I went to a class to learn about my new friend.
I was wondering if there is a better brand of ostomy stuff to use? The nurse said to not use any powders or such with the bag but I think I read somewhere on these boards that you do...do you?
Also, I like the idea of using a belt to keep it in place while I go to work so it is not just hanging. Do those belts work? I don't mind the 50 bucks for it(even if use it only for a few months) as long as they work.
13 days to go - Yippee!

Dave,

Everyone has their favorite ostomy brand/supplies. So you're probably going to get a varied answer. I used Hollister products because:
1. That's who the hospital used before I went home
2. They will send you plenty of free samples (of most anything) upon request
3. Their supplies seemed to work well for me

When I had some problems, I ended up with things from several companies.

My ET nurse said she operates on the KISS principle (Keep It Simple). The less stuff you find you have to use with your ostomy, the better. So, the only powder I used was the Convatec Stomahesive powder - when I would have skin that was red and irritated. It keeps the skin dry and lets it heal amazingly quickly.

I never used the belt. People who do/did really like it. In a 2 piece system, the belt attaches at the top of the wafer - not the bag - so the bag still "hangs." It's more to secure the wafer with a 2 piece. With a 1 piece, it would hold the wafer of the 1 piece down.

Hope that helps.

Just to toss in I agree with what he said exactly; However, I use the belt and IT DOES attach to the bag on the 2 piece not the wafer. It doenst cost $50.00. I get them for 8 bucks and they last forever.
The ET nurse will be your life line. My first week or 2 was hard to get what works and how to do things. After that I never ever had an issue and life was great. You will get to a point where you will hate it (first week or 2) then it will hit you - Hey,this isnt to bad!
I too use all holister supplies (thats what they gave me in hospital and they sent me a ton of free stuff and still do) and I like it. However, they are all good and what works for you may be different.
Again, I def think you should use the belt it it wonderful and it DOES ATTACH to the bag piece not waffer.

I was looking on the internet and found these belts...they were around 50.00
http://www.ostomysolutions.com/
Are these the ones to use?

Here is just one site that has ostomy belts for much less: http://ostomycaresupply.safeshopper.com/442/cat442.htm?875

You should also stop on by the "Ostomy & Skin" forum here and browse around. I think you'll find that you might have to hunt and peck for the perfect system for you. Or maybe not. Maybe you'll have the perfect ileostomy from the beginning. Yes, that's it.

kathy

Dave,

Tell me more about this class, I didn't know that they offered classes! I feel a bit in the dark, but I go in 3 days before my surgery (July 6) to have my stoma marking with the nurse. I wonder if I should be looking for a class, hmmm...

Also, I've been wanting to ask if anyone has advice about stoma placement? I hear that placement of it is everything for being comfortable, or do I just trust the nurse for the best placement.

Thanks!

I have learned more on this site than I did at the "class". I met with the ostomy nurse who is part of a 3 or 4 person group at IU who help people get adjusted to the bag.
She took a look at my stomache and showed me where the stoma is going to be and where the bag is going to hang. I was lucky in that I was the only one there so I asked all kinds of stupid questions, got to see the bag ect. and it only took 30 min or so.
I am sure I am going to get better tips on this site on day to day use.

Hey Dave -

Here is the "belt" I use:

http://www.ostomysupportsystem.com/

It's similar to the one you posted the link for, but is fabric and not platic (at least the picture of yours looked plastic). I LOVE this - I've had my temp. illeostomy for about 7 months now and have used this since day one. I wear whatever clothes I want and have no trouble emptying the bag. I even sleep with this baby on.

Now, I have found that a lot of people on this site either haven't heard of or seen belts like this, so there's not a lot of "positives" about them that are posted. But if I were you, I would try it. If you don't like it, then you don't have to use it. And, my insurance company paid for 3 of them for me, so they cost me nothing. Hopefully you could get the same deal.

Good luck!
Lisa

Hi Lisa R.,

This belt looks really nice, thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, could I ask why you have had the temp ileostomy for 7 months and not yet using the j pouch? I'm seeing so many different dates between surgeries and takedowns, and I was just curious.

Thanks, Mark

Kathy,
Thanks for the ostomy forum tip. I never scrolled that far down the discussion page list and did not realize there was one

Lisa,
That is exactly what I was looking for. I have Aetna and they pay 90% for my supplies so that will work out well.
Thanks everybody!
David

Hi Dave -

Good luck - I really hope that belt works for you. I just can't say it enough how much I love having mine.

Hi Mark -

I've had my temp for 7 months for two reasons:

1) I had to have the three-step plan; I was too sick to have my colon removed and pouch created at the same time, so step one was in December 06 and step 2 in March 07. My surgeon firmly believes in waiting three months between surgeries, so at a minimum, I was looking at 6 months.

2) I (we / surgeon) thought I might have a fistula. Did lots of extra testing, and ultimately, no fistula, so that added a month to things.

Take down is now scheduled for July 16th - I couldn't be happier or more excied.

For me personally, I didn't mind waiting so long between surgeries; I honestly don't know if my body could have handled doing it any faster (I'm down 40 pounds now - 5' 10" and 125 pounds - pretty skinny).

Good luck!
Lisa

Dave--if you want to experiment with different products, most of the ostomy supply manufacturers will mail you free samples. Many have nurses available by phone to help determine which products you might want to try. I found the ones at ConvaTec to be most helpful. Here is a page that lists most of the companies and their phone numbers:
http://www.uoaa.org/ostomy_info/suppliers.shtml

Hi connie,
Funny you should mention that. I called convatec yesterday and they are shipping me all kinds of stuff. I have a lot of free time on my hands right now so I figured I might as well learn as much as I can before the bag arrives. I have been on STD since late may awaiting the surgery so I have been pretty bored lately now that little league is coming to a close.

I had the belt and honestly, it wasn't very secure. It didn't do anything, actually.

I used the two piece by Hollister. The bag had a lock and roll system (plastic velcro). I liked using the belt. I ordered supplies from Edgepark.com. The belt was $8-10 at the most.

Edgepark also sells underwear with a pocket for the bag. I LOVED it. It kept the bag off my skin and held it close to my body so I didn't feel like it was going to explode while walking to the bathroom. And if anything popped out at my belt line all you could see was the underwear. I don't know if they make them for men. I can't see why not.

They make them for left or right pouches, different colors and fabrics. However, I'm sure you wouldn't want the lacy crotchless ones like the ladies can order.