I was told after surgery…
“Your stoma does not control your life; it should simply just fit into it.”
Looking back, it is obvious to me now (someone who has a stoma) that this was said to me by someone who clearly didn’t have a stoma. Someone who didn’t have to build themselves from the bottom up after surgery. So NO, this quote doesn’t quite fit into the overarching umbrella of having a stoma.
But, I do think it lends itself well to aspects. Specifically, organising and storing your stoma supplies.
I am Type A. I have always been a Type A. I like organisation. I like tidiness. I like to know what’s happening and have control over the situation. However, if you were to look at my stoma supplies, you would very much think I was a Type B, perhaps even Type C. Oops.
Immediately after surgery, I was very particular with my supplies. I had them all organised under the bathroom sink. I knew exactly how many bags I had at any given moment. Everything was spread out, organised and clear.
However, I soon realised, this was taking up too much of my time. I didn’t have time throughout the day to worry about organising my supplies neatly. I also realised that my bathroom cabinet was not big enough, my stoma stuff was going to have to be compromised.
Fast forward 3 years, the storage of my supplies is very sporadic. I have supplies in my bathroom, bedroom and dressing room. I have supplies in ALL my handbags, which are stored away. I don’t let me stoma supplies rule my life. I have a reliable and trustworthy delivery service (Respond) who I know will be able to help me if I am ever short. They remind me when I need to order more supplies. They take on the weight of dealing with my supplies, the whole process is totally stress-free. I then simply shove them in a cupboard until I need them!
I like having stoma bags/supplies ready to go in each handbag – and I would recommend this to others. This means that once I am ready to leave the house, I don’t need to worry about extra supplies because I know that all my handbags already have spare supplies in them. 1 stoma bag, 1 spray, 1 bin bag and some dry wipes!
This same relaxed approach has now lent itself to my changing routine. It used to take me so long before, as I methodically laid out everything I needed. Now it feels like second nature. Life is busy, so I grab what I need, I set myself up, I change my bag and off we go! Is it sad to say I’ve timed myself and my fastest bag change has been 1 minute 24 seconds.
Why am I admitting that my bathroom cupboard is a complete mess? That I have no clue how many supplies I need and when I need to make a new order?
Lying in a hospital bed after surgery, I would’ve like to have read about a relaxed approach. I was worried about ordering supplies, staying on top of it all and not becoming overwhelmed. After a stoma, everything feels so overly heightened. But the reality of it is, I haven’t let this part of living with a stoma take over. I don’t worry about my supplies. Respond take care of it.
Love,
Poppy x
@stoma_scene