Hi, I am new to the ostomy world. Three weeks out. I'm currently using the Hollister bag but would love to try different options. So I'm looking to find out where I would get free samples of different types so that I know what I like more going forward.
Dlynn
Sep 12, 2021 3:56 pm
xnine
Sep 12, 2021 4:09 pm
They each have websites. Coloplast, Convatec, Hollister, Salts is British so maybe not, Marlin. Those are all I can think of.
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Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
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And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
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Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
Bill
Sep 12, 2021 5:47 pm
Hello Dlynn.
I would say try them all! They will send samples if you ask, but when I first started, I went to a couple of stoma get togethers, where most of the manufacturers had stands and where giving out samples. This was a great way to meet people to ask questions of and to come away with a carrier bag full of 'goodies'.
Best wishes
Bill
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TerryLT
Sep 12, 2021 8:02 pm
You can order free samples through the websites of all the ostomy manufacturers, or at least I think you can. You might have to call some, but they would have a 1-800 number. They are all pretty happy to send out samples as they want your future business!
Terry
PghQueen
Sep 13, 2021 12:07 am
https://www.convatec.com/forms/request-samples-global/?campaign=intimacylandingpage#
Free sample page for Convatec
My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister
Past Member
Sep 14, 2021 3:22 am
Ok, it has been 3 1/2 months since my Hartman's procedure for perforated diverticulitis. I had emergency surgery, so I was not expecting a colostomy bag attached to my stomach. Because I did not have enough vascular supply, I did not get a rosebud; it just looks like a baby anus. It is flush with my skin, and everyone who has seen it says it will be hard to maintain. I have been given Hollister, ConvaTec, and now am trying Coloplast. I really like Coloplast the best. The material layer on the outside is really nice and not plastic feeling with a crinkle sound. I am using the convex 2-piece click. I cut the hole a tad bigger than take a ring or at least 1/2 of one, roll it into a fat string, and run it around the opening. It still leaks underneath but has stopped at the ring mostly. I am not having to change 2-3 times a day, which I had to do with both ConvaTec and Hollister. I was given more bags than barriers, so instead of trying to clean it, I bag it and toss it. I have seen the closed pouches and wondered if they are supposed to be used then bagged. It sure would make it simpler, especially when going or doing something and don't want to empty all the time. Gonna ask my nurse about that part. Sure took down my stress level thinking of toss n go.
Linda
Dlynn
Sep 14, 2021 12:03 pm
Thank you for your information. I am currently using the Hollister bag. I don't have any issues with leaks at this time. I did order some free samples from Coloplast and another type. Mine is a one-piece unit. I did try a Coloplast bag in the hospital and I did like that it didn't hang so far down.
I am still home recovering and I am wondering how to dress going forward. I have always worn the low-rise pants and shorts. So a little concerned about how I will dress.
Deanna
Past Member
Sep 14, 2021 10:39 pm
I am in the same boat of not knowing what to wear when leaving to shop or whatever. At home, it is easy. I live in a senior community of 25 units, mostly female, so wearing my kaftans and cute lounge pajamas is easy. My sister (twin) gave me a couple of tunic tops. My capris are wasted right at the stoma site, so I pull the front down under the stoma. Not a comfortable solution. I have wondered if they have maternity pants in plus size. I have no clue as to what to wear. If you find any helpful sites, please let me know. Now, for low rise pants, some people use ostomy covers. Not sure how much better that would look.