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cheap supplies and free samples

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Ostomies
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Posted 10/12/2013 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
I do not have insurance and am low income.

I have called Hollister and asked them to send me the application for their patient assistance program, but they say that will take a couple weeks to get approved for that, at which time they will send me 3 months of supplies for free. Of course, i only get what they choose to send me, not necessarily what I will need/want.

In the meantime, I am down to my last wafer/bag. I replaced it today and I have one more, so I need to get some to get me through.

Any tips on websites or companies that will send me samples?

My ostomy nurse gave me a few at the hospital out of her closet, but sadly 3 of the bags she sent didn't match the wafers she sent.

TIA!
Posted 10/12/2013 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Do you qualify for Medicaid?

All of the major supply companies will send you free samples. If I were you I would call and ask for samples but NOT mention the patient assistance piece... they send samples hoping you will switch to buying their brand, so there's no need to mention that you don't have insurance right now. If there's anything you particularly like or need or want, you can mention that when you call "Hey, I heard a lot of good things about the Eakin Rings, could you send me a few samples of those?" that kind of thing. Unfortunately they don't ship that quickly, it will definitely take at least a few days...
Posted 10/14/2013 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
Try this organization, Ostogroup, who sends free supplies to people without insurance: https://www.ostogroup.org/ You can choose what to order.

The other major companies are convatec and coloplast if you want to try to get some samples from them.

Hope you get something soon -- that's very stressful.
Posted 10/14/2013 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
THanks for the tips. I do NOT qualify for Medicaid, despite having 4 kids, a disabled husband and low enough income. Wanna know why? Because I am MARRIED.

I know, it sounds unbelievable, but I have applied every 6 mos for the last 7 yrs (At the same time as I apply for (and get) food stamps.)
Posted 10/15/2013 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
cheap supplies = ebay

keep a watchful eye out for your favorites and snag them up cheap
Posted 10/15/2013 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
I have gone through numerous sizes and types of pouches since my first surgery last year. I actually have a number of bits and pieces I've been wondering what to do with. I would like to send you a private message about this, but I can't seem to. If you'd like to email me, I'd be happy to send you a list of what I have. :)
Posted 10/16/2013 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Kc70, your email is unavailable too! you can email me at [email protected] I see you are in British Columbia. i am in US....is mailing international going to be a hassle?

This did get me to thinking though: I have some bags taht were given to me that don't match any wafers that I have. Maybe we should start a board that would be for just this purpose? Is there a need for that? It could be only for things FREE or FFS (Free for Shipping).
Posted 10/16/2013 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
It occurred to me that this forum might discourage any kind of "trade" among members, even if no money changed hands. Anyway, sorry you couldn't email me, I'll make a list and email you with what I've got. Happy to help!

No, international mailing is not an issue. Also, I am in the US frequently, so could use domestic mail :)

GrandviewAcres said...
Kc70, your email is unavailable too! you can email me at [email protected] I see you are in British Columbia. i am in US....is mailing international going to be a hassle?

This did get me to thinking though: I have some bags taht were given to me that don't match any wafers that I have. Maybe we should start a board that would be for just this purpose? Is there a need for that? It could be only for things FREE or FFS (Free for Shipping).

Posted 10/16/2013 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Well, that's a shame. Seems like it would be a nice thing to have for the group. :(
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