Where can I find financial help and ostomy supplies after colon cancer surgery?

Finding financial assistance and ostomy supplies after surgery can feel overwhelming, but there are several resources that may help. Many hospitals have financial counselors who can connect patients with assistance programs, and organizations like the American Cancer Society often provide information about grants and support for cancer patients. For ostomy supplies and undergarments, consider reaching out to ostomy product manufacturers as they sometimes offer starter kits or samples, and local ostomy support groups may have resources or connections to share with fellow community members.

Have you had anything's problems or issues with your stoma? I underwent a colonoscopy on Jan 23 and my problems only multiplied. The doc had a Foley inserted at same time as the mass is pushing against my bladder. He couldn't get the Foley tubing in and had to call Urology down to insert the tubing, pain has been intense and unbearable at times.. So tired of all the problems that occur.

Rochelle, This is my second time having a stomach. Thankfully no problems. God, Im so sorry you are! I was diagnosed first time in 2019. My GI surgeon tried her best to avoid having a bag all together and ended up w one. I went into remission in 2023. Came back, and this time frightens me. Im a grandmother now! I have four grown children. Im not ready to go!! Keep the faith honey. This is a good app,but God is so much better!!🤗 Ask me anything anytime. Your in my prayers ❤️ love

Stoma

Thank you Elizabeth for the positive feedback. I turned 79 in December and was not ready for a cancer diagnosis, can't imagine feeling you have with yours recurring. I also suffer from RPS, 34 years now, a rare pain nerve disease with no cure and my right hand is completely contracted down from the CRPS and the left is doing its best to follow the right so changing the ostomy bag has been challenging at best. The ostomy RN was the only one who voiced concern over my ability to clean the area around the stoma which is now retracting, going from an "outside" to an "innie" and I should not have ever had the surgery. I brought the topic up to my oncologist who seemed to not care and when I ask the surgical oncologist about it, he was overly eager. I actually cancelled the first procedure the morning of the surgery and then rescheduled for two weeks later. Should have listen to my gut feeling, no pun I get. I know for most with CRC who face it, it's probably a good solution however for me coupled with the CRPS, it's been a nightmare. Is your stool coming from the stoma too thick for lac tok of a better word? I felt the surgeon failed to adequately discuss any and all to completely evaluate me. With grand babies you have a huge reason to keep going. Have you tried hypnosis for pain and/or issues? I completed a one Year Hypnotherapy program. I utilized hypnosis early on for pain but as the pain intensified it no longer helped, Hypnosis Actually requires concentration, the fake "look into my eyes" only causes people to believe the hype and misunderstanding about hypnosis .Anyway, think about your grandbabies who need you in their life.

That's all really great advice. Do you not have insurance, my ostomy supplies are covered 100% with my Medicare Advantage plan as I haven't received a bill, they have to be costly with all they sent me. Check with your insurance if you have it, good luck and I hope you are able to receive them at no cost. Did your surgeon not discuss supplies before your surgery?

Rochelle, I do but bags aren't covered. My parents pay out of pocket.

Rochelle, please email me!! Hope your feeling well 🤗

@Elizabeth Need your email addy, couldn't find it in the thread unless I scrolled over it.