Welcome!

Have you seen this article?

How long were you thinking of keeping a stockpile? A year? 5 years?

As most products do have expiry dates 2-3 years out, you should be fine for at least that length of time.

Some may lose their effectiveness, but I don't think there's a product that will "go bad" past the expiry date. 👍

@veganostomy

Yes I briefly went through it as I was on my way to work. I will say your website and the effort you have put into it is amazing. The biggest reason I asked is because I think my medical plan will be ending soon. And I am trying to be a little proactive by stocking up on some additional supplies. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Tk's

Posted by: @jrachr

The biggest reason I asked is because I think my medical plan will be ending soon. And I am trying to be a little proactive by stocking up on some additional supplies.

I think we've all been there at some point.

What products are you using? Obviously, you'll want to stockpile wafers and bags, since you'll always need to use those.

Adhesive removed sprays and wipes tend to last a very long time (many, many years), so I'd stock what you think is reasonable.

One thing that should be noted about stockpiling, is that your stoma, skin, body shape may change over the years, so committing to one specific product may put you in a situation where it many not be the best product for you anymore.

If you are fairly established in your appliance and routine, then I think this is a minor risk. I've worn the same appliance system for at least the last six years without needing to change it.

Tk's for the advice. I have been using Coloplast sensura with a gas filter for a very long time with no change in my stoma size. I got cancer in 2003 and they had to fix a couple of things. Ended up with a colostomy. I am thinking about changing back to a regular bag. Reason being I wear my bag horizontal because I do a lot of bending at work and end up with a lot of pancaking issues. I have read your pancake blog but nothing seems to help so maybe let some more air into the bag and see what happens. Cheer's

@jrachr Pancaking is a particularly stubborn issue because unless you're able to thin out your stool, it takes quite a bit of effort and/or intervention to prevent it from causing issues. 

I would imagine it's an even bigger problem for you, since colostomy output tends to be naturally thicker than ileostomy output. 

I do find that letting air in the bag can help. Good luck!

I find spicy mashed potatoes thins things down as well as hot spicy mexican foods, chili.

I bend all the time, often where my chest touches my knees.  I see no advantage to a horizontal bag, actually see where matters get worse,  output having no where to drop to.  I push it to the bottom of the bag when i feel pancaking.   I much dislike thin output, its harder to deal with and keep drain clean.

  Air in the bag only becomes pressurized in tight body positions where air pressure will stress flange adhesive and promote leakage. 

@dogtalkerer

Tk's for advice. Do you use any kind of Nd of pouching system? I always found with bag in pants it was to tight.

@jrachr 

Hi and welcome to the forum - you have come to the right place!

I also have a colostomy and use Sensuramio filtered bags. However, I keep a filter cover on so that when I blow up like a balloon, I can temporarily remove it. On the days when flatulence is not a problem, I do put air in the bag - just enough to avoid pancaking, but not so much that the pants are too tight. I also use mineral oil and M9 for my lubricating/deodorizing product. Trust me, the stool comes out as slick as a whistle! 🤣 

Wishing you luck in correcting your problem.

Stella

@sjlovestosing

I use all the same stuff you do Stella. Except the mineral oil which I will have to try. My question is still the same however. I have to wear my pants tight because if I don't they keep falling down. So what do I do with the bag? That is the biggest reason I wear it horizontal. So the bottom is not hanging below my shirt. I have no problem wearing it vertical but at the same I don't want everything hanging out. Maybe there is some kind of vertical belt to hide the pouch? Tk's

@jrachr 

Hi. I am not trying to be facetious here, but have you considered using suspenders on your pants? That may help with the tightness issue by enabling you to wear your pants looser.

Stella

@sjlovestosing

I tried suspenders before Stella. The sensura bags fold enough so they are not that noticeable when wearing vertical. Just wear my horizontal belt on top to hold it in place a little better. Will try that for a while and see what happens.

what is an Nd pouch system?   i use the 1 piece coloplast sensura,  non-mio.   I agree pants can be a problem as pants tend to pull the bag down.  I wear overalls, gives great stoma protection.  on the other hand,  I wear very snug bike shorts when bicycling,  and tucking bag into shorts is not a problem as long as the stoma is non active.   i have gone off trail to empty the bag.

compression tee shirts also help keep the bag in place and close to body.