What You Need To Know Before You Buy Colostomy Bags

An ostomy is a surgically created opening through which the intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen. The portion of the intestine that extends to the outside is referred to as the stoma. A colostomy is when the large intestine, or colon, is used. The body empties stool through the stoma into a colostomy bag. Depending on the part of the colon used, the stool may be liquid, soft, or solid. The person who has had a colostomy will have to buy colostomy bags for the time that they have the stoma, either as a temporary condition or one that is permanent.

Getting Help from Your Stoma Care Nurse

Most people who undergo a colostomy will have a stoma care nurse to help them learn to take care of their colostomy and purchase the right products for their needs. You can get advice from your nurse when you need to buy colostomy bags so that you get the right type for your needs. Purchasing one of the top brands such as those from Hollister will not only help you provide better care to your skin, it will provide you with a better, more comfortable fit.

There are many types of colostomy bags available and health insurance will usually cover a portion of the costs for your needs. For some people, getting the lowest prices on their colostomy bags is essential to fit their supplies into their budget. Even though you will need to shop around for the best prices, you will need to determine which style bag to purchase. The different types available include:

• One-piece (where the barrier and pouch are attached)
• Two-piece (where the barrier and pouch snap together and can be separated)
• Stoma caps
• Moldable
• Bags with flushable liners
• Bags with charcoal filters
• Convex barriers

Once you buy colostomy bags of one kind and are not happy with the results, be flexible enough to give another style a try. However, you should never make a change without discussing it with your stoma care nurse.

In addition to the colostomy bags, there are also a number of accessory products that are designed to enhance your comfort and health when managing life with a colostomy. These include deodorizers, belts, lotions and creams, stoma paste, underwear, adhesive removers and much more.

Immediately After Your Surgery

Following surgery, you will be given a small supply of colostomy bags to take home along with a prescription outlining your particular needs. Although you will need this prescription to buy colostomy bags, you still have the option to purchase them online where you can compare prices and get what you need at the lowest cost. This option will also allow you to have your colostomy bags and other supplies delivered to your door.

One thing to keep in mind when you buy colostomy bags online is that it can take time for your order to be processed and the bags delivered to you. Be sure to place your order well in advance so that you don’t run short before your order can be delivered.