This topic is about a person with an ileostomy in Nova Scotia who managed to extend the wear time of their ostomy pouch from 4 days to 7 days by using a barrier ring. This change not only helps in saving on the high costs of supplies but also provides better skin protection. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

- The barrier ring starts to break down by day 7, so 7 days is the maximum wear time.
- The person has applied for financial aid through the Nova Scotia Pharmacare Cancer Program, which covers costs over C$225 per order for bags, rings, and flanges, but not for accessories.
- Previously, the ileostomy output required a change every 4 days, but the barrier ring now helps protect the skin and extend wear time.
- Samples of supplies are often limited to two items per request from manufacturers.

Advice and insights include:

1. Wear-time differences:
- Ileostomy output is more caustic than colostomy output, leading to shorter wear times. Many ileostomates average 4-6 days, while some colostomates can go longer.
- Activity level affects wear time; heavy work, bending, or water exposure can shorten it despite using barrier rings.

2. Barrier rings and basic regimen:
- Placing a barrier ring under the wafer adds a second seal and protects the skin, often extending wear time by 2-3 days.
- Warming the ring or wafer with a hair-dryer or body heat can improve adhesion.
- If the skin is healthy, limit products to just the pouch and ring, as extra sprays, wipes, or powders can interfere with adhesives and increase costs.

3. Skin prep, powder, and wipes:
- Skin-prep wipes are unnecessary on healthy skin and not needed over stoma powder.
- Barrier film wipes are recommended only on irritated skin or with powder to treat a rash.
- Some sprays may reduce wear time with newer adhesives.
- Adhesive remover sprays or wipes are effective for clearing residue before reapplying.

4. Pouch and wafer brands:
- Hollister and Coloplast pouches with ceramide-infused flanges are gentle on the skin.
- Pelican Platinum wafers contain Vitamin E for skin protection.
- Alternatives to discontinued products include medical double-sided tape or carpet tape.

5. Custom/DIY solutions for advanced users:
- Homemade rigid base plates can last months and are secured with belts and tape.
- PVC elbows can redirect output into irrigation sleeves, secured with paperclips and belts.

6. Cost-saving tips:
- Request free samples from manufacturers, as any free items help.
- Check if provincial or employer insurance plans cover supplies.
- Reuse belts or wraps and buy generic flushable wet wipes to reduce expenses.

7. Daily-life management:
- Empty the bag as needed, more frequently for ileostomy.
- Carry deodorizing lubricant and flushable wipes for discreet emptying outside the home.
- Burp gas through the pouch filter or discreetly outdoors.
- Use belts or wraps to hold the pouch flat against the body for clothing concerns.

8. Troubleshooting skin issues:
- Use stoma powder on moist or irritated areas, then "crust" with a barrier wipe.
- If red spots appear at the wafer edge, shorten wear time or reassess fit.
- Shower without a pouch on change day to let the skin air-dry, and shave peri-stomal hair for better adhesion.

9. Wear-time benchmarks shared by others:
- 4 days with a barrier ring for high-activity workers.
- 6 days without a ring for ileostomy.
- 7-8 days with a ring for several users.
- Months-long use of custom plates/sleeves for those designing their own systems.