The short answer to this question is undoubtedly, ‘Yes”. However it wouldn’t be fair to make it a blanket answer as the ability to do so depends on a few factors; access to appropriate toilet facilities when needed, an awareness of your condition by colleagues and management and the cooperative understanding of your managers to help you fulfil your role as effectively as you can.
My typical working day consists of a shift lasting about 9-10 hours, driving a bus between the two Swansea University campuses which are almost 5 miles apart in different areas of the city. I generally drive for two 4-5 hour periods with a 40-60 minute break in between. As you might imagine, taking care of my stoma bag over such a long time on a bus is a challenge and needs careful managing.
A Day in the life of Keith:
- Alarm Call: two hours before my shift starts my alarm goes giving me time for a shower, a bag change (a fresh bag on my two-piece appliance), a light breakfast and cuppa. Then a 20 minute drive to the bus depot, a toilet visit before I do the mandatory checks on my bus, and I drive to the first pick up point at one of the campuses, which are either 5 miles away (Bay Campus) or 3 miles away (Singleton Campus).
- Driving Part One: for the next few hours I drive through Swansea various ways, sometimes stopping at the Quadrant Bus Station, taking students to and from their lectures as well as members of the public who want to get into town. I have to find a window of time to get to the toilet to check my bag and this is why this service suits me well; at the end of each trip I can use a toilet in either campus as they are located conveniently and I can access them in easily in that 5 minute time slot. I do this at least four times so that I can empty my bag and be secure in the knowledge that there were no signs of leaks or any other problem before I carry on.
- Break: this is when I stop at the Bus Station after around 4-5 hours driving to have food, a cuppa and some socialising with my colleagues. I usually to manage to grab a few selfies, maybe someone singing and even someone “talking in the library” (you’ll have to check out my socials to understand that…). During this time it’s also an opportunity to empty my bag again before starting out on the second half of my shift. At this point I would also be able to take advantage of my emergency supplies if needed. I have a locked cupboard in the accessible toilet in the First Cymru Drivers Area in which I keep some ostomy products and a spare set of clothing – of course I carry a small bag (which is actually a large pencil case) around with me in my work bag which contains spare pouches, wipes and disposal bags should I need them en route. I make sure I check and restock these every month to make sure they are not out of date.
- Driving Part 2: so after my break I basically repeat what I did in part one, using the toilets at the campuses as before. As an ileostomy is always active, something a lot of people don’t realise, so although these toilet visits might seem excessive they give me a sense of security and I am confident whilst I am driving that everything is under control and I don’t get caught out.
- End of Shift: I take the bus back to the depot and make sure I use the toilet there before I drive another 20 minutes back home after a long day!
I have to say that over the last 13 years, I have not had any disasters regarding my bag while I’m at work. I think a lot of this is down to wearing excellent products i.e. my Eakin Freeseal barrier rings and my ModaVi two piece bags. I have established a good routine during my working day and I have a degree of support from my colleagues, most of whom are aware of my needs. Having a stoma shouldn’t stop you doing anything, including going to work. Being open and honest with your employer should lead to a sympathetic and accommodating partnership that will only make your working life more positive and enjoyable.
