Seeking Advice on Ostomy Pouch Brands and Finding a Doctor in Tallahassee

I was wondering what brand and kind of pouch everyone uses and why.



I'm still pretty new at this.  I'm using a Coloplast SenSura click 2-piece system getting ready to try a pre-cut extended wear baseplate. I like the velcro opening for cleaning purposes and I like the 2 piece because I always put the bags on crooked (drives me crazy) and I can adjust the way it hangs. I have just discovered the Eakin moldable rings instead of the adhesive paste.  Hoping it will help with leaks.  I have run into problems getting supplies on time and thought maybe I'm using an unpopular item because it is out of stock a lot.



I'm also looking for a doctor in Tallahassee,  Florida.  (I'm not even sure what kind I need.)  My surgeries were done by a gynecological oncologist who has moved to Atlanta.  My failed reversal was done by a general surgeon.  Other than the ovarian cancer spreading to my colon, I'm pretty healthy, but who do I go see if I have questions or problems?

If you have questions about ostomy supplies and need help finding a system that works well for you, I highly recommend that you find an ostomy nurse in your area. I had an ostomy nurse visit me at my home after my ileostomy surgery in November, 2011 as part of the visiting nurse post-surgery program and she provided fantastic assistance in finding appliances that worked well for me and also helped me locate an ostomy products supplier.  You could probably locate an ostomy nurse through local ostomy supply stores or hospitals.



You may want to check out the different ostomy manufacturer's websites such as Convatec, Hollister, Coloplast, etc. and see where you can request free samples so that you can try out a variety of ostomy appliances.



In addition, you may want to check out the local United Ostomy Association chapter, if your city has one. The local chapters usually have a list of local suppliers and ostomy surgeons. My local UOA chapter also has an annual appliance fair in which vendors give out ostomy appliance samples and supplies, like deodorizers.



I hope this helps and gives you some ideas on who you can contact for help and information.

P.S. I am new to this forum and just noticed that it offers a "Find an ET nurse" nurse on the top left of the page.

I use a Cymed one-piece pouch with a Hollister moldable ring (similar to an Eakin seal) and highly recommend this system. I have an ileostomy going on three years now and have very few problems (I'm lucky). My change schedule is typically every six days.

As for Ostomy nurses, I've never found a very good one to help me. There's no substitute for talking with a person who has actually had on ostomy and experienced the problems that can happen. Their advice was always the same.....Get free samples and try them to see what works.

I went through a lot of free samples from various companies before I found the one that worked for me. It was interesting that none of the companies I talked to had an actual ostomate to give advice on their products. They had no experience wearing the products they were selling.

So, as I have found, you are pretty much on your own. Whatever you do, don't give up trying. You will eventually find a system that works and gives you the confidence to lead a near normal life. Good Luck.