infection rate has peaked, we have smaller budgets for prevention, testing and treatment than ever before. It hurts to hear similar problems around the world.

Two years ago I attended the International Conference on AIDS in Toronto and it hurt to listen to speeches and lectures that could have been given 20 years ago. It hurt that the Prime Minister of Canada or President Bush did not attend. It hurt to see how far we’ve come and how little has changed

I think you get the picture.

While the World Health Organization recently revised the number of people infected with HIV worldwide downward—from 39.5 million to 33 million—I remind you that the rate of HIV infection continues to rise in the United States. True, there have never been more people living with HIV/AIDS in America than there are today. But the statistics are astounding: One in 20 people in the District of Columbia have HIV. AIDS is the leading cause of death of African-American women between the ages of 25 to 34. Half of all new American infections occur in people under the age of 25. There are an estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in America—and 25 percent of them don’t even know they have the disease.

The disease is 100 percent preventable, yet, according to numbers reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 40,000 new infections annually in the United States. There is talk that the CDC may soon revise the number of annual U.S. infections upward—to reflect that AIDS is growing again in America.

Of all groups affected by AIDS, the African-American community has been hit disproportionately hard. African Americans constitute approximately 12 percent of America’s population, yet they account for more than 52 percent of those living with HIV in America today. African-American women constituted a staggering 67 percent of all AIDS diagnoses among women in 2005. In Western NY, African Americans represent 5.6% of the population in western New York state, yet 45% of the reported HIV and AIDS cases in western NY. That hurts.

As we stand here so close to the International border between Canada and The United Sates, It hurts knowing the US is one of only 13 countries that completely ban incoming travel across their borders by the HIV-positive. Other countries For the most part have undemocratic regimes. They are Iraq, China, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Sudan, Qatar, Brunei, Oman, Moldova, Russia, Armenia, and South Korea.

Hopefully with a change in the administration, and that whoever assumes the presidency, they will address the devastating AIDS epidemic in America, Canada and the World

It hurts, but I will continue work to ensure that 2008 proves to be one of continued progress in the development of treatment, improved access to care, the reduction of stigma and a great financial commitment to support those in need living with HIV/AIDS.

That would be nice, it hurts to know that all dreams don’t come true,

And yes AIDS HURTS, I hurt but I’m not giving up.

Queer Quotes:

Particularly for a young woman in a world of AIDS, I’ve said (lesbianism) seems to be a safer way to explore your sexuality, rather than screwing around with a lot of boys. - Cindy Crawford

Heterosexuality is a boring and horrible lifestyle. - Edith Massey

Some of the Best Basic Ostomy Hints

via: Ostomy Association of Evansville, Indiana, and The Right Connection, San Diego

Don’t believe as if having an ostomy makes you less of a person or some freak of nature. There are lots of us and most of us are glad to be alive. Build a support system of people to answer questions when you have a problem.

Consider ETs and the officers who are listed in your chapter newsletter. Don’t play the dangerous game of making your appliance fail by over taping or putting off a change. There aren’t any prizes given for the longest wear time except accidents. Don’t wait until you see the bottom of your supply box before ordering more. Always count on delays in shipping, holidays, etc. when calculating what is needed. Zip-lock sandwich bags are useful and odor-proof for disposal of used ostomy pouches. Don’t get hung up on odors. There are some great sprays and some internal deodorants...remember...everybody creates some odors in the bathroom. Don’t feel you are an exception. Hydration and electrolyte balance is of vital importance. Be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain good hydration, ileostomates especially. Read and learn all you can about ostomies. You never know when you may find an opportunity to educate someone about the life-saving surgery that has extended so many lives. Learn to be matter of fact about this and never embarrassed. Few folks get out of this life without some medical problems and unpleasant situations with which to cope. You may be amazed at how people will admire your adaptability and courage. In the beginning after surgery, almost everyone experiences some depression. If you fit into this category, you are certainly not alone. But it need not be a lasting condition. Try something as simple as walking...long walks. If the depression seems to linger, don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help. There is help out there! The bottom line is...We are alive! In other times, in other countries, we night not be. Medicine and techniques today have given us an opportunity to experience this second chance. It is certainly an opportunity worth accepting and exploring. The most important part of you as a human being has not changed.

Measure Your Stoma

By: Alice Bowman and Bob Baumel, Stillwater-Ponca City (OK) Ostomy Outlook

One of us recently visited a patient with a two-year old colostomy. The patient was suffering from severe skin irritation caused by using appliances with pre-cut stoma openings of the same size as originally measured in the hospital. Immediately after surgery, the stoma is quite swollen; it then shrinks for about the next six months--sometimes for a year or longer. During this initial period, it is best to use a cut-to-fit appliance and measure your stoma every time you change the barrier. Once your stoma size has stabilized, you may switch to a pre-cut appliance if you wish; however, you should continue to measure your stoma occasionally, to see if you should switch to a different size appliance. If you fail to adjust your appliance size as your stoma shrinks, you’ll eventually be using an appliance with an opening much bigger than your stoma. This leaves a large area of unprotected skin about your stoma, making you a prime candidate for skin irritation. If you’ve had an ostomy for many years, perhaps you’ve forgotten that initial period while your stoma was shrinking. However, if you find yourself visiting a new ostomate, this is a topic you may wish to discuss if you have the chance. How big is the optimal appliance opening? For most types of barriers/faceplates, the opening should provide clearance of a millimeter or two all around the stoma. On the one hand, you should minimize the area of unprotected skin around the stoma; on the other hand, some clearance is usually necessary because many barriers contain hard materials (including plastic films) that can damage the stoma if they come into direct contact. Please note, however, that some of the newer barrier materials, such as Hollister’s Flextend and ConvaTec Durahesive (both Registered Trade Marks) , are more protective and contain no hard materials, so they don’t require any clearance.

Stoma Facts

By: Diana Kasner, RN, MS, ET, December 2007 UOAA UPDATE

What is involved in “inspecting” a stoma?

At each pouch change, check your stoma for color, shape and function. Watch for problems such as swelling, retraction, stenosis and prolapse. Urostomates should be on the lookout for crystal formation of alkaline encrustation (gritty white deposits coating the stoma). Any stoma complications should be reported to your MD or ET.

Why does a stoma sometimes bleed?

Some bleeding may occur with rubbing of the stoma because the mucous membrane out of which the stoma is formed is highly vascular. This bleeding should stop quickly. Prolonged bleeding, an increased amount of bleeding or very easy bleeding may be indicative of another problem and should be reported to your MD.

Can a stoma get cut?

Cuts or lacerations of the stoma can occur and some can be quite serious. Since a stoma has no sensory nerves and, therefore, no feeling, it can be cut without causing any pain. Causes of stomal laceration include shifting of the faceplate or skin barrier, too small an opening (of the pouch), incorrect pouch application, etc. Your MD or ET should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment in any case of stomal laceration.

How should a stoma be protected?

Stomas are fairly hardy, but some common sense rules apply. Stomas should be protected from direct physical blows, from too tight clothing and from rigid objects (e.g., belt buckles). This is not to say that these activities should be avoided. For example, ostomates engaged in contact sports can protect their stomas by wearing an additional binder for support.

Queer Quotes:

Some of my most brilliant teachers and classmates were gay. They were just part of the community of people. I think that is what is important to understand. - Jesse Jackson

Infection in Urostomies

via: December 2007 UOAA UPDATE

Germs are all over the world, but when they are in the urinary tract, either in the conduit, the urethras or the kidneys, they’re in an abnormal location and that is what causes an infection.

What causes infection? Mostly the reasons are unexplainable. Why do some people get more colds than others? Infections can be caused by an obstruction, kidney stones, tumors, cysts or scar tissues. Almost synonymous with obstructions is infection and then, too, often comes stone formation.

You can’t get rid of the infection. It’s kind of a cycle that goes around and around. Infection can be caused by urine being forced back to the kidneys through the conduit. This could be done by falling asleep with the pouch full of urine and accidentally rolling over on the pouch, causing urine to be forced back into the stoma, through the urinary tract with tremendous pressure. Invariably the urine in the pouch will be contaminated.

In general, to prevent and treat infections, you need a good flow of urine much like a stream. That not only dilutes the bacteria of germs in the urine, but also helps wash them out. Two and one-half quarts of liquids daily is required for the average adult.

Heard You Were An Ostomate

by: Louis J Wray, via UOA Website & The Ostomee-News, Fairfield, Ohio and the Ostomy Association - Evansville, Indiana Chapter

I heard that you’re an ostomate. Is it true what I heard about you? That you have no guts, your bladder is gone, and that you’re all washed up and through? Yet, whenever I look at you, you’re beaming with joy and grace. You never hint at the strife you’ve borne, disguised by the smile on your face. You seem to be a special breed, bent on helping others to live. Your suffering must have battered your life, yet you reach out and always forgive. I’d think that you might be angry at the way fate has picked on you. But, I‘d never suspect it if you are, for your love always seems to shine through. I assume your second chance at life makes each day a pleasure. And your thankfulness for health and friends makes itself a treasure. Now, I better appreciate the Phoenix (bird), the symbol of your dear UOA; “Reborn from the ashes of disease.” What a message of help this conveys. See, I know you are an ostomate - a pattern you have set for me. Like you, I’ll try to help others cope with their new way of life, cheerfully. A second chance, reborn to serve, and as happy as can be. Ostomates inspire me and my friends with service offered so free. So, out in the open - your secret is known, your formula for success is in view. You’re an asset to this weary old world: We’re blessed for having ostomates like you.

COLONDAR

As a result of their sponsor-ship of a “month” in their unique calendar, UOAA has received 500 “Colondars” that they are offering for sale at the fixed rate of $15.00 each.

Each of the monthly models in the Colondar is a colon cancer survivor under the age of 50, and several have an ostomy! The Colondar will make an excellent gift. It could be used as a door-prize for a monthly ASG meeting, a 50/50 gift for a member of your local chapter, a gift for a speaker, or just for someone who wants to promote colon cancer awareness. You can get the full story at the UOAA website http://www.uoaa.org/Colondar.shtml

Your purchase of the Colondar will help the UOAA in its effort to promote colon cancer awareness. To get your Colondars, contact Joan McGorry in the UOAA office at 800-826-0826 or e-mail her at oa@uoaa.org.

New Website

Hollister has been working with a group of like-minded organizations and individuals to provide an exciting new website focused specifically on ostomy lifestyle issues. Designed for people with ostomies and their friends, families and caregivers, it will cover diverse subjects such as travel, sports, fitness, sex and childbirth to name just a few.

What makes this site unique is that the content of the site will be for people just like you, because much of it will be written by people like you. It will have areas where individuals can post their own experiences, comments, stories, tips and ideas to share with others.

In addition to these areas, there will be access to advice from clinicians.

Be sure not to miss this exciting new site. Register now at http://www.C3Life.com to participate in the forum and share your thoughts with fellow ostomates from around the world. And don’t forget to tell all your friends!

Editors Note:

Do not follow any advice listed in this newsletter without first consulting your physician or the author of the article.

GLO does not endorse any product or service. We offer all information for our readers’ benefit to use as they see fit.

GLO welcomes articles submitted by our members. We would like to hear from you and find out what led up to your ostomy surgery, how you felt about it and adjusted with it afterwards. You don’t have to worry ab out writing the “perfect” story for the newsletter. GLO can edit your submission and will submit it to you for approval before it is printed.

CONNECTIONS

GLOCONTACT, the newsletter for the gay/lesbian ostomate is published by the GLO Network, an independent network.

The GLO Network email: Glocontact1@aol.com

The GLO Network website: http://www.glo-uoaa.org

GLO Network Board Members:

Fred Shulak, GLO Network Chairperson: thadbear@sbcglobal.net

Eric L Floyd, Treasurer and Previous Chairperson: efloyd8264@aol.com

Bill Etnyre: bnyre@msn.com

Armand LaFleur: pallafleur@aol.com

Mark Nowak: macnak@juno.com

Tom Beem, Webmaster: tmbeem@cox.net

Frank Mazzo, Membership: frankmazzo@skywi.com

The above names are listed as a ready resource of the GLO Network to be used by individuals seeking information, chapters looking for a trained visitor or for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of the Gay or Lesbian ostomate.

Additional Resources

United Ostomy Associations of America: http://www.uoaa.org

Gay and Lesbian Medical Association: http://www.glma.org

WebMD: http://www.webMD.org

Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer: http://www.mautnerproject.org

Centers for Disease Control: http://www.CDC.gov

United Ostomy Association (Canada): http://www.ostomycanada.ca

International Ostomy Association (IOA): http://www.ostomyinternational.org

Menweb: http://www.menweb.org

Crohn’s Disease Resource Center: http://www.healingwell.com/ibd/

Quality Life Association - for Continent Ileostomates: http://www.qla-ostomy.org/

WOCN Referral Database - Find an ET: http://www.wocncenter.com/public/member_directory.cfm

Healthopedia Colostomy Information: http://www.healthopedia.com/colostomy

Healthopedia Ileostomy Information: http://www.healthopedia.com/ileostomy

Chat Rooms

Gay Ostomates (United Kingdom): http://www.gayostomates.org

The J-Pouch Group: http://www.j-pouch.org/

The Pull-Thru Network: http://www.pullthrunetwork.org/

UOAA Discussion Boards: http://www.uoaa.org/forum/index.php?sid=095ee66cdc927ae8ba9e05b5f599ef8d

Living With A Colostomy: http://www.ostomysupport.info/chat.html

Community Zero (Ostomy) Support: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ostomatessupport/

Autoimmunity - the Hidden Link (United Kingdom): http://autoimmunity.co.uk/chat/ostomylandchat.html

Shaz’s Ostomy Pages*: http://st80.startlogic.com/~ostomate/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

(*) This site contains useful information and various message boards, including, one for Gay and Lesbian ostomates. The Gay and Lesbian message board is monitored by Nathan from Las Vegas. This site originates from Australia so it has an international point of view.

Newsletters:

Jacksonville, FL: http://www.ostomymcp.com/chapter/Newsletter/page1.html

Evansville, IN: http://www.ostomy.evansville.net/menunews.htm

North Central Oklahoma, OK: http://www.ostomyok.org/newsletter/

Vancover, British Columbia: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/ostomyvr/highlife.htm

Winnipeg, Manitoba: http://www.ostomy-winnipeg.ca/woain_ot.html

Cleveland Clinic - Pouch-O-Gram - http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/digestivedisease/body.cfm?id=79

Please notify us if...

* you have moved;

* you have a new E-Mail address:

* your area code or telephone number has changed; or

* you want to volunteer

Contact List and What You Should Know About It

All persons listed have given their consent to be available by email to discuss diversionary procedure issues. If you would like to be added to the list, please send your information to Fred at: thadbear@sbcglobal.net or Eric at glocontact1@aol.com.

Inclusion on the GLO Contact List is no indication of a person’s sexual orientation.

The Contact List is available only to dues paying members. It is a part of this newsletter and NOT available on the Internet.

If you requested to be on the Contact List and don’t see your name listed, it is because you either did not provide your surgery type and/or your email address. Because communication will only be thru the Internet, your email address is essential.

Queer Quotes:

Other people get money for being married; they get health benefits for being married; they get money for having children. When we want to be able to kiss and hold hands on the street without being beat up, suddenly we’re asking for special rights. - Mark Fisher

I’ll be out there letting people know I’m a “dyke” and fighting homophobia by educating those who are ignorant. - A. Jarrett King

Time To Renew

The membership year for GLO begins on October 1st, the same day that the UOAA began operations. Therefore, your membership dues are due at this time.

In order to assure your continuation as a member of the GLO Network and receive your GLO newsletter, please complete the Remittance Advice, and include with your check for $15.00 (U.S. Dollars) payable to “GLO Network” and mail to:

Eric Floyd, 2067 Penguin Avenue, Akron, OH 44319-1208

If your membership renewal is other then October 1st, you will be notified of the expiration date.

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Remittance Advice

Name:______________________________ Address:____________________________

City, State, Zip Code:______________________________________________________

Type of ostomy: __________________________

I want to be on the Contact List: Yes____ No____

I have email: Yes____ No____

My email address is: _______________________________________________________

Reminder - your email address is needed in the event you want to be on the contact list.

We hope to keep our organizational costs and dues down by sending out as many newsletters as possible via email. Therefore, if you have access to the Internet, please provide your email address.