Are ileostomy and colostomy supplies the same?

I'm trying to help someone who is in need of supplies. She has an ileostomy (I have a colostomy). She said any ileostomy bags/supplies would help. Are they the same things or is there a difference?

I googled colostomy products because I have an ileostomy and they look the same. Is she in Minnesota? I'm in the metro area and can access products through our local support group if that helps, or ostomy211.org will send out 10 changes.

No, she's in Miami.

She posted the other day and she got a lot of advice, but I emailed her to see if I could help at all.

Thank you. I'll see if there's something like that by her.

Ileostomy and colostomy are no different when it comes to supplies such as bags and skin barriers. The only difference that comes to mind is that deodorizers may be more appropriate for colostomies.

Thank you!

They use the exact same products. I've had a colostomy and now have an ileostomy. The only difference is that I cut my hole smaller with the ileo because my stoma is smaller. BTW, there are no stupid questions!

Terry

Thank you!

The only difference is a closed-end pouch vs. open-end. Ileostomates generally empty more often, so an open-end pouch would be preferable.

If you contact Hollister, they will send out samples for free. I would imagine other suppliers will do the same. Also, if she has a Wound and Ostomy Care Nurse, they can help to get supplies.

Thanks, everyone!

Same bags. There's just a gazillion styles of ostomy bags, so it gets confusing. What does she need?

Single or two-piece. Usually Convatec but will happily take any help with any brand or style.

You could check with her local support group for products and support. You can find that through uoaa.org.

"She said any ileostomy bags/supplies would help."

Most of the time, one manufacturer's pouches will not work with another manufacturer's wafers. This is even true with different product lines from the same manufacturer. Perhaps she means she is not particular about the manufacturer and a given appliance (matched wafer and pouch). Unless the appliance is cut-to-fit, it helps to provide stoma size when sending out free pouches and/or wafers. ConvaTec, Coloplast, and Hollister all want to know the stoma size. Stoma size is even important when using a moldable appliance. A wafer with too small an opening could injure the stoma, and one with too large an opening would injure the skin.

Thank you.

I don't know her personally, just from this site, and that's all the info I was given. But being an ostomate myself, I do realize that size does matter and I should've asked specifics.

That is so sweet of you to try to help her, Kas. I know when I had to see the wound nurse, she rarely had any extra supplies - I always had to bring my own... yet when I wanted to donate them, they couldn't take them. So wound nurses aren't always a good resource for supplies, but hopefully, she found some.

Hope you are enjoying the beautiful MN weather! Aren't you in the Duluth area? My daughter is in Grand Marais this week in an Airbnb... the agate hunting season has begun :)

There used to be an agate shop in Beaver Bay where you could buy all sorts of agates.

Oh, but agate hunting can be so much fun. Add a sunset during a storm clearing on the Keweenaw and there is nothing finer! :-)

Daniel

Yes, we love to find them! Of course, we have been known to buy a few... but we have found some amazing agates on our own, and it is so much fun! Would like to venture out of MN for the hunt someday, any suggestions will be duly noted. Thank you! :)

The only agate hunting I have ever done was in the Keweenaw Peninsula, not too far from where Ron is. The last time was 1971. So, it's been a couple of days. :-)

One of my best friend's parents own that shop. It's the Beaver Bay Rock Shop. Keith Bartel (her dad) makes gorgeous jewelry! I've even brought him my own found agates, and he's made jewelry out of those for me.

Yep, I'm in Duluth. I can hear the big boat horns on the lake from my house.

Love Grand Marais! And agates! Went out about 3 weeks ago when it was still a little cold and found some nice ones!

I went to Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and dug for diamonds in the Crater of Diamonds State Park. So much fun! Found a little tiny one - not worth anything, but still exciting.

If you get out to South Dakota - the Fairburn agates are very beautiful.

Where in MN are you?

Interesting. I have relatives in Two Harbors, and they own a 160-acre homestead near Silver Bay, just up the road from Lax Lake. I haven't been there in years but used to go yearly.

Wow, diamonds - that does sound exciting! We did go to South Dakota many years ago, but it was before our agate hunting hobby took hold. We will probably go back when I'm not so fresh out of surgery. I feel sure I've heard my daughter mention that type of agate! She is a total junkie and plans her vacations around agate hunting. I know she's been to Michigan looking for Yooperlites, but her usual place to go is Lake Superior, Grand Marais, or the Mille Lacs area where we have family.

I live in a quaint little town in the beautiful Chisago Chain of Lakes area! We love to go to Duluth, although it's been a few years now. Last time I was there we went on our Goldwing with a group of people to Canal Park. We definitely have to check out the rock jewelry shop! We were going to do an ATV riding trip to Silver Bay last year, but then I had my medical ordeal so we missed out on the whole summer. Hopefully, this summer will be a better one!

We want to go ATVing in the Silver Bay area soon! Beautiful trails I've heard. We have a RZR High Lifter and are dying to get back out on the trails... Hopefully, I'll be well enough this summer!

Not sure if it's open for ATVing, but there's a trail (snowmobile) that goes from Duluth up to about LAX Lake. It runs right along my relative's property and along Superior National Forest.

Thanks so much for the info!

Thanks, but the one piece I have to cut to fit and the 2 PC I use the 70 mm Convatec. The brand usually doesn't matter.

Thanks, but the one piece I have to cut to fit and the 2 PC I use the 70 mm Convatec. The brand usually doesn't matter. My stoma is 1 1/8-1 1/4 round shape. Skin is very sensitive, so I use no sting barrier film and the powder to protect my skin.

Kas, thanks for being a voice for me. Love you and thanks to you and Alex again. ♥️