Learning Ostomy

Question:

For a year and a half when I had my ostomy (3 yrs ago) I had to change the thing about 10 times per week, if lucky–sometimes I used 10 in a day (while in the hospital, for example–they NEVER got it to not leak!!). Insurance paid NOTHING, so I paid a fortune–several thousand dollars. I averaged 2 or 3 per day, I think. –John

Response:

I am doing some research on how often individuals change their pouches and/or barriers per month.  If your changing habits are based on Medicare reimbursement, please let me know. Also, what is your estimate of your annaul expenditure on ostomy pouches, barriers, accessories, and skin care products?

My insurance doesn’t cover a #$^& thing. I change my bag every 3-4 days. They won’t hold any longer than that. While my changing habits aren’t based on insurance, I am unable to use the skin barrier suggested by my ET because it costs from $5-10 an application/ $250 a box! I haven’t kept an exact tally, but in the 3.5 months I’ve had my ileostomy I’ve spent over $500.  My credit cards are maxed out and I’m not sure what I’m going to do when my current supply runs out.   If I weren’t interested in keeping my job and sharing my life with my SO I’d seriously consider breaking the law since incarcerated folks have 100% health coverage! Barbara Diehl

Response: