Ostomy Products

Suppliers

Finding the right type of ostomy supplies is an essential element for living well with an ostomy. After surgery we leave the hospital wearing a particular brand of ostomy equipment. Many people stay with their initial brand and live happily. However, there is more than one manufacturer of ostomy supplies, as well as more than one way to purchase them. Your (WOC) ET nurse is good source of information for new products and for supplier recommendations.

Your choice of both product type and place of purchase is limited only by your personal requirements, and in some cases, by your type of medical insurance. Medicare and many HMOs will impose certain restrictions on the purchase of ostomy supplies. If you are on Medicare, an important consideration in choosing a supplier is whether they accept Medicare assignment. Always check with your insurance carrier to determine the details of your insurance. Also review Insurance Issues on this.

Selection Considerations, Problems, and Customized Options.

Here are some tips to remember when choosing your type of ostomy supplies:

--Always consult with your ostomy nurse first for information and recommendations for your particular situation.

--Remember that every person is different and you need to find what works best for you.

--You should feel free to experiment with different manufacturers of the same product or different types of products. Call the manufacturer’s toll free 800 number and request product samples, or ask your supplier for a sample.

--Check with your supplier for suggestions for new products. Ask if they have an ostomy nurse or other knowledgeable staff available to answer questions.

How to Handle Problems.

Problems with your pouching systems generally split into two categories:

Problem: Defective product - e.g., pinholes or tears in pouch material, broken tail clips, damaged flanges/wafers.

Solution: Contact either the manufacturer or the place of purchase. Request either a refund and/or a replacement product. Write down the lot numbers from the box and return it for new products.

Problem: Incompatibility - e.g., an allergy to the tape or materials in the wafer or pouch, leakage due to the wafer not sticking or developing after weight change, etc.

Solution: Contact your ostomy nurse for trouble-shooting the exact cause, and for finding a better system. If you find you’ve recently purchased a large amount of a particular product that is no longer appropriate for you, contact the place of purchase for their policies on exchanges or credit. They often will also suggest alternative products to try on a no obligation basis.

Custom-Fitted Pouching Systems

It is sometimes necessary for individuals to have ostomy products (usually the wafer) custom-fitted for their particular situation Ask your ostomy nurse for recommendations.

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