New at This Ostomy Stuff

Okay, I need help. My stupid insurance is saying that my ostomy is pre-existing, even though I just got my ostomy bag in January, so they won't cover my supplies and I'm running out. Does anyone know how to make something homemade? I need it all: the flange or wafer, the bags—these are a must. And it would be nice to be able to make homemade lubricating deodorizing stuff. Does anyone have any suggestions on here? The help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

In 5 years of being on this site, I have never heard of anyone coming up with something homemade. Don't even bother trying; it will leak, your skin will burn, and you will be in agony. There is something illogical going on here... They may be saying you had pre-existing diverticulitis, but it's pretty silly to imply a re-existing ostomy.

Yeah, I thought it was a dumb deal, but I'm out of options. I have only two weeks of supplies left, and my hospital here won't give me any more. My insurance company is still waiting on my doctors to fill out the paperwork stating it is not pre-existing, and when I call them, I get the same response: they'll get to it when they can.

Hello SDD12967.I am by nature an experimenter and so I have come up with all sorts of 'inventions' that might work for me if ever I had to pay for my own supplies. However, I tend to agree with scotiaman in that in the game of trial and error many of my experiments have been errors and unless you are willing to put up with the consequences of possible failures making stuff for yourself is largely not worth the effort. If you are the type of person to ignore this type of advice then I woud say that some of the best 'gadgets' that I have come up with have been adaptations of stuff that is already on the market in order to make the reusable. I won't go on about them here as I feel that they are tailor-made for my own requirements and are unlikely to be suitable for others. I recently sent a load of stuff to Papua New Guinea as they obviously have a problem with supplies over there. This was partly a motivation for me to try to think of ways to manage an ostomy without reliance on the present manufacturers. Some of the I've stuff I've made works - but is too 'dodgy' in terms of potential damage to recommend it to anyone else. However, I still have other ideas in the pipeline that might reduce the risks involved and still be viable. Your time and efforts would probably be best applied to your GP and ins. company rather than experimentation at this stage.Best wishes Bill

Hi, I'm just curious where you are from? I have had my ileostomy for four weeks now and all my supplies are covered for one year through a program with my hospital. Also, the Canadian government gives a grant of $600 per year to each ostomy patient. Is there by chance anything like that where you are?

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

Hi Pammer, well, in answer to your question, I am in Nova Scotia, as my name implies. I understand you are in ON. That said, if you have a hospital helping you out with supplies, I doubt it is actually the hospital, but rather an affiliated company or organization. Secondly, I have never heard of the Canadian government providing a $600 annual grant for ostomy patients. However, what they do provide, if you qualify (many ostomates do), is a disability tax credit in the $7,500.00 per annum range, but you must apply to Revenue Canada through your GP. That all said, how are you making out controlling the leaks?

Hi Pammer, I'm from the US and as far as I know, they don't do anything like that here. My hospital has covered me since January, but they won't keep supplying me.

SDD ...one thing you could do is contact the major ostomy suppliers and request samples..give them an accurate description of your type of surgery and request samples of what they would recommend, including the barrier paste/rings...they are pretty obliging.

SDD... I should have said... contact the ostomy products manufacturers... it's an important distinction!

Regarding Canadian medical grants for ostomy patients or other illnesses, each province establishes its own medical mandate. This is decided by health transfer tax payments to each province and by provincial taxes, and in part, by the party in power. Ontario does, indeed, offer ostomy patients a $600 annual grant. In Alberta, where I am from, this assistance comes in the form of Alberta Aides to Daily Living (AADL) whereby if your income falls below a certain level, you could qualify for 100% coverage for ostomy supplies. If your income is higher, there is a co-pay available. Information on the policies of each province can be found using the following link. I hope this helps. http://www.hollister.com/canada/ostomy/products/reimbursement.html

Kmed...thanks for your comments, NS has a program which will help with the cost of ostomy supplies, which varies in amount based on income...

Yes, I live in the United States, and they don't help at all. They do have companies that are income-based, but they won't help me since I have health insurance. My health insurance doesn't even make sense; they covered my ostomy surgery and hospital stay for 2 weeks, but now they won't cover my ostomy supplies until they make sure it's not pre-existing. They are still waiting on the paperwork from the hospital and doctors. This has been going on since January. I've been getting free samples from different companies to try, but I think I've been through them all by now. Well, I'm not giving up; I'll just keep trying. Thanks, everyone, for your input.

What type of supplies do you use? I tried, without success, to give some stuff away on this site... nobody responded. Message me your address and I'll put some stuff in the mail. Do not rely on the government to take care of you... they can't even balance a checkbook.

To mild_mannered_super_hero, that is so nice of you. I thank you in advance. I need ostomy supplies; the wafers and the bags are the most needed, and I have a small size. The wafer or skin barrier is a size 1/2 to 7/8 in. or 13-22 mm.

i have some extras i can send you. check your inbox

Mild_mannered_super_hero I sent you a message. Check your inbox.

Hi sdd12967! I also have extra ostomy supplies. I had surgery last September and since then I've changed products like 3 times. If you would like, I can send them to you.

I also have extra supplies; mine are the Holster 2 piece. I also have some Econ seals. I just had my K pouch surgery done 5 weeks ago, after having a Brooks illi for 3 years. I would be happy to help you. If you can use what I have, let me know. I'm so sorry about your insurance. Best to you.

To sing songs, and beth20 would love your help. Supplies are greatly needed. Won't let me send a private message, please contact me. Just learning this computer stuff, so I'm probably doing something wrong. Thanks.

Send an email to lizgraber42@yahoo.com with what supplies you use, and your address, and I'll see if we can help. Thanks.

Hi. I'm not a full member so I cannot initiate messages. However, please feel free to email me at singsongs11(at)yahoo(dot)com. I'd be happy to mail my extras to you.

Sdd12967, here are the reference numbers for my extra skin barriers, 14705; they are the pre-cuts, 1-3/4 opening. The bags are 18202; they are the mini, drainable bags with clip closures. So, if you can use those, I will send them to you at no cost.

Hmmm... I thought the Affordable Care Act did away with pre-existing conditions as of January 1? I wish I had some leftovers for you. I had to use mine up over the last two months because the supplier would not send me any until I could pay them (Edgepark). I had to meet the deductible and co-pay. You came to the right site: as you can see from the above responses. :)

Yes, they did change that law, but what most people don't know is they put stipulations on it. They don't have to pay for pre-existing conditions for 1 year; then they have to cover you.

Figures. Insurance companies really suck. They take trillions of dollars from people who hardly ever use it, but have to be jerks when someone really needs them.

Thanks for the help everyone,

ConvaTec sent me thirty bags free of charge. Through the conversation, ask them about this program. Tell them you use their product. These are some I do not use anymore; they are clear, I use opaque now. However, they sent them, so I keep them for emergencies. Call them.

Let me know if you contact them. I am curious to know if Convatec helps.