BCIR - Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir

[ Header ] Action shot

News

Here, you'll find news and announcements relating to our hospital, our staff, or the BCIR procedure.


BCIR Seminar - March 8, 2010 - Houston Area

Palms of Pasadena Hospital would like to extend a special invitation for you to join us at a seminar about the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 7 pm at the location below. A question and answer period will follow the presentation and questions can be asked of health care professionals and BCIR patients. We hope the meeting will provide a setting for an exchange of information between these individuals and people such as yourself, who are interested in their ostomy options. For more information, call 1-800-494-7246.

Location:
Crowne Plaza - Houston Northwest
12801 Northwest Frwy
Houston, TX 77040
RSVP for this seminar
Get driving directions



2010 Quality Life Association Conference

[ QLA Conference ]

The 2010 QLA Conference is scheduled for Sep 30 - Oct 02 in St. Petersburg, FL.

The 25th Annual QLA Conference will be held September 30 - October 2, 2010 at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. ĘPlease plan to attend this "Reunion." For more information see www.qla-ostomy.org or call Judy Schmidt at 352-394-4912.


Probiotics for Treatment of Chronic Pouchitis

For many, the most common problem after a BCIR is pouchitis, which is the development of recurrent mucosal inflammation within the pouch. The etiology and pathophysiology of pouchitis are not well understood but it likely results from an interaction between a patient who is genetically susceptible and the small bowel mucosa which is exposed to fecal stasis (retention) and bacterial over growth.

Episodes of pouchitis may be acute and intermittent or chronic and unremitting. Antibiotics continue to be the treatment for acute and intermittent pouchitis while oral administration of probiotics for some has been effective in the prevention of relapses in individuals with chronic pouchitis. As our knowledge and experience with probiotics continues to increase, we want to share this information with you.

People normally have large numbers of a wide variety of bacteria on their skin, in their mouth, nose, vagina and in their large intestine or colon. Each individual's pattern is unique relative to the type and percentage of individual bacteria. Bacterial patterns can be altered by changes in diet, environment and antibiotic usage. It also can be changed when the colon is removed. Continent pouches store stool, which allows the growth of bacteria, but it is a new pattern of bacteria. This new pattern can be problematic for some.

Probiotics are dietary supplements of live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts, may provide a health benefit. It is felt that it improves the intestinal microbial balance. Documented studies have shown alleviation of chronic intestinal inflammatory disease, i.e. pouchitis.

There are many probioitics on the market today with various bacterial types and counts. What is good for one is not necessarily good for others. Up until recently, all probiotics have been considered over the counter supplements with various out of pocket expenses. This expense alone has prohibited some from considering this option. Most recently prescription strength has become available and as a result some of the insurance plans are providing benefits. The prescription brand is called VSL#3 Double Strength. We are not indicating that this is the only brand to use but we are very excited that for some, there will be coverage. Before requesting a prescription, you should contact your drug plan to see if this is an option. If so, your local health care provider should be able to provide you with a prescription or as always we are available.

Stay healthy!

Ernest Rehnke, M.D.


BCIR Seminar - December 7, 2009 - Philadelphia Area

Palms of Pasadena Hospital would like to extend a special invitation for you to join us at a seminar about the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 7 pm at the location below. A question and answer period will follow the presentation and questions can be asked of health care professionals and BCIR patients. We hope the meeting will provide a setting for an exchange of information between these individuals and people such as yourself, who are interested in their ostomy options. For more information, call 1-800-494-7246.

Location:
Crowne Plaza Philadelphia - Valley Forge
260 Mall Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406
RSVP for this seminar
Get driving directions



2009 Quality Life Educational Symposium

[ QLA Conference ]

The 2009 QLA Symposium was held Aug 21-22 in Mesa, AZ.

The 2009 QLA Educational Conference was held on August 21-22, 2009 in Mesa, Arizona. It was attended by individuals from 21 states and also from Australia. New friends were made, new things were learned and a great time was had by all who attended.

Our 25th Annual Conference will be held September 17-18, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Tradewinds Resort. Plan to join us for this special celebration of our 25th year. For more information and the hotel reservation form, visit www.qla-ostomy.org or call the QLA office at 352-394-4912.


BCIR Seminar - April 19, 2009

Ernest Rehnke M.D. and Palms of Pasadena Hospital would like to extend a special invitation for you to join us at a seminar about the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir on Sunday, April 19th, 2009. ĘThe meeting is sponsored by the Ostomy Support Group of Citrus County and the location is: Citrus Memorial Hospital's annex Building, 131 South Citrus Ave., Inverness, FL (click here for driving directions). A question and answer period will follow the presentation.


2009 Quality Life Educational Symposium

[ QLA Conference ]

The 2009 QLA Symposium is scheduled for Aug 21-22 in Mesa, AZ.

The Quality of Life Association (QLA) is a nonprofit nationwide association aimed at meeting the special needs of the continent ostomate and to educate others of the latest advances in ostomy options. This year, our 24th annual symposium is scheduled for August 21-22, 2009 at the Phoenix Marriott, in Mesa, Arizona. A special room rate of $79.00 is being offered for early registrants.

For more information, visit qla-ostomy.org or contact Judy Schmidt at 352-394-4912 for a conference brochure. We do look forward to seeing many of you for this fun and educational few days!


2008 Quality Life Educational Symposium

[ Velma Bragg receives Dr. Pollack's lab coat ]

Velma Bragg, retiring QLA Executive Director, is presented with Dr. James Pollack's lab coat after over 20 years of faithful service

The 2008 QLA Educational Symposium was held on September 19-20 at the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was attended by folks traveling from 20 states as well as from Australia. The symposium was educational and fun was had by all.

The topics covered by the speakers included information on Prostate screening for pouch patients as well as the evolution and current status of continent diversions and pelvic pouches. Our motivational speaker talked about the importance of humor in our lives and the water slide activity was a hit.

The 2009 conference will be held in Mesa, Arizona August 21-22 at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa. For more information please visit www.qla-ostomy.org or call Judy Schmidt at 352-394-4912. Please join us for a few educational and fun-filled days.


Dedication Day at Palms of Pasadena Hospital

[ Dr. Rehnke dedicates the new unit ]

Dr. Rehnke (center) cuts the ribbon dedicating the new unit, surrounded by hospital staff, community leaders, and BCIR alumni

On November 14, 2007, a new 17 bed Unit was dedicated at Palms of Pasadena Hospital for BCIR patients. The dedication was attended by many of our BCIR alumni as well as local community leaders and medical staff.

This unit represents larger rooms with more closet and additional storage space. Each room has both green furnishings and wallpaper to create a calming and restful environment for the patient and their guest.

The transition to the new unit has been easy, as the staff has remained consistent!


About Us