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E-Z Vents and dealing with GAS

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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

I'm starting a new thread and responding to a question on a different thread.

This is how I install the OSTO-EZ-VENT on the Hollister New Image Lock-n-Roll drain pouch (Hollister part# HS18112).  This pouch (bag) has no built-in vent.  I found the built-in vents to be unreliable.  This is a 2-piece system.  If you have a 1-piece system, you might have to make some changes to step 5 below.  

 

1.     Decide where you want the vent.  I put my vent near the top of the bag offset toward the side that will be near the centerline of my body when wearing the bag.

2.     Expose the plastic surface of the bag.  If your bag has a fabric cover, you will need to cut away a circle of the cover fabric where you want to install the vent.  Be careful while cutting the cover fabric to NOT nick the bag itself.

3.     Clean the surface of the bag.  I use a paper towel wet with undiluted isopropyl alcohol to rub the surface where I will put the vent.  Allow the alcohol on the bag surface to dry.

4.     Stick the vent to the bag.  Remove the paper backing from the adhesive patch on the vent.  Press the vent onto the bag surface.  I orient the vent closure tab so that it points off the side of the bag. This makes it easy to get your fingers on the vent to open and close it.  I am right handed.

5.     Make a hole in the bag through the vent.  Turn the bag over. The flange is the big hole that attaches to the wafer that sticks to your body. Reach through the flange on the bag and find the place on the inside of the bag that has the vent on the outside.   I hold the vent on the outside of the bag and working from inside the bag I use small sharp scissors (the same ones I used to cut the fabric bag cover) to poke a hole in through the bag into the hole in the vent.  Be careful not to nick the other parts of the bag while doing this. I then enlarge the hole using a reaming tool.  It will probably work fine to just twist the scissors in the hole.

6.     Check your work. Straighten out the bag and make sure the hole is clear.  Be sure the vent makes a good seal to the bag with no wrinkles in the bag material. 

 

I make a batch of 10 bags at a time, doing each of the steps above to all 10 bags before proceeding to the next step.

 Eric has a video ( pretty sure) about this. This is just what I do.

I buy these from Amazon and also my supplier ( Shield) supplies some with each supply shipment.

I really could not do without them. Gas build up not only makes me nauseous, but I think hastens the demise of the wafer seal by creating so much pressure. If I wear a skirt or pants with a stretchy ( fold over) top band, I can vent pretty discreetly.

They can be stiff at first, but work easier over time. I generally change every 5 days ( the whole works).

 To Linda ( who asked):I can see that installing them would be more difficult with arthritis , but maybe  making them in batches would help. Or you can get someone to help every month or so. 

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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(@dogtalkerer)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 315
 

whats always puzzled me about ez vents:

1.) with a drainable bag you already have an vent.

2.) the gas you vent has moisture that will stick to clothing, prolonging the "stink."

3.) isn't it fairly easy to release liquid too?  with the drainable bag you can point it at your enemies :) 

the coloplast is easy for me to vent at night without seeing what I'm doing.

so this has always puzzled me since I first saw the ez vent years ago.


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

Hi Dogtalker,

Like you said, with a drainable bag ..one can theoretically vent gas through that opening. However, it is very difficult to do without making a mess, and you pretty much have to be standing up ( at least I do).

The vents work much more discreetly and, when you learn how, make almost no mess at all, ever. Since I get sick when the gas builds up, I keep after it. I think when the bag is full of gas ( as we all know it can get hard like a rock) it has the same physical effect as a blockage. No output can get out of your body because its full of gas already.

You have to make sure the gas is 'up' top or at the highest physical point  on the bag AT THE TIME YOU DO THE VENTING.  That way you get gas and not 'poop'. I kind of make sure it is clear before I open the vent. This depends a lot on the consistency of your output and you have to pay attention to that. And sure, if you squeeze it and the output is liquid it will squirt out..not good.

I can do this at night when I am sleeping without having to get up and go to the bathroom.

You have to take it slowly. Sometimes the vent gets blocked and does need to be opened. I have found that just scratching my fingernail across the back of the vent will clear it. This has all gotten much easier in the three years I have used EZ-Vents.

The gas that I vent is not damp in anyway I can tell. It does not stick to my clothing. I pull down my cloths anyway and vent directly into the atmosphere ((HA). It can smell like a fart, but that is basically what it is. 

The filters that come preinstalled , that allows the gas out through layers of something, never have worked for me. A year or so ago those actually started leaking out from the inside. Not good!

So now I just get filterless ones and install the osto EZ-vents.

Sorry if this is long winded ( not a joke!).

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1460
 

Hey there Dona and dogtalkerer...thank you so much for the input on the output! I always wanted to say that. I appreciate the ideas, the what to watch out for(s) and the knowledge. This is very helpful and has put me at ease about using this product. I thought that the Hollister Bag 8331 with the so called gas vent,  was the gas vent I remember the doctor telling me I could have built in "with"  my bag to release gas. Not so I discovered! This bag is a bad flaw. It only works for the first two days(if that) and I have to constantly make sure that it stays as dry as possible. I love to do house work and gardening and love to play with my dog, so, when I am well I am always bending. However, this bag has serious flaws. I can go about five days with a bag if I do not do anything, let alone pass gas. So, because when I am well I am very active and the fact that we have to literally baby sit this bags filter is ridiculous. I had tried the Coloplast bag but I hated not being able to clean that foamy stuff around the edges and felt it added to odor problems. I am so encouraged about this new vent coming...I can hardly wait now. Thank you so much for the pearls of wisdom.  

Now, wearing this bag since I found this sight has given me time to figure it out...sort of!? Because I thought this was it for gas release bags, I learned that if I want longer wear, I had to actually baby sit it. When I drained my bag, I checked it out...about 15 times in 24 hours. Then when it got moisture happening, I would flick it off as best as I could. When the flicking did not work, I took a square of TP and folded it over the edge. Then I would squeeze between my index finger and thumb tight over it and put pressure on it, and slide it towards the left side of the bag and squeeze out the moisture as best as  I could. This produced a few drops of fluid from  the charcoal filter and its plastic edge extending the wear an hour at a time. So I was clearing it every time I went to the bathroom. If I did it wrong I would break that special paper on the outside part of the vent and then boom, next check there would be be a stain on my clothing, thus a clothing change! My dogs nose would go to work...and he is on the short side, a good sniffer, as he picked up on it right before I see it.  Then of course a bag change happens. My joints rebel become swollen and it becomes more annoying. We use our hands for so many things. When I went thru every single item on the Hollister sight trying to find something other than this bag that might work. I remembered seeing a video Eric made about ballooning and believing my doctor had misled me some, I nearly flipped when I found this EZ vent. It is going to cost me about 30 bucks for the ten to have the drug store order it in. I guess the vents are classified as cosmetic surgery! They are not covered I look forward . I look so forward to trying this. Thank you again for the encouragement there and all the information. I will let you know how it turns out after a few bags.

Linda

Linda


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

Hi again Linda,

You can get these from various suppliers THRU Amazon. They are around 15.50 for TEN of them. Well worth it to me. My supplier does throw some in my box ...as they say, but not quite enough.

They certainly aren't cosmetic! Thats a laugh. They do work and I think its necessary to have a way to get rid of gas .. can't fart anymore , right?

 Fact of life.

The charcoal filters really do not work, and when I stopped getting that kind it made it easier to install the EZ -vents... I too am very active and don't like water getting in or output leaking out through those filters that come with the bags.

Until someone wises up and sells a bag with an integrated mechanical filter, this is what we have.

Best of luck.

Give it some time. It All gets easier.

 

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

P.S.

This is the link to the Amazon page for the ones I just got last week. Arrived within a week.

https://amzn.to/2L7xlsE

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1460
 

Thank you Dona! I went to the sight and just about fell over. I can not believe it is $13.00 for a bottle of M9! I get charged almost 40 bucks!  That is day light robbery really. I do not have a charge card but will plan to place orders thru my son and pay him instead of the pharmacy. being sickly and unable to work, a widow t a younger age, did not make a recipe for success. I have had to fight for everything I have received. I am anxious to get my first vents now.  Thank you for sending the link to the sight. That was  so kind of you. I am so new at this computer thing. I have so much to learn. To me, it is amazing I even get around here on VeganOstomy.  So I really appreciate that you were so thoughtful. I  understand that the pharmacy has to apply charges, but really!  I can only imagine what they pay.  I read some of the reviews, have you ever  "re-used" a vent. It says that they are made of polymer. Alright, I love crafts and enjoy figuring out how to make things myself...I wonder if that polymer craft clay would be a suitable product to make a mold from the original product and create our own? Whats the saying...inquiring minds have to know!  I feel like that about things all the time, curious about how they are made and can I do that too? It could be fun trying...or a really big mistake!  Kind of like asking if any men used the cream hair removal stuff on there tummies and how that turned out if they did. 

Anyways, thank you so much again I really appreciate your help here.

Linda

Linda


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

Hi again Linda,

I am happy that it helped.

Prices on things are quite variable. Thats for sure. Worth shopping around for.

That is an interesting idea about moulding your own...don't know??? I think the adhesive might be critical.If you sorted out the adhesive you might be able to reuse..I don't know. They say not to and they would have to be sterilized some how. They are costly for what they are but worth it for what they give me. 

Come up with a great idea and sell it to the big companies!

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1460
 

Oh Dona,  the info is invaluable!  When I think of the struggles I have had.

Yep, I figured something out.  Make a mold from one using the mold-able polymer clay that you bake to harden, it is safe to cook in your oven, so I imagine used as a mold will be okay as it is not toxic.  Spray the mold with cooking spray,  fill it with warm hot glue, make the cap, cool, try and see if it will release as the clay does get hard.   I read one comment where the guy said he uses airplane model glue to re-use  a spout. I have heard that crazy glue was used in ER  sometimes.  This is where I got so dang curious.  This has obviously not been tried as far as I know, but I really wonder if we can pull this off.  If not I have tried and learned something.  This could be interesting.  If not the warm hot glue I wonder if there is a safe caulking to use?  would it be more flexible?  There must be something.....? Now,  I am so curious. I will share it if it is a success.  We will see I guess. Yes, sterilizing would be important, and they will cover their stomas by saying not to re-use them.  It has to be non toxic all the way and  flexible in the cap part. A really good seal is vital.  Hmmm...Guys...any ideas to help? I feel like a mad scientist! 

Linda

 

Linda


   
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Jattzl
(@jattzl)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 118
 

Thank you for posting this Dona.  I have used EZ-Vents from the beginning and I agree I couldn't do without them.  I am VERY fortunate in that my insurance pays for them.  I also do 10 bags at a time so they are all ready to go.  I have never had one open or get caught on anything.

One difference is I actually use Coloplast Mio pouches.  Love the bags but the bulky HUGE filter inside the pouch is useless.  I cut it out and then apply the EZ-vent under the flap.  Works great!!

1531582207-MIO-filter-removal-step-18.jpg

54 years Type 1 Diabetes, insulin pump, CGM, neurological complications, retinopathy, and autoimmune CIDP. Nerve damage led to ileostomy in 1/2015.


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

Hi Jattzi,

I love the way the vent tucks inside the flap of that bag! Very neat.  I use Hollister, so can't do it that way. There was more space to install it once I stopped getting the useless vented bags , I agree...they don't work at all. And mine started leaking from inside out! NOT good.!

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1460
 

Dear Dona, 

You made me think a bit here. The bags I used before this one of Hollisters without the so called gas vent built in sticks fairly well to my skin, better than the one without vents. I do not think there should be a difference in material between the bags,  and for whatever reason, when I started using these bags, I had way way less leaks. I had been wondering if I should try the old  bag again  or not to omit the built in vent. The vent works fairly well for me on only the first day only, but it has to stay dry and some moisture does build up in the system, clogging the vent,  then it needs constant attention. So, I think due to my hands  and thumbs being so sore when I am done changing a bag, I may stick to this one for a while after I install the first vent, as it will eliminate vent issues for the first day at least. I know my son will help me with putting on the EZ vents should I need help, but that is unlikely as I believe it will be a fairly EZ job and I love the smaller details in life. You set me at EZ about this. Doing the ten at a time is a great idea. My stoma seems to change shape every single day lately so, as Eric does, I measure a lot and then cut the hole. I have messed up the cut on a few bags over Roses (my stoma) life time since 2009, so realizing that if that should happen I could cut it off and re-glue it should I find a trustworthy glue, would eliminates worry there. Your right, it is impossible to burp the bag standing without a likely  disaster, and then laying down every time to do so is not a convenient thing at all. The amount of hand washing is insane. That was a good point. This vent is going to make things so much better for me I can hardly wait. All the ideas and info that have come in here are fabulous and I appreciate the chats so much. I can not imagine having a quick and easy gas release time.  I get embarrassed so badly when the gas is sudden and noisy and  big. This vent should Ez a fair deal of that. I know that the times I have made a little hole in the bag for going out and then covered it with a tape has not been successful for more than half a day as the tape gets yucky and needs reapplying. With just learning the computer...you could say I am discovering the world to some extent.

The supplies we use are really such an individual choice based on experience and the type of activities we do. I have so appreciated the samples that come as we can make a much more informed choice and with being able to test drive the bags, a bonus. Having this sight to work things out on, is awesome. Had it not been for the visual of Erics vent video, I qould have gone on thinking  I had already had the Cadillac of bags...not so. I think we should start asking the company why they do not have the vent already installed as it is a fairly well necessary tool to have. If we do not let them know they need to do better, I do not think  they will not try.

This has been none less then amazing. Thank you all so much for every bit of input.

Linda

 

Linda


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

Hi Linda,

It really is important to have other people to talk too about our new 'high- tech' waste management devices! And just like the old way, we all have to deal with solids, liquids and gas.

Not so different.

I do wish the Ostomy companies would look at this web site, and try to see some of the issues so many of us  are still dealing with.

For a good perspective on how far this whole game has come..find the thread here that includes a link to the history of ostomy devices.

I can't find it right now..but maybe someone can and provide that link. ( its in the forums).

Be well and keep learning.

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1460
 

Hi all...The carrot is before the donkey! I got my EZ Vents today. Their  so cute! I have a question tho, it says to use 91% alcohol...does that really matter? Have you used less of a strength. I always thought alcohol was alcohol...apparently the drug store carries  99% alcohol but you have to ask the pharmacist for it. Is this worth the fuss?  Anxious to get started.

Linda

Linda


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
Topic starter  

Hi Linda,

I don't think the strength of the alcohol matters at all. It is just used to prepare  ( clean) the surface  of the bag so that the glue that is on the EZ-Vent will adhere. 

Use the alcohol to wipe the area you have chosen and then dry it.  Just use a paper towel or something.. 

You are on the right path!

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
Admin
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Posted by: Linda Knelsen

Hi all...The carrot is before the donkey! I got my EZ Vents today. Their  so cute! I have a question tho, it says to use 91% alcohol...does that really matter? Have you used less of a strength. I always thought alcohol was alcohol...apparently the drug store carries  99% alcohol but you have to ask the pharmacist for it. Is this worth the fuss?  Anxious to get started.

Linda

I've used alcohol that has like 70% and it's fine. The higher stuff will dry faster, but they should all work the same. 

 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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 LK
(@dlkfiretruck)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1460
 

Thanks Eric.  It did say in the instructions not to use a pre-packed alcohol swab...for whatever reason? I was feeling a bit confused. Post concussion trauma does not help here. I was able to get my son to pick up the 99% alcohol. In reading the instructions it said to use this on the bag until the gloss disappears. I thought that was a bit crazy as I scrubbed twice on one bag and found it just as glossy. So I simply ran the alcohol cloth over the the area a few times. Dona and was very encouraging and it was, very simple to attach these gas caps.  I did however struggle a bit getting the plastic off the adhesive part. My fingers are numb still from the B12 deficiency. I never would of thought this could be a problem...but I was useless at getting them off. Lol.  It was more of a struggle then anything. Why they do not have a simple tab on the little plastic is nuts. I am sure I am not the only one who struggled with that silly little thing.  Then...there was the frustrations of poking the hole in the plastic to make the vent work in the cap. I tried with a pen and just finding the  top if the bag was the biggest issue until I decided to switch tools. I found a pick that is used for picking nuts out of a shell, and instead of going up thru the opening of the bag, I went straight thru the hole in the cap to pierce the cap. Then it was a breeze. A little trial and error yes! But I had to wait until this morning to try the newly designed bag. Rose was nuts all day yesterday and all night. I feel like a zombie right now. Bag is changed over, Rose is quiet and no even a blip of gas!  Maybe I should eat some bread! I know that creates gas for me.  I would like to ask something here.  I had trouble cutting the hole for my stoma. So glad your video instructed measuring that space often. I used to do that once every ten bags! No wonder I had a major amount of leaks and skin burns. The vents... I found that the mistake I made was, I forgot to turn the bag a bit, to angle it the way I wear it, so I messed up the hole, too tired.  Bag direction learned from you also!Have you ever messed up the cut and if so, what did you glue the gas cap onto another bag with once you cut it off the bag you messed up with?  Anyone else have an answer that worked here. I dread another public display of output, odor and a public bathroom change! Thanks in advance.

Linda 

Linda


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
Admin
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Posted by: Linda Knelsen

It did say in the instructions not to use a pre-packed alcohol swab...for whatever reason? I was feeling a bit confused.

Prepacked swabs tend to have other ingredients in them that would interfere with the adhesive, so those should not be used. 

In reading the instructions it said to use this on the bag until the gloss disappears.

The gloss should disappear, but I don't think it's completely necessary that it does. 

Why they do not have a simple tab on the little plastic is nuts. I am sure I am not the only one who struggled with that silly little thing. 

It might be worth contacting the company with that suggestion! Seems like a nice feature to have. 

Then...there was the frustrations of poking the hole in the plastic to make the vent work in the cap. I tried with a pen and just finding the  top if the bag was the biggest issue until I decided to switch tools.

If you are really careful, I recommend very pointy nail cutting scissors. It will make clean holes but you have to be careful not to puncture the bag! 

Have you ever messed up the cut and if so, what did you glue the gas cap onto another bag with once you cut it off the bag you messed up with?  

I tend to just start over if I screw something up. I find that trying to correct things will often just lead to more problems. 

 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@dogtalkerer)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 315
 

well thats interesting.  seems nothing stops the colostomy stoma when it wants to expel something.  its force is rather impressive.  the colostomy gas has lots of moisture, really unavoidable if you re-read your chemistry book.  the smell even permeates the  bag itself and sticks to clothing. thats my signal to replace bag if it stays on that long.

I wonder what bag you use?  I see some and have no idea how you could keep the end clean.  for me the coloplast sensura line is the easiest to clean and therefore use as a vent.

long ago i looked into ez vents.    I did develop a clip that helped keep filters working past the first nights sleep.  Coloplast was interested enough to build a proto type, their plastic clip could not work as well as the metal one I built.

jp

 


   
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(@liaelena)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 12
 

Hi Dona,  Very good explanation how to use/place the EZ vents.  I wear a Hollister, precut, one piece pouch snd use the EZ vent.   It works wonderful.   Am a kind if a newbie, but thanks to Erics and his awesome site, I have learned soooo much since my emergency iliestomy in Dec 2015.  Unfortunately, like 49% ostomates are discharged from Hospitals with very little knowledge of what to expect.  I acquired the dreadful C diff Virus presumable (  lol, no attorney here) . Acquired after having a very simple outpatient procedure, and having been in antibiotics.  Ended with an Iliestomy and cholectomy.  Am doing good now, but was very difficult to accept it.  

But after seeing all of your wonderful people with serious conditions and how brave you are,  am more acceptable of my condition.  Sorry, went to long.  

My best wishes to all of you,   Liaelena

 


   
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