Hi all,

My first step of two (hopefully) is scheduled for November 23. Are there any supplies for managing the ostomy that I should buy before going to hospital, so they will be there when I get home?

I already have a few rolls of Bounty.

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

I wouldn't actually go to the expense of buying supplies just yet because you really don't know what your needs will be until you have your stoma. Your stoma nurse will probably point you in the right direction as to what you'll need while you are in hospital and will send you home with a some appliances and accessories to tide you over a few days.

However, in the meantime I would go to a few of the supplier's web sites and order some samples, (Convatec and Coloplast are always very obliging) that way you will be able to try different systems to find one that suits you.

Good luck for the 23rd.

P.S. I thought that you guys in Canada got your ostomy supplies free like we do here in the Channel Islands and UK?

Take care.

Shell

Hi Shell,

I don't know what is free and what isn't! I meet the ET nurse next week; that'll be a good question. However, my insurance should cover most of my expenses.

When I called Convatec about a sample a few months ago, they suggested I wait until after the surgery so I'll know what size my stoma is.

I forgot to mention in the first post ... I also bought a moustache trimmer. Hopefully that will make removing the skin barrier a little less painful!

Kevin