Supplies, No insurance.

I am changing the wafer every 3 days... And thank you so much ladies and gents... I can't even begin to describe how grateful I am to you all.

I was going to suggest that as well. I just spoke with ConvaTek, and since I wanted to try two different sizes, they are sending out four of each... you could do that with a couple different companies and get enough to last quite a while.

arox- we're glad to help a fellow ostomate in need! I cannot imagine going through what you are, it is incredibly unethical.

You mentioned you are currently using Coloplast. Would you be up to trying others such as ConvaTec, Hollister, Marlen, etc? If so, your options are going to be much larger.

In addition to asking for supplies from all those that have been mentioned, try your GI and/or your Colorectal surgeon. Most should have supplies on hand. You can also try to see out many differen wound care/ostomy nurses. They normally love giving out supplies.

As your stoma is still shrinking in size, you will have to definitely play with different products and make them fit, especially in this crappy situation. Also, as your stoma shrinks, all of us here should be more likely to provide you with extras supplies as our sizes will all be closer in size.

Lastly, I know you mentioned you are not using many products, but could you possibly list them for all of us who may be able to contribute? Two piece bag? Adhesive remover? I'm sure you will not want to keep repeating yourself in emails.

I don't even have a copay on ostomy supplies, but they have to understand - especially in the beginning - that we are trying out different types to find what works best, which is what I'm doing. If a prescription doesn't work right, they don't say " Oh you've already got one prescription for that, so no more"... The doc writes a different prescription for you to fill and you try something else, even if you still have the other one left. Although it does seem in this case there should be some sort of limit.... They have to accomodate for those of us who need to change appliances more frequently, but I can't imagine you'd be able to order totally limitless supplies, like say ten times more than one person could possibly use... so I'm not sure on that end. Either way I don't think it would be a penalty, more likely they would just stop covering the cost at some point.

Just letting everyone know... I just now sent her enough supplies that should last her into January: wafers, bags, clips, paste, drops, belt, etc. I sent them priority so they will arrive in a couple days (before her current supplies run out).

What I was NOT able to include is stoma powder or barrier wipes. Not sure if she uses those or needs them, but if anyone else has extras of those to mail her, that would be awesome.

Amy, if your stoma continues shrinking down to around an inch, then I might be able to send you more supplies at my take-down, which should cover you until YOUR take-down. Either way, between all that and the samples you should be able to get from the companies, you should be good to go.

I went to the post office today and mailed a package priority mail and you should have it 3-4 days.

We ostomates and colon-less gotta stick together!! ;-)

I'm looking for one of those funny lines that say "We put the..... in.......", to insert here. We all understand how difficult something like supplies can be for someone that just had surgery and adding on the holidays and no insurance that is an incredibly difficult/frustrating situation. It really is wonderful that communities like these can come together to help those in need. Ostomates aren't just full of poop, but of love! :)

Amy....get back to us when you have a chance to evaluate what you have and what you still need. At anytime, now or before you run out of supplies (as your needs for different sized wafers, etc. may change), let us know and we'll help you with anything else you need. I'm in a giving mood, as it is the holidays, and would love to contribute! :)

Try Dura Med 850-6752448 cheaper than Edgepark and I don't even have to pay my 20%. Ask for Tabatha. The folks at my Ostomy Meeting turned me on to them my supplies are shipped from Hollister. Hope it helps.

Amy, do you still need more? I use the coloplast 15608 and could send you some. I haven't been on the forum in the last few days, so missed your post when it first went up.... sounds like maybe you have what you need.

So sorry you've had to go through this, but so glad that you got help. The way we do health care in this country is sometimes infuriating.

Hang in.