Hello ..

Diseases & Conditions Ostomies
1
New to site ..
  Here's my story. Husband was diag. w/ Crohn's about 23yrs ago. Had ileostomy done 20yrs. ago. For many yrs hasn't had to be on any meds.(knock on wood). He's thinking about getting "reattached".  So much of rectum was left intact. His main reason for doing this is not having the expense for products when he retires. They're taking more and more benefits away. But my main concern is will he be running to bathrm. or the chance for Crohn's to come back.
 Also it's seems from what I've read that on the average changing the wafer is around 5 days, he changes his every 3 days. He's used Convatec products forever - insurance com. just told him that they are changing to Hollister..or he can stay with Convatec but will have to pay diff.. They sent sample (hollister) to try...he changed yesterday so we'll see how they work..don't think they sent any paste though just wafer/bag. Just wondering how many diff. products are out there.
Any info. is greatly appreciated :-) ,
Wendella
 
2

Hi Wendella,

              When having Crohn's you always take the chance it will come back. He also takes the chance of having to run back to the bathroom again if he gets his reversed. He really needs to talk to his gastro doctor about it and his surgeon.

If your husband retires can he recieve medicare? Medicare pays for all supplies needed. Have you tried going to Hollister website to see what they offer? I recieve my supplies from Byram healthcare..here is a number you can call and see if they can help you..1-800-248-4525 not sure if they can but they were a big help to me before and after I recieved medicare. I only tried Hollister once and Byram changed to Convetac. I really don't remember any difference.

I change my bag anywhere from 5 to 7 days. However, I do change it every 3 days when my skin breaks down until it heals and only use paste at that time. Other then that I don't use the paste anymore.

I hope everything works out for you both...Take care and good luck...Pam