Posted 5/28/2007 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, sounds like the pouches themselves are ripping. Be careful with them, they're tough but not indestructable. If you have a defective box of pouches, call Convatec and have them send you a replacement box, the number should be on the box.
I just did that because my closed end pouches with the cloth cover were getting all stringy and yucky on the outside, the cover part was falling apart. The guy at Convatec tried to tell me that other customers were just cutting the covers off and using them anyway. I let him have an earful, told him to send me a new box and that they are too expensive to be cutting up, and I want what I paid for, a pouch with a cloth cover. Sheesh. Usually their customer service is great, so don't be intimidated.
M9 is now made (or owned) by Hollister, it's a bottle of blue liquid that you squirt in your pouch every time you empty it, and whaalaa, no odor. Works great, just make sure you use enough. I think the directions call for so many drops, but I just squirt it in. Play around with it, it can get a little expensive so don't use too much. The insurance should also pay for it. They also come in little bottles, I forget the size, but they are perfect for putting one in your pocket or purse for when you're out, and you just hold onto the bottles and refill them from the 8oz. bottles.
I use a protective skin barrier wipe each time I change my flange. It protects your skin from the adhesives on the flange, and makes it easier to peel off without peeling your skin off. I take mine off before I shower, clean everything in the shower, put on afterwards. My favorite skin barrier wipes are the 3-M brand, but Smith & Nephew also has a good wipe, either will do. I like the no-sting because if you do have an accident, your skin can get a little burned from the stool, and the no-sting doesn't put me through the roof when I change ;0)
As far as your supplies each month, make sure your supplier gets a "prescription" from your doctor for up to twice as many boxes of supplies (not just the pouches and flanges, everything) that you'll need each month. That way, if you have any problems, you can order more the next month without having to wait for paperwork to go through. Your insurance makes them get a prescription from the doctor. It's also good to order a little extra every month, just in case. Also be aware that some insurances have a yearly cap, or a co-pay, so find out in the beginning, and watch what you order, it can add up fast and you can run out of benefits before the year is up or end up owing your supplier a lot of money if they don't keep track.