About

When you first get an ostomy there is a ton of information thrown at you.  You are put into talk before your surgery and given lessons from nurses and surgeons on things that don’t make sense.  The terminology is vast and then you are expected to be a pro on products and bodily functions that you haven't even thought about since before grade school.  That is ok, this is indeed normal and you wont know everything right off the bat.  As a matter of fact it may take years to find the perfect ostomy supplies that fit your needs perfectly. 

Yes there are lots of good manufactures out there. And there are some amazing places to get your gear.  Some cost more than other and some don’t work well with your body.  Don’t worry you will be a pro soon enough and that all comes through learning and trial and error.  There is no need to be a pro right off the bat.   You can start with the basic information that you are given by your Nurse or Surgeon and be just fine.  Those people are pivotal and soon you will probably call them friends and in some cases family.  They will be a great help to learning how to do simple things like attach a pouch and empty your pouch safely. 

Some areas they want to jump into are where you can get your ostomy supplies.  I would suggest actually taking the physical trip into a pharmacy and talking with the pharmacist. Why would you do this? Its embarrassing, you might think.  Well to the pharmacist it is probably the best part of their day.  They spend hours talking to their customers about what works best for them and they buy products based on their customers experience.  They stay in business by buying the best gear and gear that their clients want to purchase again and again.  So start local and learn all you can about your new stoma. 

The pricing may not always be the best at your local pharmacy and many online companies give free samples. So once you know more about your stoma and how to deal with it.  Shop around a bit.  Online retailers give discounts for bulk purchases and allow you to financially be savvy. Once you know what you want it is possible to buy from amazon and other retailers as well. So don’t worry, there are lots of options available. Take your time stay safe and follow your healthcare providers instructions.