Spring is officially in the air. The days are getting longer, the flowers are starting to peek through, and if you’re anything like me, you’re suddenly hit with that overwhelming urge to throw open the windows and declutter every single drawer and cupboard in your house, including those in your bathroom.
For those of us living with a stoma, ‘spring cleaning’ isn’t just about taking clothes you don’t like anymore to a charity shop or scrubbing the skirting boards, It’s about your stoma supplies, however you store them. You know what it’s like – that drawer or cupboard or box that started out nicely organised then descended into a chaotic mountain of half-empty boxes, loose dry wipes, and emergency samples from way back when.
Managing a chronic illness(es) and a stoma takes up enough headspace. When I sat down and thought about how I could make my life easier, I thought “why let a messy supply stash add to the stress?” So I did a big clear out of my supplies and now organise them every time I get a new delivery. I have a set of drawers in the bathroom with around 30 days worth of supplies in, then two boxes under the bed with my surplus supplies in.
This is just my experience, so it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and as always, if you have concerns, it’s best to contact a medical professional.
Please note that this is with regards to my experiences living with an ileostomy and using a one-piece, drainable ostomy bag. Let’s get started.
The spring-cleaning stoma strategy
I’m a firm believer that you can’t truly organise anything until you see exactly what you’re dealing with. It’s time to empty the stoma stash… Clear some space to organise and get everything out.
Check use-by dates
A common misconception is that stoma supplies last forever. Spoiler: they don’t! A few things to consider:
- Adhesive degrading: The hydrocolloid on your flanges/baseplates can dry out or lose its tackiness over time.
- Skin barriers and sprays: Adhesive removers and barrier sprays/wipes have shelf lives. If they’re past their prime, they might not perform as well, which is a recipe for a leak you definitely didn’t ask for.
- The rule of thumb: If it’s expired, or if the packaging is compromised and the product looks discolored, get rid. Your skin (and peace of mind) will thank you.
- It’s time to assess the samples situation: we’ve all been there. You order a sample of a new bag or a different product, try one, realise it’s not for you, and shove the rest of the box to the back of the cupboard or under your bed. If you have supplies that are still in date but you know you’ll never use them, don’t just let them take up your space. Check with your stoma nurse or local charities to see if they can be donated to people and/or countries in need.
Check your stock!
Now that you’re looking at a clean slate (and a much smaller pile of stoma supplies), it’s time to take stock. It’s important to also bear in mind the bad days when doing this, so that you always have some in spare in case you suddenly go through a good few supplies in one day. I always have around one extra delivery under my bed at one time.
The essentials checklist
I like to make sure I have at least a one month buffer of my stoma supplies. Before you put things back, nice and organised, check your levels of:
- Bags (do you have enough for your usual change frequency? And do you have enough for the bad days?)
- Baseplates (if you use a two-piece system)
- Adhesive remover (the unsung heroes of a painless change!)
- Barrier rings (if you use them)
- Dry wipes
- Disposal bags
- Stoma paste or powder (if you use them)
- Ostomy underwear or waistbands (if you use them)
- Bag cutting scissors and templates (if you use them)
- Other supplies you might need such as tablets to slow your output down
Note: If you notice you’re consistently running low on something before your next prescription is due, it might be time to have a chat with your delivery service or stoma nurse to adjust your monthly quantities. Respond make this super easy. Just send them a message or give them a call and they’ll happily sort it for you, taking away any stress from you.
Creating a system that actually works
If you’re there right now, I’ve got you if you want to move away from digging through a box and toward a system that makes your change feel like a spa (ok, maybe not a spa, but at least a calm, organised routine).
1. The ‘frequency’ rule
Organise your supplies based on how often you use them.
- Essential change items: these should be at eye level or in the top drawer. Your bags, wipes, and sprays should be easily within reach.
- Back up or extra stock: keep the full, unopened boxes on a higher shelf or at the back, or under your bed, as I do.
- Other items: things like firm support belts or high-output bags for when you’re unwell can go in a separate “just in case” box. Whether that be in the same cupboard or under the bed. Wherever doesn’t need to be accessed as frequently.
2. Recycle the bulky cardboard
Original packaging is bulky and awkward. I love using clear, wide and shallow boxes under my bed, and drawers big enough to fit in 30 days of supplies, but not deep enough so things turn into carnage! Being able to see exactly how many bags you have left at a glance prevents that: “oh no, I’m on my last one!” panic.
3. Prep your stoma bags
If you cut your own bags, spend 10 to 15 minutes during your spring clean pre-cutting a whole box of your baseplates on your bags. Better yet, if your stoma size has been stable for a while, ask your delivery service (like Respond) if they can pre-cut them for you. It’s a total game-changer!
The on-the-go kit
Spring means more outings, picnics, and hopefully a staycation or holiday or two! Your on-the-go kit probably needs a little TLC. This is your sign to sort it and freshen it up.
- The kit: check your on-the-go kit. Replace any wipes that might have dried out from sitting in a warm car or bag. Ensure you have a spare change of underwear tucked away in there too, for peace of mind. A pack of extra tissues always comes in handy too. It’s amazing (and disappointing) how many public toilets are out of toilet roll.
- Other things: you might have things you take with you such as smaller bottles of ostomy deodorant or a fragrance spray. My kit is in a clear pouch with teddies on which fits in my everyday handbag/backpack and includes three bags and the things I need.
Why it all matters
Organising stoma supplies maybe doesn’t sound as exciting as a Sunday brunch or a walk in the park. But as someone who has lived through the ups and downs of IBD and ostomy life, I’ve learned that control over my environment helps me feel more in control of my condition.
When my supplies are tidy, my mind is less cluttered. When my ‘restock’ is more routine and I know exactly what I’m doing, I have more energy to focus on the things that really matter.
So if you’ve been putting off spring-cleaning your stoma supplies, this weekend, put on your favourite playlist, grab a cuppa (or your preferred drink of choice), and give your stoma supplies the spring refresh they desperately need. Trust me, you’ll feel better for it!
Respond’s useful advice and support
Having a reliable spring-clean routine with my ostomy products helps me worry less about ostomy life. Joining Respond has made my life so much easier. That feeling knowing my supplies will arrive every month without me having to chase them gives me one less thing to stress about.
Respond also has a wealth of educational and empowering blogs from other ostomates, including:
- Daily habits that make living with a chronic illness easier – by Alice
- Learning to feel confident in your body with a stoma – by Poppy
- Does stoma care get easier over time? – by Mohammad
In summary
If you’re reading this and you’re in the middle of those tough early days post-surgery, please know that it gets easier. Everything might feel so overwhelming but you’ll get more used to it as time goes on. Staying on top of your supplies is a great way to do this. The same stands if you’ve had your stoma for years. Organisation is key.
For so many, including myself, having an ostomy wasn’t the end. It was just the beginning. You can still live your best life, and honestly, my ostomy enables me to live my best life.
You can message me and follow me on my stoma journey on Instagram: @ibdwarriorprincess
