Here, some of our supporters’ share the practical purchases they have made to make life easier – handy things that they’ve discovered or bought that have really helped in everyday life with a urostomy.
We’re not talking about which urostomy bags or products they prefer, but rather small, simple items that they’ve found genuinely helpful.
- “When I’m on holiday, I use a collapsible dog washing bucket by my bed at night, which you can buy at most pet shops or Amazon (this weighs nothing and takes no space). A clip holds it to the sheet (the one in my photo was obtained from Charter at a display sometime). Finally a thin mat on the floor which has plasticised bottom so would prevent floor getting wet. When at home, I have a collapsible washing up bowl which is easily washable and sits during the day in a bathroom cupboard with the sides pushed down.” – John (see pictures in photo gallery below)
- “Marks and Spencers’ underwear have excellent stoma pants for females (and now males) with pockets to support both urostomy bags and colostomy bags. They are cheaper than other suppliers, wash very well and look like M&S ordinary underwear.” – Margaret
- “When you are out and about and have no access to a bathroom, I have found ‘Water Wipes’ (pure and no additives) really useful. They were recommended by a hospital stoma nurse. They are in my emergency kit! I use them regularly.” – Brian
- “When away from home I always take a couple of suction hooks with me that I can place securely on a bathroom tile when changing. It’s great to hang the disposable bag on. I quickly discovered that hotel bathrooms are not the best equipped! I also have a collapsible camping washing up bowl to stand my night stand in.” – Anne
- “I always carry an empty plastic bottle. I remove the label and fill as necessary when no WC facilities are available.” – Sue
- “When I first had Maddy, my stoma, I thought about night wear PJs. I decided to open the seam right inside leg a few inches from crotch. I pop tube of night bag through and attach to bag. Then I lay with the tube under my left leg into my small bin in a water proof bag. I find it limits blocking and I move a lot in my sleep so I’m not disturbed too much.” – Lorraine
- “I always connect to my overnight bag when travelling longer journeys. I don’t get myself worked up if I get stuck in a traffic jam then. I also carry a plastic bag for when I get out of the car. I pop the overnight bag into the plastic bag (whilst still connected to me) and carry the plastic bag into the nearest toilet, where I can empty and disconnect. Less stress whilst enjoying our British roads.” – Lorraine
- “We have been using incontinence pads bought at the pharmacy to protect the mattress in case of a night leak (under the bottom sheet) and always take some with us if staying overnight anywhere. Just gives some reassurance.” – Mo
- “I couldn’t drive without this little clip [two piece car safety seat belt buckle clip – seat belt stopper adjust clip seat] which prevents the bottom part of the seat belt clamping tight over your stoma. It does NOT affect the working of the seatbelt when needed. I place it before the slidable clip on the bottom half and it can be adjusted to suit your size. I also carry a spare so that I can be a comfy passenger! Well worth the money.” – Cindy-Lou
Gallery
John’s collapsible dog washing bucket he uses on holiday
John’s collapsible washing up bowl which he uses at home
A huge thank you to everyone who shared their suggestions. These ideas are representative of each person’s experiences, and are unique and individual to them. Please note that inclusion here does not constitute recommendation by the Urostomy Association. Please remember to ask your own stoma specialist if you have any questions or concerns about your own urinary diversion, and to follow your product suppliers’ guidance.