What do you wish you had known before living with a stoma?

Hi Latestart,Coloplast are usually fairly speedy with orders.I don’t have any complaints with them in that regard.I was a bit disappointed that they were not able to replicate the fault I had with the bags recently.I was made to feel as if it was my fault that they came apart so easily.I was with Amcare prior to Coloplast and found the staff there much friendlier but they stopped supplying the product I used.Jane x

I used fittleworths initually as the hospital automatically put me with them.however due to long delivery times,wrong orders, etc I changed to amcare who are great.quick delivery and always easy to get on the phone if needed.

I wish I had been told early on that you can change your delivery company as I initially thought you had to use the one recommended by the hospital.

Kath

I think I knew you could change but am a bit worried that it'll cause problems. My last stoma nurse said people with urostomies and permanent colostomies etc are 'cash cows' for these companies as we need this stuff for life. I should think a bit more about that!

All the best,

Latestart

I miss the staff at Amcare.They were so supportive and chatty when I was recovering alone during the pandemic.I feel the ordering of stoma supplies and information you get at the start could be improved.They should tell you can change  delivery company.Jane x

It is a long time, especially when you've been a bit late ordering!

I’d worry if I had to wait that long.

Yes it's all like some dark secret isn't it? What I think is that as adults, especially with a prescription with our stoma nurse, we should be given a budget for supplies and order them as a 'just in time' thing like companies do. (I used to work in procurement).

We shouldn't need to store  boxes and boxes of stuff and should be able to return unopened stuff if our circumstance change. There must be so much waste in the system (and probably in all areas of medical supplies eg catheters)

Sorry - a bit of a soapbox topic there.

Latestart

Latestart.surely we all just want the best customer service as we would when buying anything.

Kath

Latestart.My GP prevents wastage by using a system whereby I request items from them and they check it and send it to the delivery company.this system works well,is quick and easy for all and they can keep an eye on what is ordered.kath

Well yes of course, but what we get is not always very good customer service and possibly not value for money, although we can't check that since we aren't able to see what things cost the NHS which arranges for us to get them.