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how to cut costs on my ostomy supplies

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Posted 11/12/2014 12:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi peeps,

Right now I'm looking for a way to cut costs on my ostomy supplies without giving up the quality. The Ontario government apparently gives me $600 per year. I figure the supplies I use now and where I get them from locally will cost about $3000 a year which leaves me covering $2400 a year. That is a lot for my income of minimum wage.

I use a 2 piece system which I like and works well..

I use a Hollister #14803 convex flange which is the biggest cost at $80 for a box of 5. I use at least 2 of them per week.

I don't even know if I need a convex flange anymore, that's just what they started me out with in the Hospital after my Ileostomy and right now it seems to work well for me but I think I am paying extra for it. My stoma protrudes about an inch out from my stomach now or atleast pretty close to that

The next biggest think is the filter, drainable, clamp pouches. Hollister #18123 at about $40 for a box of 10.

Does anybody know where I can get the same products cheaper online or even in-store ?? Preferably Canadian location but not necessarily.

Or alternatives that are the same ideas with different companies but cost less ?? Please give me a price on what you pay so I have an idea!! Lol :-)

I just afraid to change something that's working for me and doesn't affect my skin. I've read where some products affect other peoples skin/bodies differently..

Thanks,
Dash

Post Edited (Dashin) : 11/12/2014 5:09:02 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/12/2014 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Where are you in Ontario? If you can scoot across the border there are a couple of suppliers that are cheaper in the US (although with the dollar, may not be the same anymore). I would call Hollister and get a flat flange and see how you do with that if you aren't certain you need the convexity anymore.

I have ordered from www.canmeddirect.ca and they are excellent to deal with. I have additional coverage for my supplies thru work so I just get mine from a local supplier in Ottawa.

K
Posted 11/13/2014 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thank You, canmeddirect.ca is definitely cheaper and looks like free shipping as well :-)
Posted 11/13/2014 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
I also order online for my ostomy undergarments at ostomycares.com and the dvd tutorial is a great help for my stoma maintenance. By the way, the company is based in Quebec.
Posted 11/13/2014 11:04 AM (GMT 0)
Dashin, they are very good to deal with on the phone and online! Good luck!
Posted 11/14/2014 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Dashin, where in Ontario are you located? I'm in Ottawa and have a box of 9 18123 bags given to me while I was still receiving home care. I find them extremely uncomfortable, I'm only 5'2" and they felt like they hung to my knees! Also, I have 5 or 6 of the flat (non-convex) flanges that go with them -- these are the red sizes, and I recently shrank to the green sizes. I had these flat ones before I got a proper ostomy nurse, who moved me into the convex flanges. they are substantially more expensive than the flat ones, and I too have wondered if I could try the flat ones again, a lot of the post surgery ridges and furrows have smoothed out, but I was having such frequent failures with the flat ones, I am reluctant to risk the change. That period was a nightmare.

One thing I noticed from the stock number you quoted for the flange is that it is the "flextend" model rather than the "flexwear". The flextend are supposed to last longer, but both nurses I have seen said most people don't need them. I get 5-6 days with the flexwear, which is around $4 cheaper per unit than the flextend.

Anyway, if you'd like to have my bags, and maybe try the flat flanges, I'd be happy to send them to you. And don't forget to save all your receipts for tax time, you can probably get a pittance back through the medical deduction -- you can include prescriptions, dental work, and a bunch of other things, though the deductible is high and the tax credit is stingy.

Ann (in Ottawa)
Posted 11/14/2014 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
I'm in Arnprior Ann, about 40 minutes away from you :-)

Lol!! Now you got me wondering if I even want to try the flat nonconvex ones now. But they are half the price of the convex which makes me wonder. I don't really have any problems with the convex except price.

One thing I have found now though is CanMedDirect.ca has the cheapest Hollister prices so far and shipping was free on a $166 order. Not sure if there is a certain amount you have to spend to get free shipping or not.

So I take it that its a 14403 your using?? That's a hell of a lot cheaper. They are $48.13 for a box of 5 with canmeddirect.ca. I guess I will definitely have to try them as well if I want to stay with the convex type.

Yes I think I am staying with the 18123 pouches. I'm 5'4 but I can imagine using anything smaller. What # are you using ??
Posted 11/14/2014 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
How come you dont buy supplies off ebay? Very easy to find supplies at 1/3 to 1/2 price of retail.
Posted 11/14/2014 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
Ann and Dashin, I am in Russell but work in Ottawa! Perhaps we need to have a coffee sometime! I am still off work from surgery!

I will add my email to my profile and if you want to get in touch, send me an email!

Kelly
Posted 11/14/2014 3:25 PM (GMT 0)

AnnC said...
Dashin, where in Ontario are you located? I'm in Ottawa and have a box of 9 18123 bags given to me while I was still receiving home care. I find them extremely uncomfortable, I'm only 5'2" and they felt like they hung to my knees! Also, I have 5 or 6 of the flat (non-convex) flanges that go with them -- these are the red sizes, and I recently shrank to the green sizes. I had these flat ones before I got a proper ostomy nurse, who moved me into the convex flanges. they are substantially more expensive than the flat ones, and I too have wondered if I could try the flat ones again, a lot of the post surgery ridges and furrows have smoothed out, but I was having such frequent failures with the flat ones, I am reluctant to risk the change. That period was a nightmare.

One thing I noticed from the stock number you quoted for the flange is that it is the "flextend" model rather than the "flexwear". The flextend are supposed to last longer, but both nurses I have seen said most people don't need them. I get 5-6 days with the flexwear, which is around $4 cheaper per unit than the flextend.

Anyway, if you'd like to have my bags, and maybe try the flat flanges, I'd be happy to send them to you. And don't forget to save all your receipts for tax time, you can probably get a pittance back through the medical deduction -- you can include prescriptions, dental work, and a bunch of other things, though the deductible is high and the tax credit is stingy.

Ann (in Ottawa)

Hi Ann, I am interested in your 18123 bags if you are not going to use them, I have made my email visible, please email me :-)

Thank you,
Darryl
Posted 11/14/2014 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Larasmom,

My email is up...
Posted 11/14/2014 3:34 PM (GMT 0)

gmark said...
How come you dont buy supplies off ebay? Very easy to find supplies at 1/3 to 1/2 price of retail.

duh, now why didn't I think of that, especially when I buy other stuff on eBay. I just picked up 2 boxes of my 14803 for $30 less !! Thanks gmark !! :-)
Posted 11/14/2014 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dashin, I have been buying my supplies on e bay for years.. I use Hollister as well, so just search by Hollister and product number. Free delivery in the USA.
I live in London so very close to Port Huron 1 hr. 15 min drive. If you don't have a USA address, you can have parcels shipped to "Blue Water Shipping Depot" and they only Charge $5.00 and are located near the bridge to Canada.. They will notify you when a parcel is in and will hold it for 90 days or longer. They are on the internet so you can look them up to get the details. These shipping address companies are at all the border crossings.
I order enough to make the trip practical and go for an enjoyable dinner and a little shopping as well. yeah
Posted 11/14/2014 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Water aster, we do the same thing in Ogdensberg and Massena! Makes for a nice day out!!
Posted 11/25/2014 5:32 AM (GMT 0)

Dashin said...
Thank You, canmeddirect.ca is definitely cheaper and looks like free shipping as well :-)

I use CanMedDirect often (I've got an order coming in today, as a matter of fact!) and they are reasonably priced, but...

Do yourself a favor and checkout www.greenshield.ca/. They cover ostomy supplies $1500, $2500 and up to $5000 depending on how long you've been with them. I pay under $70 a month for the entire family (they cover eye care too) and it's the only way I've been able to afford my supplies, since the $600 our government gives is a bit of a joke.

I have gone to Kijiji to see if anyone's giving up unwanted supplies, but I've run across some expired products that way, so be careful. I would also be careful with ordering from the US over the winter, unless you're paying a premium for express shipping. I had products sent to me last winter and the adhesives on them froze and cracked, leaving them useless.

Good luck
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