Sterline Water/Saline Solution

Lil' Poppa · Post by **Lil' Poppa** » 2006-11-30 06:57:03

Shortly after my operation for an Indiana Pouch, I bought sterile water online at a particular site. I'm running out and found several online sites that offer it at a few dollars per 1000ml bottle. However, these sites require a prescription or doctor's information. The place I bought it from before does not require anything, but it's $27 per bottle. My doctor has never offered me a prescription and I didn't know to ask. I have 4 questions:

1 - How do others of you get your sterile water or saline solution

2 - How much should a 1000ml bottle of sterile water cost

3 - I heard there is a way to make your own. Does anyone know the recipe/proportions.

4 - Once you open a bottle, do you have to use it all right away or can it be used until empty.

PS I live in Northern Virginia if anyone knows of a medical supply store or pharmacy that carries it.

Thanks!!

lesson · Post by **lesson** » 2006-11-30 13:44:56

I would think that your doctor would have no problem writing a script for you and that your local pharmacy could order the saline for your use.

LGilpin · Post by **LGilpin** » 2006-11-30 19:11:58

You shouldn't have a problem getting your doctor to write a prescription. I use Sterling Medical and have never had a problem with them. Here's the number I use to place my order but I am sure they can direct you to the correct person 1-888-202-5700.

I too had a hard time getting it once I had my surgery. My doctors told me to go to the drug store and you could just pick it up. They didn't even know that you needed a prescription for it. Once I got a prescription I had to find a pharmacy that carried it. I finally found a pharmacy and didn't have any trouble. I then found out I could get it with my ostomy supplies. When I did get it at the pharmacy I would get it with my prescription plan I have through Tri-Care and it only cost the generic drug price $3, with was a 30 day supply, approximately 6 bottles.

I was told you're supposed to use it once it's opened within 24 hours, however, I may keep an opened bottle with the top screwed on tightly for 2 days.

There is a recipe to making your own, which I am not sure of, but I had seen it in a post way back. My doctor had told me that I could make my own but since I can get it with my supplies I do that. Keep your empty bottles to put it in once you make it.

Do you get ostomy supplies with a company now and does your insurance pay for them?

squid56 · Post by **squid56** » 2006-11-30 23:01:37

It is very easy to make your own, basically you boil water andadd salt to it. Unfortunately I forget what the proportions are. I bet you could it online somewhere. I used to make mine, but I no longer irrigate.

noaheema · Post by **noaheema** » 2006-12-03 02:20:38

When I first began getting my normal saline from the pharmacy they were dispensing it in 1000ml bottles (which was a 4 day supply for me), my ET Nurse insisted that the bottles be 500ml - 2 days supply. While I usually am not uptight about "expiration" dates, but I am most comfortable with accepting her warning and now toss any left over after two days (I do now receive 500ml bottles).

Found the "recipe" for making your own in the Contient Urostomy booklet (from UOA - now on this site)

"...you can make your own by dissolving 2 teaspoons of table salt in one quart of boiled water and allowing it to cool."

Susan

Lil' Poppa · Post by **Lil' Poppa** » 2006-12-05 05:28:46

Thanks everyone for your help. I plan to get a prescription from my doctor tomorrow. That will most certainly eliminate my problems. Also, I'm glad I asked about how long to keep an opened container. Thanks - much appreciation.

Lil' Poppa · Post by **Lil' Poppa** » 2006-12-07 05:40:40

Hello again

I was able to get a prescription yesterday and also found out that my health care provider pharmacy carries saline solution for irrigation instead of sterlie water. So the pharmacist had to get my doctor to change his prescription for me. It all worked out - thanks for everyone's input.

Merry Xmas/Happy Holidays

jpotts · Post by **jpotts** » 2007-01-04 16:06:22

FYI, the recipe is 2tbsp per 1000 ml of distilled water. I make my own at home and as long as it is capped well use it until it is gone. I typically flush at least once if not twice a day so it is used before it "expires". You should be able to smell a sulfur like odor if it needs to be dumped. This is much easier than having to get a script and buy especially if you have to travel frequently

Lil' Poppa · Post by **Lil' Poppa** » 2007-01-05 09:15:59

Thanks for the information - I was able to get a prescription for 500 ml bottles of saline AND my provider carries it. That's working well for now.

ckfab · Post by **ckfab** » 2007-03-22 21:59:37

Hi......I have had a Florida pouch now for nearly 5 years and have never had any problems with it. I don't irrigate it anymore and haven't for a long time. I always had a hard time doing that,I could rarely get the water to come out when i was doing it as the catheter would just not work for me. But I found that if i bear down on my stomach muscles the mucas would come out on it's own. I used to make my own sterele water with a gallon of water and 8 teaspoons of salt. Same thing as what you pay for. Try making your own and if i can offer any advice just e-mail me.
cindy

buckeyebaby · Post by **buckeyebaby** » 2007-03-22 23:50:17

I would just be careful to research and find the correct recipe. The reason we use saline is because it resembles and is compatible with the fluid in our bodies. Too much salt though can cause serious problems. Too much salt will absorb directly into the body and can cause problems such as an elevated potassium level. Be careful and good luck.
Melissa