This topic is about managing supplies for someone with an ileostomy, particularly focusing on how to access products that help thicken the output, which is often very liquid. The person sharing their experience has faced some challenges with their supplier and is looking for advice on how to improve the situation. Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Coverage and Self-Purchase:
- Extra items like gel sachets or support belts might not be covered by insurance or the NHS/GP. If needed, you can buy them privately.

2. Identifying and Addressing Delays:
- Delays often happen at the GP surgery rather than with the supplier. Booking an appointment with your GP and discussing the issue directly can help speed up future prescription approvals.
- Different pharmacies and suppliers have different processing times. Switching to a more efficient one might reduce delays.

3. Alternative Suppliers and Belt Options:
- CUI International offers up to three hernia/support belts per year on prescription and also provides custom-made options.
- Respond.uk can help with belt sizing, provide a tape measure, and recommend models that your main supplier can request on prescription.

4. Accessing Stoma-Nurse Support:
- Even if you've been discharged, many stoma nurses are willing to discuss issues over the phone or offer appointments without needing a new GP referral. It's worth calling them directly.

5. Thickening Watery Ileostomy Output:
- "Absorbagel" sachets from Coloplast are designed to gel liquid output, and many users with watery effluent find them effective.

6. International Perspective:
- In places like Nova Scotia, Canada, all ostomy supplies must be purchased out-of-pocket, but some users still manage to get free samples and efficient ordering from Coloplast.

7. General Tips:
- Keep a record of product names, codes, and preferred brands to make GP prescriptions easier.
- If a supplier requires fitting before issuing belts, get measurements and model recommendations from other sources like Respond.uk and provide that information to your supplier.