What’s In My Bag
Ready to go deep? We find out what three women living with bladder and bowel leaks are hauling around town.
In Crowd Editor Anja Christoffersen
Anja’s Bag
In Crowd Editor Anja Christoffersen sports a chait tube, manages bowel incontinence and a stubborn bladder that occasionally won't empty. Her small but mighty Oroton Astrid Shoulder Bag in Classic Cream contains all the things she can't live without.
1. Epipen
“Literally could not live without. As an anaphylactic, beta-blocked girlie I have to carry two, just in case I come into contact with latex. From fake-eyelash glue to balloons, latex is everywhere these days!”
2. Spare undies
“With a spare pair, you can go anywhere! And realistically, a fresh set of knickers offers peace of mind that if anything leaks, a new pair is ready to sub in.”
3. Pads
“My bowel is like a faulty tap – and early periods love to surprise me when I least expect it. Extra pads are always useful and not just for me. I once had to strap one to my dad's arm after a public, bloody fall.”
4. Two Faced Better Than Sex mascara
“I'll be honest, I mainly get it for the name. It’s my one emergency makeup item as I often leave the house barefaced. A quick lick of mascara is my actually effortless, effortless look.”
5. Tubie Fun chait pad
“My appendicostomy loves to ooze mucus and the chait digs in constantly – especially when moving around a lot. These chait pads have been my saving grace for comfort and stain containment. And they look cool!”
6. LoFric Elle™ catheter
“I don't cath full-time, but I do know how for those times where my bladder just won't empty well. I carry one with me just in case – and this particular one is sleek and discrete, like a thin pen. And it's pink! As someone who's been stopped in her tracks by UTIs, the special surface tech in the lubrication is also a game-changer.”
7. Smoothie chews lollies
“I'm not a sweet tooth, but I have big fatigue and energy dips, so carry a little supply of sugar to boost me up when I feel I can't go on. Definitely a temporary fix, but it works.”
8. Imodium
“My forbidden crutch. The only real way I know that I need to go to the bathroom is a rumble in my stomach. With no other way to control my bowels, I always have Imodium on hand so everything can freeze long enough to race home. Although sometimes it freezes for too long!”
Jaimie Rose Sheil
Jaimie’s Bag
Jaimie Rose Sheil is a rare disease and disability advocate, model, creator and writer based in Melbourne, Australia. She has an ileostomy and some light bladder incontinence – so you won't catch her without her Bon Vivant Structured Tote from Bon Maxie, filled with her daily essentials.
1. Fayt Cherry Glazey lip oil
“This lightweight lip oil is perfect for completing a face of makeup or adding a touch of colour to a natural face. It feels hydrating and nourishing without being sticky, and best of all, I can be as messy as I like with it and it still looks good.”
2. Spill kit
“I have a kit in my bag which I call my ‘spill kit’. In it I have everything I would need to change my ostomy bag out in public. I love the confidence this kit gives me. Even though I hope I don't need it, it always makes me feel better to know I can deal with a spill.”
3. Travel pill case for PRN medications
“I used to carry my medications in a little zip-lock bag and not only did it look really dodgy, it also led to labels wearing off, crushed pills, and not knowing what I did and didn't have when I needed it. Now I use a ring pill container which has its own cute little case, and I used a label maker to label each segment with the medication name.”
4. Hydramama Tropical electrolyte sachet
“Due to my ileostomy and dysautonomia I am more likely to be dehydrated and it's really important for me to drink lots of electrolytes. I always have a drink bottle with me and if it isn't full of a salty drink, then I've got a sachet in my bag ready to go.”
5. Headscarf
“My version of a scrunchie or claw clip. I have short hair that doesn't like to be tied up so I carry around a headscarf to tame it on a bad hair day. I find them really useful for hospital days when I'm not feeling well, need my port accessed, or am resting and want to protect my hair.”
6. Warm Vanilla Sugar hand sanitiser
“As an immunosuppressed girl, it is important to have good hand hygiene and try to avoid germs, which can be hard in public spaces. I like to have a nicely scented hand sanitiser to add a little joy to keeping my hands clean when I'm out and about.”
7. Sunglasses
“I have a condition called neuromyelitis optica (NMO) which has damaged my optic nerves and makes me sensitive to glare. I have even been known to wear them inside from time to time. Embarrassing, I know!”
8. Portable charger
“I create content so I often film and edit in public, which drains my phone battery. I don't know what I'd do without being able to plug my phone in and charge it up whenever I need to.”
Jaimie’s spill kit essentials
Coloplast SenSura Mio ostomy bag, Hollister Adapt CeraRing (seal for my ostomy), flange extenders, garbage bags, a bluey, skin-safe wipes, adhesive remover wipes, skin barrier spray and a pair of Bonds Damn Dry undies.
Chelsea Fursdon
Chelsea’s Bag
Chelsea Fursdon is a model and advocate who works in the disability sector and is based in Brisbane, Australia. Due to multiple chronic conditions, she experiences occasional leaks or accidents from both her bladder and bowel. Chelsea keeps her trusty Louis Vuitton Neverfull close by, so she’s ready for almost anything.
1. Black Raspberry and Vanilla air freshener
“These room sprays are top tier when it comes to needing to conceal any odours – especially after a bathroom trip.”
2. Femfresh feminine wipes
“Definitely in love with this product. These wipes are fantastic when toilet paper just isn't enough and you just need a good wet wipe to feel properly clean again.”
3. Sunny Coconut hand sanitiser
“When out and about, it's important I keep my hands clean. I love the travel size and variety of scents the Bath and Bodyworks sanitisers come in, and they make feeling extra clean easy. They don't take up much room in my bag and can be great for when accidents occur!”
4. Reusable foldable shopping bags
“Definitely a must-have for me. Not only are they handy when I pop by the pharmacy or supermarket, they're also useful for any incidents where I need to change undies or clothes.”
5. Chronic hemp infused ointment
“I found this in my last attempt at trying yet another natural quick fix, and now I'm absolutely obsessed with this oil. It's been a game-changer when it comes to being out in the community. This is a Hail Mary product for me that acts as pain relief until I get home or take my medication.”
6. Kayali Fleur Majesty Rose Royale parfum
“I find having a nice strong scent not only boosts my mood but also masks any additional lingering smells. A spray of this can make me feel brand new again!”
7. Mini meds bag
“I pack absolutely all the essentials in this Bag Full of Drugs pouch from Etsy. Some things that are always in there are pain relief, Ural, pads, anti-nausea tablets, sanitary wipes, a little cleaning kit for spills or leaks and other daily supplies. It's what I'm reaching for in emergencies.”
8. Summer Fridays Brown Sugar lip butter balm
“Perfect for completing my makeup look or for during-the-day touch-ups, I'm obsessed with the sheer rosy brown tint. It has a beautiful hydrating glossy finish, without stickiness or smudging.”
What’s in my Bag was made in partnership with Mediplast Australia. You can access free samples and support from their clinical team by calling 1800 622 492 or via their website, shop.mediplast.com.au. In Australia, Mediplast represents the globally trusted continence range by Wellspect HealthCare – the unique hydrophilic urinary catheter range LoFric, and the convenient Navina systems for bladder and bowel management respectively.
Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional before making any changes to your catheter or bowel management routine. Product suitability varies from person to person – your clinical team is best placed to guide you.