I'm new to the ostomy world and totally overwhelmed by the differences in available products and the ridiculous prices of most of them. Some 2-piece pouches cost $10.00 each! Others are as low as $3.00. I realize it's a "get what you pay for" market, but how the heck do people afford this? The adhesive removal pads and liquids are beyond ridiculous. Yes, I realize they have to be gentle to skin, but $25 CAD for 30 ml? That's $833 per litre! These companies are taking advantage of a group of people who have nowhere else to turn. In order to have my purchases partially covered by my provincial medical coverage, I have to purchase them at a pharmacy that only offers specific brands (the most expensive). If I order them on Amazon, they're not covered. And if I try the cheaper brands, I imagine I'm going to have all sorts of issues. Hollister impresses us 'newbies' by sending a sample kit that's worth around $100, but all they have to do is sell two packages of pouches, and they've made the money back. I'm offended by this treatment, but I have no options. What do you do to cut costs? Are the less expensive products acceptable or a waste of money? Is there anywhere products can be bought in bulk? Why wouldn't I buy 50 pouches at once rather than make frequent trips to the pharmacy to buy 5-10 at a time? I'd appreciate any money-saving hacks that you use.

This is a remarkable community of 40,901 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
Justbreathe
MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.
Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.
For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.
Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.
I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.
Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼