So in terms of dexterity, using the stoma bag, the oncologist did tell me beforehand that I may need help to use the bag and my hands might become so difficult and clumsy to use, that I might need help.

I didn’t luckily enough, but it just became more difficult. You know, my hands were definitely a lot more clumsy, and it’s harder to do more sort of pernickety little things.

So again, getting your bags precut for you and trying to have everything ready, so having the kit ready there in the in the toilet all ready. Just having things pre prepared just makes it all a little bit easier.

So another tip that I would give to people if they can is to make sure that get your bags precut by your supplier because it just means it’s less hassle and you know when you go through chemo every little thing that you can do just to make life a bit less difficult

Whoever you get your bags from, your manufacturer or your home delivery company, they can precut your bags to your stoma size. So, if you’re not having that done already, that’s definitely a big tip, even if you’re not going through chemo. That’s just a really good tip.

The oncologist suggested to me when he said my hands might get so bad, he was saying, you know, try to get trousers that don’t have buttons in them and at the start I thought what really is it going to be that extreme? Actually, I did end up just having kind of slouchy jogging bottoms.

So even though I thought at the start, no way that’s not gonna happen to me. It was brilliant. You know, just to have kind of jogging bottoms that you can just pull up and down. So, wearing kind of stretchy clothes. Is is good. You know, for a number of reasons.

Practical tips for helping with dexterity

Change your routine to suit you! Why not:

• Consider pre-cut baseplates so you don’t have to use scissors – speak to your stoma care nurse or home delivery company as they should be able to help with this.
• Ask about different pouches that you might find easier:

– Ask about a 1-piece solution if you find changing your whole pouch easier.

– Consider a drainable pouch if emptying a pouch is better for you.

– Or if you are struggling changing a full system, consider a 2-piece with added protection of an absorbent seal for increased weartime.

• Why not create kits of all products you need in your bathroom so you don’t have to look for anything when a change is needed.
• Think comfortable! Wear whatever makes you feel warm and cosy. Trousers that pull up as opposed to buttons, warm slippers and gloves are good when your hands or feet are feeling numb or sore.
• Keep your routine simple. Choose what feels right for you and ask for pouch and accessory samples until you find your perfect match – just like your favourite jumper.