Young Adult Survival Kit

Everything you need for situations no one prepared you for

Essential Supplies: Away from Home Kit

Keep this in your bag, car, or locker for emergencies and daily needs.

Basics (Must Have)

2 complete ostomy system changes
Scissors and measuring guide
Adhesive remover wipes
Barrier wipes or powder
Disposal bags
Small package of wet wipes
Hand sanitizer

Backup Essentials

Extra underwear
Small dark-colored towel
Stain remover pen
Portable deodorizer spray
Emergency contact card

Where to Store Supplies

Gym locker: Complete change kit
Office/desk: Compact emergency kit
Car: Full backup supplies
Dorm/apartment: Multiple locations (bathroom, bedroom, living area)
Friend's place: Small stash if you visit regularly

Disclosure Scripts for Different Situations

Use these as starting points and adapt to your comfort level.

Job Interview (When Asked About Gaps in Employment)

"I took time off to address a medical situation that's now fully managed. It actually taught me a lot about time management and problem solving that's made me better at handling unexpected challenges."

Workplace Disclosure (If You Choose To Share)

"I wanted to let you know that I have a medical condition that's well controlled, but occasionally I might need quick bathroom access or brief medical appointments. It doesn't affect my work performance, but I wanted you to be aware in case you noticed anything."

Roommate Conversation

"Hey, I have a medical thing where I use the bathroom a bit differently. You might notice some supplies in there. It's completely managed and not contagious or anything. I just wanted to mention it so you're not surprised. Any questions?"

Dating (When You're Ready to Share)

"There's something I want to share with you. I had surgery that changed how my digestive system works. I have what's called an ostomy, which is a medical pouch I wear. It's completely managed and doesn't change who I am as a person, but I wanted to be honest with you."

Emergency Contact Information

Fill this out and keep a copy in your wallet, phone, and emergency kit.

Medical Emergency Contact Card

Name: _________________________________________

Medical Condition: Ostomate

Emergency Contact: _____________________________

Phone: _________________________________________

Surgeon/Specialist: ____________________________

Specialist Phone: ________________________________

Ostomy Type: ____________________________________

Allergies/Medications: _________________________

Insurance: _____________________________________

Key Medical Contacts

Surgeon: _______________________________________________
Ostomy Nurse: _________________________________________
Primary Care: __________________________________________
Pharmacy: ____________________________________________
Supply Company: _______________________________________

Workplace Rights & Resources

Know Your Rights (United States - ADA)

Reasonable bathroom access accommodations
Private space for ostomy care if needed
Schedule flexibility for medical appointments
Protected medical information (no requirement to disclose)
Protection from discrimination based on disability

Workplace Resources Checklist

Contact HR about ADA accommodations process
Review company health insurance ostomy supply coverage
Identify Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources
Locate accessible restrooms in your workplace
Understand FMLA eligibility for medical appointments

Canadian Resources (Know Your Rights)

Canadian Human Rights Act protections
Provincial human rights codes
Duty to accommodate in workplace
Access to accessible facilities
Provincial healthcare coverage for supplies (varies by province)

Bathroom Strategy

Shared Bathroom Survival

Scout bathroom layouts and identify most private stalls
Learn peak usage times and plan accordingly
Keep compact emergency kit easily accessible
Use sound-masking apps if helpful for privacy
Identify backup bathrooms in your building
Store small supply kit in desk or locker

Workplace Bathroom Tips

Identify single-occupancy restrooms if available
Map out bathroom locations throughout workplace
Note which bathrooms are less frequented
Plan ostomy changes during lower-traffic times
Keep professional disposal bags for discretion

Building Your Support Network

You don't have to handle everything alone.

Inner Circle (People who know everything)

Best friend/roommate: _________________________________
Family contact: ___________________________________________
Partner: ____________________________________________________

Support Circle (People who know you have medical needs)

Trusted coworker: _________________________________________
Supervisor/HR: ____________________________________________
Close friends: _____________________________________________

Professional Support

Therapist/counselor: _______________________________________
Support group: ____________________________________________
Online community: _________________________________________

Quick Reminder

This survival kit is meant to empower you, not overwhelm you. Start with the essentials that matter most for your daily life, and build from there. You've got this.

For more resources and community support, visit youngostomatecollective.com