Low cost ostomy deoderizer/swimwear for ostomy wearers

Published Feb 7, 2004

by RubyRN,CHPN

I've worked in the home health and hospice field for the past 7 years. I have a pt with a longstanding (approx 20 year old) colostomy an urostomy r/t radiation damage from cancer. As I draw near to her home health discharge date (for unrelated dx) she approached me with some concerns re: her ostomies.

Question #1) Is there a low cost natural deoderizer for colostomy bags besides the ostomy fresh type drops---perhaps an inexpensive otc po herbal supplement? Her medicaid considers ostomy freshener drops a luxury item and won't pay. She states she has difficulties paying $20 a month for this item.

Question #2) She would like to begin low impact aquatic PT program and is looking for swimwear that will discretely "worK" with urostomy and colostomy appliances.

All suggestions welcome.....Thank you! :confused:

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ktwlpn, LPN

3,844 Posts

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Feb 11, 2004

I've worked in the home health and hospice field for the past 7 years. I have a pt with a longstanding (approx 20 year old) colostomy an urostomy r/t radiation damage from cancer. As I draw near to her home health discharge date (for unrelated dx) she approached me with some concerns re: her ostomies.
Question #1) Is there a low cost natural deoderizer for colostomy bags besides the ostomy fresh type drops---perhaps an inexpensive otc po herbal supplement? Her medicaid considers ostomy freshener drops a luxury item and won't pay. She states she has difficulties paying $20 a month for this item.
Question #2) She would like to begin low impact aquatic PT program and is looking for swimwear that will discretely "worK" with urostomy and colostomy appliances.
All suggestions welcome.....Thank you!

I know people use mouthwash as a deodorizer with good results(Listerine especially)..For swimming look at the catalogues for supersized gals.I think two piece outfits with some kind of shirred top would work...tank tops and shorts type suits....http://www.ostomates.org/links/access.html. This is a very good website-anything anyone would ever possible need can be found here.....