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My Bathroom Battlefield: A Stoma, Ostomy Change Survival Guide (with a sprinkle of chaos)

Alright, folks, let’s talk bathroom realness. Forget face masks and scented candles, my bathroom is a tactical operations center, a finely tuned (okay, sometimes haphazard) zone dedicated to one thing: stoma, ostomy bag changes. And let me tell you, when you’re dealing with a little friend who decided to relocate to your abdomen, you need to be prepared!

Think of it as a pit stop during a very, very long race. You need everything in arm’s reach, otherwise, things can get… interesting. Picture this: you’re halfway through a change, suddenly realize you’re out of wipes, and you’re doing a frantic, one-handed search while trying to keep everything contained. Not a zen experience, trust me.

So, what treasures lie within my bathroom’s sacred stoma-changing space? Let’s dive in:

The Essentials: The Soldiers on the Frontline

• Bags, Glorious Bags: Obviously, the stars of the show! I keep a couple of sizes because sometimes my stoma, ostomy has I wear a bigger bag for a longer nights sleep. Plus when my bag fancies a change, I wear bag covers and wraps to add style. It’s like having a wardrobe for your abdomen.
• You can add style to your bag with one or two, https://www.etsy.com/shop/unspokenrosebud
• Flanges: The Sticky Sidekicks: These are the unsung heroes, the adhesive warriors that keep everything secure. I treat these like precious gems, because a good seal is the difference between a good day and a crappy day.
• Dry Wipes: The Gentle Giants: Soft, absorbent, and ready for anything. Think of them as tiny, fluffy towels for delicate situations.
• Wet Wipes: The Cleaning Crew: Essential for a thorough clean. I prefer the unscented kind, because nobody wants a stoma, ostomy that smells like a floral bouquet (unless you’re into that, no judgement).
• Nappy Bin Bags: The Discreet Disposal Unit: Because let’s be honest, we’re not dealing with rainbows and butterflies here. These little bags are a lifesaver for keeping things tidy and, well, contained.

The Occasional Reinforcements: When Things Get Tricky

• Stoma Powder: The Magic Dust: If  your skin breaks down or get a little irritated, this powder is like a soothing balm. It’s the fairy godmother of stoma care.
• Barrier Cream: The Protective Shield: This creates a barrier between your skin and the adhesive, preventing irritation. It’s like a tiny bodyguard for your skin.
• Extended Wear Flanges: The Marathon Runners: For those days when you need extra staying power, these are the heavy-duty champions.
• Stoma Rings, Paste: The Gap Fillers: These flexible rings are like putty for your stoma, ostomy and you can use paste which helping to create a smooth, leak-proof seal. Essential for those with uneven stomas, ostomy. I have a FREE PDF on the pros and cons of rings vs paste download now https://bit.ly/3Mzzooo

The “Oh, Crap!” Extras: 

• Scissors: The Precision Instrument: For trimming flanges and bags to the perfect size. It’s like being a tiny tailor for your ostomy, stoma.
• A Mirror: The Self-Assessment Tool: Because sometimes you need to see what’s going on at 6 O’clock of placing your bag.
• Disposable bin liner: These are a game changer if you have a leak and there is dirty washing I just drop in these bag liner and no more mucky hands as this will go straight into the washer.

The Zen Zone (Or Trying To Be):

• My Phone (with a calming playlist): Because sometimes you need to escape into the sweet sounds of whale song, 80’s power ballads or podcasts. Whatever floats your boat.
• A Small, Easy to Clean Mat or Puppy training mats: to protect the counter from anything that may happen. Or what I do is use my sink with the plus in so that I don’t drop products down the plug hole which could block it and who needs this???

Ultimately, my bathroom is a testament to the fact that even with a stoma, ostomy life can be organized (ish), efficient (sometimes), and even a little bit funny. It’s a space where I take control, face the challenges, and emerge victorious (most of the time). So, here’s to all the ostomates out there, turning their bathrooms into their own personal pit stops! May your flanges be sticky, your wipes be plentiful.

My Journey: From Diagnosis to Empowerment 💪🌸

Crafting Confidence: Lingerie with a Purpose

Supporting Beyond Style: Clinical Hypnotherapy

A Life Worth Celebrating 🎉