For me, having a routine is crucial. It means that I stick to a “plan” and I do the same things at pretty much the same time every day, and I tend to do them in the same order, and in the same way. I personally need to know what I’m doing and when I’m doing it so that I have greater peace of mind, and I feel more secure when it comes to my stoma care and management. I know I’m a bit obsessive about my stoma routine, but it’s in a positive way and helps me cope throughout the day.
Stoma supplies
In thinking about my stoma routine, I suppose it really begins with my monthly order of supplies from Respond. I receive my supplies, I unpack them, and put them away while doing a mental audit as to what I am using really quickly and where there’s a suggestion of a stockpile. At this point, maybe a change to this element of my routine might be appropriate. So my first tip would be to maintain a close eye on what your requirements are – perhaps amending your order accordingly. I suppose it shows that you can get stuck in a routine and not think about it; don’t be afraid to change something if it’s not right for you.
Sore skin
After surgery, it takes time to develop a routine regarding stoma care and bag changes. One change I made after a couple of years was to use a two piece bag, mainly because I found my peristomal skin was getting very sore as a result of changing a one piece bag as often as I needed to. Having a baseplate that can stay on for two to three days allows me to just change the bag, so this change to my routine has helped my skin a lot. I also use the eakin freeseal® seals to give me extra protection from leakage, and extend the weartime of my baseplate.
Changes in stoma size or shape
I’m sure we all cut our bags/baseplates in advance, but it’s important to notice if a change in your stoma size or shape means that you are experiencing unexpected leaks. I have a parastomal hernia that developed shortly after surgery; luckily for me my stoma hasn’t really changed at all after my first year as an ostomate, but it’s something to look out for if your weight has changed (up or down) or if a hernia develops for any reason.
Daily routines
These may have to change or adapt, as in my case, owing to a change of job. At the time of my surgery I was employed in a factory, as a storeman. My employers were fantastic and supported me in any way they could, including providing me with a toilet for my sole use. That was so reassuring to know that I could empty my bag whenever I needed to, and that meant so much as I was still getting to know and understand my stoma. However when I returned to bus driving, that was a whole different scenario. I now had to work shifts as opposed to “9 to 5”, drive specific routes, had designated break times and limited access to toilets on some routes.
It’s fair to say that I’ve had to have some open and honest conversations with the management team over the years to ensure that my stoma needs were being accommodated. I’m currently driving the UniBuses which means that I can have regular toilet stops at both Swansea University campuses as well as at the bus station. My routine is essentially the same every day; I get up in plenty of time to shower, change my bag, have food and get on my way. When I arrive, I go to the toilet, empty my bag before doing my bus checks and get going. As I have to maintain my hydration, I need to pee quite often during the day so I empty my bag at the same time. Basically my mantra has become, if there’s a toilet opportunity – use it!
Routines are very important in life. What that routine is depends on you as a person, your job, family commitments and your lifestyle. Whatever your routine is, it should be in place to give you peace of mind, less stress and keep you grounded. If you are not happy, or not coping, it is ok to change that routine, or at least part of it. Life doesn’t stand still. Maybe you might only need to change something small, or tweak rather than alter something altogether. Remember your routine should improve your life not make it more difficult. Change it if and when you need to, so you live your life to its fullest and enjoy every day.
