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 Where do I get my supplies?
- Please check with your insurance provider and see what their procedure requires about getting your supplies.
- All local pharmacies can order supplies for you. You may have to pay first, then submit paperwork to your insurer to get reimbursed.
- There are multiple mail order companies that have ostomy equipment. They will often take "assignment" for you, which means they will bill your insurer for you.
What can I do to increase the wear time on my pouches?
- Sometimes just a slight change in equipment or technique can increase wear time.
- Try an extended wear product or maybe a convex system will increase wear time.
- The application of an ostomy belt might give added support for the pouch to increase wear time.
- Make an appointment with your local ostomy nurse for helpful suggestions.
Why has my stoma gotten smaller after my surgery?
- The stoma is quite swollen immediately after it is made in surgery. This is normal.
- The size of the stoma will continue to decrease in size up to 6 weeks past your surgery date.
- The stoma should always be a pink to deep red color.
What should I do if I notice a change in my bowel habits?
- Fiber can treat either diarrhea or constipation.
- Diarrhea can be slowed down by eating foods that contain starch, for example: breads, pretzels, potatoes, cheese, or bananas.
- Constipation can often be corrected by increasing water intake and increasing mobility.
Should I worry if there's blood on my cleaning cloth?
- No, a small amount of blood is normal as you clean over the stoma. Contact you doctor if you see any actual blood in your pouch because this is probably not normal.
Will I still be able to go out to activities?
- Yes, ostomates continue to do most of the usual activities they did prior to their surgery.
Will people be able to smell me?
- No, the current pouching systems are odor-proof and ostomates do not "smell" as long as they have a good seal on the wafer and they have cleaned the pouch tail well after emptying.
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This web site is geared to new ostomates as well as those individuals who have had their ostomy for many years.
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