April, after having a colectomy, no questions seem too personal anymore.. Yes, I use them when I can't get to the bathroom on time. I take my purse to work, and I keep a separate purse at work with a smaller package of wipes (that I can refill). One drawer in my desk is devoted to personal things such as my separate purse, diapers, clean underwear, and little scented trash bags from the dollar store. I've worked at my current job for the past 3 years. I'm an auditor with the state on a floor of about
60 people. I was really sick before surgery and the whole division prayed for me while I was away having surgery. Yes, I've been in the bathroom a long time cleaning up. I've had to take off my pants to clean myself, and put on clean undergarments whatever the kind. I use the scented trash bags to put my diapers in the trashcan (they won't smell then), or if I'm unfortunately in my panties. If I'm in my panties, I just throw them in my scented bag and put them in my purse until I get home. Only you will know it with scented bags.
I still keep a clean set of clothes hanging on the back of my door at work. I've been passing alot of gas since I've had this surgery and I walk alot like we're supposed to. I have air fresheners in my office and canned air freshener. I don't worry about it and it's usually stinky. I can't get to the bathroom in time to keep from passing gas if I wanted too. It comes quickly. I just apologize and say that I've had surgery and it is one of the side effects that may not go away. Most everyone in my office accepts this and I haven't ever heard otherwise. They are all adults and you'd be surprised to know that they don't even think anything of it; we're just more self conscience of it. If it were another person you knew and they let you know that they had a serious surgery and couldn't help it, would you criticize them? No, you would just accept it if you were any kind of decent co-worker; so don't beat yourself up worrying about what you cannot help. We are self-conscience only because it is so much of a change to us and our bodies.
Before I went back to work, I worried about everything.. I was still having accidents and 2 days at work I was terrible, just like water. I had 2 depends in my purse. Before I got out of the bathroom I had used them. I just carefully walked to a lady's office and asked her if she would take my purse and refill it with a couple of depends from my stash. I was mortified but she was more than happy to help. Stuff happens. Once I was in Target waiting in line and all of a sudden I gushed. I could feel that it was inside my shorts, so I paid and quickly walked to my car and sat on the plastic bag on the way home. It's a good idea to keep supplies in the glove compartment or trunk of your car, too.. Also, on medium days when you need a little more than panties and don't quite need depends, there are incontinence washable panties in white or colors that are soft cotton and work well. They're good for 200 washings and are soft. I've got 3 pair and love them.
Also, I can't remember if it was you or not, but I sometimes I get just a streak of stool in my panties when I pass gas. I wear a thin pad and just change it often, but I don't know how bad yours is..
If you have any other questions, I can tell you what helps me..