This topic is about a young man, Rose's 19-year-old grandson, who is about to start his first full-time job in a warehouse. He is feeling anxious about managing his ostomy at work, especially when it comes to using the bathroom or dealing with any potential issues like a bag failure. Rose is wondering if he should talk to Human Resources (HR) about his condition. Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights for him:

1. Disclosure and Legal Rights
- In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require him to disclose his condition. However, telling HR or a trusted manager can help him get "reasonable accommodations" like extra bathroom time or flexible breaks, and it can prevent surprises in case of an emergency.
- Some people choose to register as "disabled" at work, while others prefer to tell only a few trusted colleagues to maintain privacy but still have support.
- If an employer reacts negatively, ADA protections or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 can offer some recourse.

2. Creating a "Bathroom/Back-Up Kit"
- Keep spare ostomy supplies like precut pouches, wafers/flanges, barrier rings, and medical tape.
- Use Hollister M9 Deodorant Drops inside the pouch to manage odor.
- Have adhesive remover wipes, skin-prep wipes, and water or flushable wipes on hand.
- Carry a small empty water bottle for rinsing the pouch.
- Bring a personal roll of toilet paper, as commercial rolls can be hard to reach.
- Use zip-lock bags: one for clean items and another for used pouches or trash.
- Keep a complete change of clothes (pants, shirt, underwear, socks) and store an extra set in the car if possible.
- A lockable storage space at work is ideal for keeping these items secure.

3. Workplace Technique and Etiquette
- Before starting a change, set items out in reachable spots and clean the toilet area thoroughly afterward.
- If there are odor complaints, deodorizer drops or sprays can help. Some people humorously "burp" the bag near chronic complainers as a deterrent.

4. Managing Sweat, Lifting, and Hernia Risk
- Heavy lifting and sweating can weaken the wafer's adhesion and increase the risk of a hernia behind the stoma.
- Consider wearing support garments or looking for roles with lighter physical demands, such as phone work, caregiving without lifting, or office jobs.

5. Psychological and Practical Coping
- Prepare for worst-case scenarios like a bag leak or frequent bathroom trips to reduce fear.
- Many coworkers are understanding, and a supportive workplace culture can make disclosure easier.
- Online ostomy communities offer age-specific peer support and practical tips, helping young ostomates feel less isolated.