Topic Explanation:
The forum topic is about finding storage solutions for excess ostomy supplies. The original poster has a surplus of supplies due to a monthly allowance and is seeking advice on how to store them, especially considering the need to have at least a month's supply on hand at all times due to potential weather-related emergencies.
Advice and Insights:
- Redesigning the bathroom with floor-to-ceiling cupboards and a hidden area behind the shower unit can provide ample storage space for ostomy supplies.
- Storing supplies in a cool storage room in the basement can help maintain their shelf life, and it's important to have a surplus in case of a disaster.
- Storing supplies in reverse order based on their expiration dates can help ensure that the oldest supplies are used first.
- Extra suitcases or old steamer trunks can serve as effective storage spots for excess supplies.
- Keeping a certain number of months of supplies stashed and skipping orders when exceeding that limit can help manage inventory effectively.
- The expiration date for ConvaTec products can be found using the Lot # on the side of the box, where the first number represents the year, the letter represents the month, and the next numbers represent the day and machine code.
- Donating extra supplies to ostomates in need or to ostomy-specific charities can help declutter while supporting others.
- Creating emergency kits with essential products and donating unused supplies to charities can help manage excess supplies.
- Communicating with suppliers about insurance coverage and exploring alternative suppliers if necessary can help ensure a steady supply of needed products.
- It's important to have a backup stock of supplies, especially in case of emergencies or potential disruptions in the supply chain.
- Medicare coverage for ostomy supplies varies by location, and it's important to understand the coverage parameters and explore different distributors if needed.
Note: Some replies were off-topic or did not contribute to the discussion and were therefore not included in the condensed version.
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