Posted by: VeganOstomy

Sarah, you bring up a very valid point, actually. 

I believe in Australia the national ostomy association urged patients not to hoard or overuse supplies because it puts a strain on the system. 

Even though I do have more than enough insurance to cover daily appliance changes, I don't because I don't like the excess garbage it creates or the fact that it strains the system.

But in the case of changing an appliance more often because the filter stops working, I think it's totally acceptable because ballooning can cause other problems like leaks, which may end up costing more. 

Costing more ... Oh yeah!! After suffering with my first instance of needing to take a "combat shower", I can attest to the fact that leaks  can cost ... jeans, underwear, socks .. into the nearest trash can!!! Yuck!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: bluesgal

Costing more ... Oh yeah!! After suffering with my first instance of needing to take a "combat shower", I can attest to the fact that leaks  can cost ... jeans, underwear, socks .. into the nearest trash can!!! Yuck!!!!!!!!!!

And blankets, and carpets.... :(

Oh yes! and did I mention .... the rug!!!! .... in our AirB & B?!? That was the first of my two, combat showers .... in the SAME DAY!!!! Oh, groan!!! Gastly!

Talking about costing more, after my first few accidents, I did spend a fortune on aids to help. I bought...

- a belt (attached to the loops on the bag) to keep the bag firmly attached

- a Comfizz waistband to help support the weight of a full bag and give me a smooth waistband

- a vibrating alarm clock. My stoma was always active every night, so I would put the vibrating element under my pillow and set the alarm for 3am every morning. I got in the hang of going to the toilet, emptying, back to bed without fully waking up

- low rise jeans, again to prevent leaks

The combination worked, so the initial outlay was worth it. Bluesgal, I hope that you don't need any more combat showers

"Combat showers" lol I think we should open a new thread!  Obviously these situations aren't a topic of conversation with friends and family.  I live alone and I don't know any fellow ostomates (if that's a word). During the shock and horror of it all it is a very lonely feeling. Thinking "it's 2 in the morning and my body, clothes, bed and room is covered in *!*#.   Not only to you need to clean everything up but you need to disinfect too! Sadly, it is reassuring to know that I am not alone in this struggle. 

Hi, I too love the idea of combat showers! Things one can only laugh at ( in hindsight). I am sure we have all had quite a few of these ( both before & after our surgeries). I had a a doozy on vacation in Hawaii 6 months after my surgery. Good thing the B & B  that we were hours early for let me use the shower/bath early! I will always be grateful for that kindness. ( It was that or the ocean!

I do love that we can connect here , Jattzi. There are not many other people one can ( or wants to) share with. My husband gets it , but its a lot to adapt to.

I got my stoma six months ago.  I have transverse colostomy and use the Hollister 8958 one- piece convex.  As with all other bags I have tried, a vacuum occurs very soon after a new bag is placed.  I do tape over the filter but it doesn't do the job.  I agree with others posters who have the vacuum problem and wish that my bag came without a filter.