what system works best for u?

I know its saturday and the boards are usually slow but I'm going home from the hospital today and I know nothing about systems besides what iv read. The nurses here seem very uninformed. So my plan is to go home and get online so I can call some companies and request samples. I was wondering:

What system works best for you?

When u call to order samples do u ask for a specific amount?

Do u get samples of accessories such as gas treatments or odor reducers?

Has anyone tried the convatec adhesive two piece appliances that stick instead of snap?

How long should it take to get them?

That's great that you are going home! You will feel so much better recuperating at home (I hate hospital food)

I use the same system as Cecilia and am very comfortable with it as well (I was able to get mini enclosed bags for swimming/intimacy and I just pop one on and when I need a bigger bag, change the bag). I also use peroxide for odor, but only if I'm going out in public.

I went to Coloplast and Hollister and requested samples of both one piece and two piece appliances longer and shorter bags. Other things that you might want to request that you will need:

paste
adhesive remover wipes
stomahesive powder
barrier wipes/spray
eakin seals

Sometimes at J-pouch.org people will post to give away supplies because they no longer need them. Most are willing to ship to your house for you. My supplier is Edgepark and you can call your insurance company to find out which supplier you should go through to order supplies.

All of these things were done for me through the hospital and it really irritates me that they are putting you out there without any help! I would surely send a letter to the hospital administrator and let them know that this should be done for ostomy/urostomy/wound care patients. At least you have this forum with seasoned veterans that can help you and we are all more than happy to help with any questions that you may have, there are no stupid questions here!

Welcome home, get your rest, enjoy home cooked food, drink plenty, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it!

Theresa

Great News!!! Glad to hear that you are on your way home already. You will probably be pretty tired the first couple of days just from using extra energy being at home. Don't overdo it. Most importantly, please, please be sure that you are drinking lots of fluids. How's the stoma output now?

I use Convatec products -- 2 pc Surfit Flexible wafer and 12" opaque bags (I just fold them up inside my panty and then I have the extra space when needed at night, and if not needed, it stays folded.) I also use the Eakin Seals now and wouldn't be without them. Definitely use adhesive remover wipes so skin isn't so traumatized when changing wafers. I also have to use a convex insert ring inside of the flange of the wafer --- you probably don't need that tho. I have used this Convatec system since I was released from the hospital in 1984!! I too prefer the 2 pc systems so that I can better see when applying the wafer around the stoma. The bag can be hard to attach if your abdomen is still tender. (saw advice on here to use liquid soap around where the bag snaps on - great idea!)

Amey recommended the Convatec Durahesive Wafer since it does not require cutting or the paste or even the Eakin Seal most likely -- it "turtlenecks" around the stoma automatically. Great system but it is a little costly. Might be worth requesting samples tho til you feel more confident changing your bag/wafer. It really cuts out some time during the changing process.

One of the best times to change is first thing in the morning right out of bed before the stoma becomes active. That is my preference. I prepare my stuff the night before so I don't have to cut my wafer while I am still half asleep!!!

One other tidbit - IMO only... everyone is different in their changing process. I personally use VIVA paper towels to clean around the stoma. One to soap up, one to rinse off, and one to dry well -- they don't shred and you can just pitch them. Some folks just use wash cloths, towels; some use those gauze pads... After 23 years, I still prefer just a good soft heavy paper towel that I can pitch. One roll lasts a long time too and it is very reasonable. I also use Neutrogena unscented bar soap to wash with because it does not leave any type of film on your skin.

Again, these are only my recommendations.. you may already have your own system in place; others may have a better idea. Just throwing the ideas out there for you.

You are doing so well -- please feel free to ask any question you may have. We are here to support you in your recovery.

Do you have any Gas-X you can take? It helps make the gas pain go away.

When you call your insurance company, ask them if they have a contract with any of the ostomy suppliers. I found out that Aetna has a contract with Sterling Medical, and all of my supplies are 100% covered.

Do you have any family members who can stay with you for a couple of days? It helps to have someone there to bring you something to drink and cook some food for you until you get your energy back.

Take care,
Cecilia

Praying,
Remember to eat low residue foods and chew your food really well, are you eating enough? I too had sharp pains on my sides for the first week after I got home, couldn't sleep on either side, had to sleep on my back but the pains go away. Try to get up and walk throughout the day to keep the gas pains at bay.

When I change my appliance I take everything off and jump in the shower and soap up and rise well, I love the feeling of the shower on my skin. I was told that you can eat a couple small marshmallows and that will slow things down. I keep paper towels nearby at all times and have never had an explosive mess while putting on a new appliance, just make sure that your skin is dry.

I know you'll recover so much faster now that you're home and don't worry about things around the house, the more help you can get the better, don't be afraid to ask friends and family. You need your rest.

Welcome Home!
Theresa

you will get used to the smell, it grossed me out at first too, but once you start eating more regulary, the smell will not be the same. Pineapple and peaches make it smell much better, they come out smelling like they went in!
A good way to check for smell is to get in the bed, clothes off, curl up in the fetal position and pull the blanket up over your head. I don't really suggest doing that right now, wait until you have healed a little, but it is really easy to tell that way! unless you have a hole though, you should not ever smell anything.
If you keep getting grossed out about it, just work in a restuant for a week or so, nothing will ever gross you out again, LOL!
You also may want to try spraying some air freshner in the room before you empty, or putting some mouthwash IN the toilet, i know that sounds weird, but when you sit down you will smell that.

Hey there - YAY for being home!

When I first got home, I felt much the same way you do. I had HORRIBLE pains, like gas. One time I even had my Dad drive me halfway to the hospital, but then it passed so we turned around. But that really does get better. I haven't had pain like that in twow months, at least. And Maximum strentgh GAS-X did help, so definitely try that. It's easier to bear I think, if you know that this isn't a permanent side effect of an ostomy. It's just a part of healing from the surgery. Same with feeling everything that passes. In the beginning, I was hypersensitive to it. Now, I don't usually feel anything at all. Sometimes, if the output is super thick, or if I've been eating oranges (LOL), then I can feel it passing. but it's never more than slightly uncomfortable. Usually it's just like, hey, I can feel that!

AS for smell, that , too, is worse in the beginning. I used to have to try to change and empty while holding a towel over my nose, otherwise, I'd gag. I got a tip on here to use Hydrogen peroxide in the bag, and that helped a lot. But now, I'm so used to it, that I don't even bother with that. I use a spray freshner if I'm in someone else's bathroom, but that's about it. And Summer is right about the covers thing - that's a good way to check. I caught a small leak that way, 'cause I smelled a little something, and I knew that was off!

You're still doing really great!