My very first visit to a stoma nurse was in June 2012, prior to my scheduled colectomy operation, when I was shown a stoma bag and was given some basic information about how it worked. I’m sure I was given some information in hospital, but to be honest, I had very little idea about what I’d need, how many of each item I would need and certainly no real idea about the range of products available. All I can remember is the nurse suggesting I keep my supplies in a baby changing box somewhere in my bathroom so they were to hand when I needed them. So that’s how I organised my things initially.
However as time has gone on, more products have become available; I have changed my suppliers,;tested new products and realised I could be better served by using different bags, so my supply stash began to grow. It has been a case of trial and error to some extent as to what my essential supplies actually consist of but now I am happy with my choices and I am able to manage them well. One of the perks of being an ambassador for Respond is that every now and then I am asked to trial new products which is a great way to find out if they will work for me or not.
Currently I order these basic supplies on a regular basis:
- ModaVi two-piece pouches and back plates
- eakin freeseal®
- REFRESH 3in1 (an adhesive remover, barrier film and deodoriser all in one spray)
- Dry wipes
- Black disposal bags
Thanks to Respond’s fantastic delivery service, it is easy to maintain my supplies and thanks to their text message and email reminders, I always know when it’s time to order more.
A little while ago we decided that our bathroom storage facilities needed some serious updating! We are lucky to have an en-suite shower room, a family bathroom and a downstairs cloakroom, which is great for being close to a toilet at all times. However, there was no storage at all downstairs, a small wall cabinet in the en-suite and we bought a set of drawers to go in the family bathroom to house basic toiletries. My baby box was starting to be inadequate quite frankly so we bought matching sink units with drawers from a well known Swedish furniture store to install in all three. Fortunately, I trained as a plumber once upon a time, so I had the skills to do this myself and these drawers are just brilliant.
I can keep my pouches and back plates, wipes and black bags just where I need them; the surplus stock I keep in the spare bedroom in another unit (from the same Swedish furniture store, funnily enough) and I replenish when necessary. I am now able to keep a small supply in the downstairs cloakroom as well. Happy days!
So my top tips for staying on top of organising your supplies once you have identified an appropriate space:
- Remember to rotate your stock. Many products actually have a shelf life so it’s worth checking for ‘use by’ dates.
- Don’t order things ‘just incase’ – you need enough but it is pointless having extra products that you don’t have room for.
- Find a reliable ordering and delivery system that suits your needs; it is one less thing to have to worry about on your ostomy journey.
If you are not sure where to start with this last tip, I can highly recommend Respond, check out their service.
