Chelly... this was an issue I solved with my high output stoma.

Maybe try this... 

I used 3 ply, and take 2 connected squares,  fold them in half. I place my index finger in the center and making a triangle, I pull one point up to my finger and wrap the other two points around my finger.   I then dry the outside of the drain opening and place my wrapped finger inside the opening and wipe the sides and then the edges of the edges. You can press a little into those edges and then repeat if they aren't clean yet.  As far as drips on the toilet seat go from rinsing, I use one square and dry any drips of water from rinsing . 

This method has meant I buy one big pack,  biting the bullet at the cost bcuz it has become so expensive, but this has saved me a lot of money on tissue over the years. 

I have two small bins from the dollar store where I spend an hour filling and staggering tissue.  This way I stick to the portions to use above. I even carry pre-torn squares with me now bcuz I can't stand using so much tissue in public restrooms which seems to always be one ply. 

A few years back on a return trip from my Dads funeral at the coast, my son stopped at a small gas station for me to use.  The washroom was very clean. Trouble was, there was no place for me to place my ostomy supplies or M9 bottle. Once out, I decided to talk to the manager about people with ostomies & needing a place to put our supplies especially if we need to change a pouch while traveling. He listened and I told him all we'd need is a shelf about 14 to 16 inches wide and 6 inches deep to allow us to put our pouch and M9 and the wipes or spray bottles on.  The last few times on going to see family, I flew out, but this last time, we drove & stopped at the same gas station.  Once in to help my Grand and then myself, I was delighted to see the gas station owner had listened and put in a shelf a bit bigger then I suggested for a place to put my/our  supplies. I've got the business card and recently bought a thank you card to send to him.  Once again the washroom was spotless. However, a hook to hang our coats would be great.  I guess there's always room for improvement but to me, this was huge! 

Hi Chelly. I feel your pain have the same problem using toilet paper which also tends to clog the toilet. It's my experience cleaning the pouch takes up lot's of tp. As for LK's solution I find if I skimp on the tp it shreds in the pouch and I just wind up using more anyway. Wish I had a solution.

@dlkfiretruck yes, i've tried two and three pliy but the roles don't seem to last and they cost more here.

It sounds like I may be doing my stuff a little bit differently than you. As I don't clean the inside of mine out with the toilet tissue. I use it after rinsing to wipe the outside and end but i have to sometimes rinse a few times as the output can get thick and pasty at the very end, I take a wet wipe water, wipe and I rinse it out real good in a sink with hot running water to get any chemicals out of it.And then I wipe the end and the inside with that.With my finger like you explained with a toilet paper.  

I absolutely have to buy the Scott tissue. Even though it's one ply because if I don't, I'll go threw even more. Ive tried. What's happening is I rinse and then as I fill the water bottle up again  the stoma  starts going again and this can continue for several rinses. Sometimes I just get so fed up and stop at one point. This is why i know i could never try showering without a bag ever again. It would be a disaster. This stoma seems to always have something there. It acts up that way most times when im changing the bag as well costing me more money in gauze wipe's and paper towels. 

I like your idea of having a bin with pre portioned pieces in it, although I'm not sure in my case, it would work, because I can't predict this thing. How it goes all the time you think? Oh, good. This is the last rinse and well, all of a sudden it starts going again and I think this is why the pouches don't last me that long as well. 

That is absolutely great that that man listened to you. I could help people build the perfect bathroom for us if only someone would let me. I have even found a solution for easy toilet paper.So that you're not leaning over grabbing it. And a sink in the stalls etc... it's really something that needs to be addressed as people don't realize how hard it is for us. They have gotten the bathroom's wheelchair accessible. For the handicapped, but they need to get public restrooms. Updated for ostomys as well as there are so many nowadays, with all the cancers and everything going on.

When we are out and about unless we bring our own things. I used to bring a prepacked bag with me but ive ditched that the last couple years. 

@fred hi,

I'm at least glad to know i'm not alone in this. It's quite the struggle isn't it? Same issue is i get pieces stuck inside when i try it that way as well. This is why at the end i will use a water wipe to wipe things down then i will dry it with toilet paper. There seems to be no perfect  solution to this problem and going broke to toilet paper in the meantime.  .

I have to use scott or similar even though its one ply it does last me a little longer even though i have to use a lithle more. It keeps me from plugging up the toilet as well. 

There is nothing worse than standing there with the end of your open ostomy bag in your hand trying to empty and you see the toilet starting to overflow.  We are absolutley helpless at that point. Disaster!! 

Toilet paper is a basic hygiene essential—soft, disposable paper used for personal cleaning after using the restroom. Choosing a good quality, septic-safe option helps with comfort and hygiene, and eco-friendly versions are also becoming popular.

@chelly I can completely relate! Even though I can be extremely frugal and quite eco-conscious, it pains me to see how much toilet paper is being used just to manage such a basic bodily function.

In fact, I truly believe that toilet paper should be covered, just like ostomy supplies.

Many people will use a hand sprayer or a bottle (like me) to clean the bag and minimize toilet paper use, but you still have to wipe the tail end and outlet. Some of us have to do that a dozen or more times a day. It adds up, no matter how little you use at a time.

I agree with everything said so far. When Costco has a TP sale, we buy lots! 

Laurie

@veganostomy exactly!! No matter how you try to ration it dont work out.  Getting this ostomy i was way too happy to get rid of all the pain I was going through with my unhealthy colon but never knew how much extra expenses it would be. 

Like I said, when I worked, I never noticed it because I was gone twelve hours a day using their toilet paper. I just can't get over how much I go through.It's absolutely mind boggling. I agree. They should include that with our supplies definitely!!

Posted by: @chelly

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Getting this ostomy i was way too happy to get rid of all the pain I was going through with my unhealthy colon but never knew how much extra expenses it would be. 

It's a "hidden cost", no doubt!

In Canada, if you have celiac disease, you can actually claim glute-free products on your tax return as a medical expense (due to their higher cost vs other food).

I'd argue that at the very least, ostomates should be able to do the same with toilet paper. If you are a low-income family even with coverage for ostomy supplies, the burden caused by toilet paper could be huge, so it really should be something governments should consider.

@veganostomy absolutely!!

@veganostomy ..  Now wouldn't that be something! Being able to claim the cost of TP (toilet paper) on incomtax or to be given a montly rebate! I can't see that ever happening, lol, not in our medical system, though,  that would be nice.  

Chelly ... I hadn't even thought about tissue brands makes the difference. I just remember being so shocked I was on my 3rd roll one "morning" bcuz of my high runny output. I'm in the bathroom a lot! Yes, there's times it's thick too,  especially after a blockage, I'm just thru another one but managed it from home, but the majority of the time its runny & emptying can be back to back to back, meaning long visits in the washroom. That said, with my method it sure doesn't always come clean the first wipe either.  Things that make the difference and the eventual dollar saving, (still a joke), is having had my son put the Bidet hose I bought in beside the counter for me.  With that weird peripheral nueropathy  going on, my hands don't always listen to my brain and I was constantly spilling cups of water, also wetting rolls of TP which end up being a waste bcuz they just do not unroll once they dry which can take up to a week & then you do not want to use it anyways bcuz there must be mold in there somewhere, right! I also use three ply tissue, 2 ply, it falls apart and I won't even discuss 1 ply especially in public restrooms & SHAMEFULLY in our HOSPITALS!!!

I'm really glad we're talking about this bcuz I really thought toilet paper concerns was just me over thinking ostomy life.Thank you all for opening up about your concerns too.  Does anyone else avoid eating sometimes just to avoid spending so much time in the washroom & even using less tissue?? When I first had my ostomy I had a ravenous appetite. I couldn't gain weight, still an issue, though I've learned to hide that well under my clothes, but everytime I eat, within minutes my guts are active & I end up needing to empty again using more toilet paper.

The thing is, unless ALL our doctors know about these little things, they can't go to battle to Gov't for us either. I think it's that squeaky wheel gets the grease thing. In applying for disability a few years back, I don't think it was having the Ostomy that got it passed for me, I believe it was the part of proving by keeping track on paper the ridiculous amount of time I spent in the washroom dealing with my Ostomy & it's cleanliness. I should have tracked toilet paper rolls then too, maybe I'd be able to afford a wider variety of easier to digest foods.... 

@dlkfiretruck very well said and I can relate to everything you have said here. I too watched myself go through about 2 two rolls of paper in one empty the other day which is what prompted me to put up this thread. I needed to know if others are going through the same thing. 

It's so expensive!! I'm constantly running to the store for toilet paper and yes, I too will not eat sometimes just to try to save money on the TP.  I have found that sometimes if I don't eat though I will get watery out put which kind of makes things worse. A lot of times I won't eat when I have to go to the doctor either. Because I don't want to be messing with things. When I'm out. But then I'd dehydrate myself, and that's no good either. 

I see that the Canadian federal government has made it easier to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, which does help somewhat with the cost of having an ostomy. However, there doesn’t seem to be an increase in the amount of the benefit, so that’s not helpful to those of us who already get it. It’s a small move in the right direction. Applying for the DTC was always onerous for the applicant and for the doctor who had to wade through a long application form. Mistakes were common, resulting in people being turned down by Canada Revenue Agency - people who were rightly entitled to the tax credit but didn’t get it because the process was so complicated. Let’s hope that this is the beginning of the federal government recognizing that people living with disabilities need more than lip service.

Laurie

Posted by: @tigerlily

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I see that the Canadian federal government has made it easier to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, which does help somewhat with the cost of having an ostomy. However, there doesn’t seem to be an increase in the amount of the benefit, so that’s not helpful to those of us who already get it. It’s a small move in the right direction.

Ease of applying was a major pain point for so many people, no doubt, causing some who need it to simply give up. This is a huge step forward.

The Ontario ostomy grant (ADP Grant) amounts need to be upped, though! The amount hasn't been scaling with inflation or the cost of these supplies. The grant is an Ontario thing, so I can guess why it hasn't been increased in years.

The DTC can only help someone to a certain extent, but the upfront cost of supplies is what hurts.

I guess i should be thankful for what i do get from my government insurance. I think we tend to.be too spoiled here in the US.  Learning that canadians have a big out of pocket cost for supplies does not seem fair at all.

@chelly Each province decides what it is willing to pay for the Assistive Device Program; in Ontario, it is just under $1000 per year (and yes, Eric understands why that amount hasn’t kept up with inflation - Conservative government). The federal government has the Disability Tax Credit, which is maximum $1500 on top of whatever the provincial government gives. The problem is it’s a tax credit - so you have to have income in order to get the tax credit. So if you make about $27,000 per year income, you can have $1500 taken off your taxes. But if you have no income, you don’t get anything. There are other benefits too, that the DTC opens the door to claim, such as disability supplements and disability savings plan, and a couple of others. Unfortunately, those are geared to age (under 65) or for children, or workers, none of which I qualify for now.  But the $2500 per year that I get from both federal and provincial programs covers the cost of my ostomy supplies (not including toilet paper😕). I know that wouldn’t cover costs for everyone.

Laurie

@tigerlily im happy to hear the program there is working for you. I imagine it wouldn't for everyone, though, which is sad. 

I was looking at some YouTube videos. The other day and some came up. Are people in other countries literally making makeshift bags out of ziploc baggies and tapes , maxi pads etc... it brought tears to my eyes. Those poor people. 

I agree with everybody's post here on this . My wife noticed we go through alot of toilet paper too . I never  thought in it . Just figured its how it is . I never realized how so many of you have to pay for supplies . I'm lucky to have mine paid for through insurance  from my wife's work . I rinse and wipe like some of you using quite a bit of paper . And I too will not eat or drink if I have an appointment or will be driving for any length of time sometimes I will take an imodium to slow things down . But then sometimes pay for it later when things start flowing again . 

Getting down to the nittygritty of which Gov't  and Province in Canada covers what is maybe what we should be doing and perhaps it might be worth it to move! Lol! 

When I rec'd my Ostomy, in British Columbia, I had no clue if I'd have to pay out of pocket for my ostomy supplies. I do remember that my Surgeon was the one who wrote that first and only "permanent" on my prescription for my supplies & I remember being FROZEN on reading the words PERMANENT and UNLIMITED!  

Okay,  lets get into it & compare & maybe put added pressure on where its needed with our MLA's or whoever. I admit to knowing little about Gov't anymore at age 68, as I've found them to be untrustworthy and in it just to line their own pockets anyways.  So, in B.C. we do have our supplies well covered I think, please anyone in B.C. feel free to read along & place your knowledge where applicable.

I think our supplies are well covered thru B.C. Medical for the pouches, stoma powder, the extra C-shaped tapes for extra support which I've used since receiving & learning about them.  Our adhesive remover wipes & sprays & skin barrier wipes & sprays are also all covered. 

As far as claims on incomtax, all im aware of is the Disability Tax Coverage which is annually as far as I know, about $10,000.00 a year IF you are working & have an income, I do not, but wow, that would be so nice for extra costs like clothing, gas for medical appointments & TP & so forth.  Otherwise, I've learned thru my sister that there are other claims I can make on my incomtax.  I can claim medical gloves, and I'm not sure if I can claim things like M9 or not, but I do in and in a seperate,area with the gloves,as far as I'm concerned, we should be able to because of the mental medical aspect of it all. Vitamins , wow, imagine if those were covered!!! I do try and keep track of ALL my receipts as we all know how important that can be. I can't complain about ostomy supply coverage but it would he wonderful if it we were all  covered the same all ac⁰ross the board for anyone in the world. 

Please, if anyone has any knowledge of further coverage, please say so. I don't have a computer and with vision issues, I can't really research these things. I'm living below poverty level, so anything could be helpful & not just for me. 

These a good topics & finally, out of the closet is best.

Linda

Is anyone in Canada & the USA able to keep a spread sheet of these sort of coverages & who to go to to receive them? It may help newbies relieve some stresses over these things.