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.

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Sasquatch
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