They say the Dutch are the only people who can make money dealing with the Scots. While I don't think I'm cheap, I am frugal, and while I like spending money, I hate to spend money on useless items or activities. Consequently, I will invite any company which supplies ostomy supplies to send me samples and usually I will respond to any queries regarding the use of their supplies. (It doesn't cost anything to do so and it'll justify their providing me their products free of charge, including shipping). Still, I hate spending money for bodily functions, although come to think of it, my water and sewer bill is astronomical, which is strange since this country (Canada) has more fresh water than any other country in the world. And not too far from where I live, there are several places where the water just comes out of the ground, is free, and runs continuously. So I am frugal, and hate to spend money on ostomy supplies. I have attempted to reduce the expense, which is considerably higher in this country than in our neighbors' country (in case you didn't know, USA). What I have found is that re-use of the flange is possible. After removing the flange or 1-piece, I clean it as much as possible with a hand shower, then place it in a baggie, fill the baggie with water, and leave it for a day or two, empty the water with the dissolved paste, clean the flange with hand shower, and hang to dry. To re-use, I use Coloplast strip paste (half) and Hollister Karaya paste and typically go for 4 to 7 days.
While some of you get your supplies free, I recently read about someone going through a month supply in a few days, or another person ended up waiting for a delivery which didn't come in time. For those people, it might be a good idea to use this method and store the used flanges/1-piece in a box or bag for emergency use.
Of course, this is of little use for the someone I was told about who is so disgusted by the whole process that she discards everything when changing the flange, including the bag.
Oh BTW, I am getting my supplies at Shoppers Home Healthcare, and using their Optimum card, they give me a 20% discount, which makes the cost of my supplies almost reasonable.
Wonder if my mother would have bought paper diapers if they were available then – probably not, the norm then was cloth diapers, which would have been considerably cheaper.
Ed
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,450 members. Get inside and you will see.
It's not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed.
Many come here for advice or to give advice 🗣, others have found good friends 🤗, and there are also those who have found love 💓. Most of all, people are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
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Hollister
Are you a caregiver for a child with an ostomy? In the summer months, this can become more challenging, thanks to heat, humidity, water activities, and travel plans.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.
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Hollister
Your stoma doesn't have to get in the way of sampling local cuisine and activities when you're on vacation.
Check out our travel tips on diet and fitness.
Check out our travel tips on diet and fitness.