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Posted 5/1/2008 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi - first time posting.  I am having my first flare since being diagnosised 3 years ago. I am surprised at how long it is taking to get over it - going on a month now.  My question is does anyone have any tips on how to get out of the house to get things djone without having an accident?  Whenever I leave the house I am afraid of having an accident before making it to the bathroom.  Any suggestions on what people use or do would be appreciated.  THANKS!!
Posted 5/1/2008 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
I know your anxiety! One thing you might consider is the adult diapers. It will give you comfort knowing you got something to keep things from getting messy. Usually when I go out I will go to the washroom first and then once I am out I practise breathing techniques to keep me calm and pray. I feel if I trust in God He will help me out. Basically I only go to places that have washrooms. You could try Immodium, sometimes after taking that I won't have to go for a day. You could always tell yourself, hey what's the big deal, if I crap my pants I crap my pants, not much I can do about it, the worst that can happen is you have to clean yourself up. Try and teach yourself not to care if you have an accident. Anyways, these are some of the things I do. Good luck!

Posted 5/1/2008 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jcline,

My only advice I can offer is to be prepared, carry a small backpack, containing essential items such as a wash kit, baby wipes, spare clothing and some plastic zip tie bags that you can store any soiled items of clothing. Of course it doesn't help take the embarrasment away if it happens but you'll know at least you have everything with you if it does.

Take care.

Dave
Posted 5/1/2008 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey. :O) This has been my first major flare since being diagnosed as well.. I started to flare in March and am only now just beginning to feel normal again. First of all, I stayed in the house when ever my tummy was making noises. Then I would only go out if I had just gone to the bathroom for a bm. And even then I wouldn't go anywhere where I wasn't sure there was a nice clean bathroom. I find that I always get the urge to go while I am in Walmart for some reason... Maybe its an anxiety thing because when this flare began I was in Walmart and got pains so bad I could barely walk.. I ended up in the ER that night and it was all down hill from there... now whenever I am in Walmart it seems I have to GO to the bathroom.. I have even seen myself drop a bag of cat food and make a run for it!! Its just something ya gotta get over I guess.... that and.. don't trust farts of course !!!!!!!!
Posted 5/1/2008 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Just depends on how bad things are. If it's a long thing where I'll be out for many hours and I feel bad, I'll take a anti-spasmodic for peace of mind. Over the years I have learned that ANY bathroom is a good bathroom, lol. I also scope out where the bathrooms are in every place when i first go in. That gives my mind peace and my intestines peace and I usually never even have to visit them. If I don't know where they are I am more likely to have some anxiety and make things worse.

I always keep some paper towels and a garbage bag under the seat of my car, and my ventvisor would give me privacy if I ever needed to stop on the road traveling by myself. Never had to use, but knowing that option is there gives peace of mind. The roads I drive on frequently I know where I can stop in a hurry if needed.

Nothing is worse than that long walk to a restroom in a big store though, lol. Then you walk in and there is one stall and someone is in it reading a paper. Someone shoot me now.
Posted 5/1/2008 4:21 PM (GMT 0)

I gotta say, CanMan is right on 100% with his reply- after I finally stopped caring about accidents, they seemed to happen less frequently. At least, I was able to pull off the road & run behind a tree! I don't consider that an accident. And definitely carry a bag with you- with baby wipes, clean underwear, clean pants, someplastic baggies to put the soiled stuff in, tissues, tp, etc. Once you have everything needed to clean yourself up, it's really not a big deal. Of course, it took me about a year to finally come to that conclucion! Don't stay home for fear of accidents though, it'll only make you more resentful of this disease, & limit your life. Within reason, obviously- you may not want to attend the big day-long company picnic, but going out to do errnads... I used to get embarassed cause I figured the "people" in the supermarket would notice that I was in the bathroom like 3 times per shopping trip...!!! Duh, no one cares....

Posted 5/1/2008 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
thank you all so much - keep the ideas coming. i did get a laugh about the wal-mart!! I too, for some reason, always have to go when I am out, with no warning what so ever. It is nice to get ideas and knowing that I am not the only one! THANKS!!
Posted 5/1/2008 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have had UC for 6 years and must admit when I am flaring I rarely go anywhere that I don't really need to. Thankfully if I do go out somewhere like doctors visits or whatever I have never needed to go, it's like my body just knows (strange I know) I have never felt comfortable going in a public place even before I was ill. Also when I am flaring I usually go through periods where it all happens at one time of day i.e during my last flare I could go 6 times in the first hour of getting up all with tremendous cramps and urgency but then for the rest of the day I was fine although I know it is not always like this sometimes it can just hit at any time of day.
Posted 5/2/2008 3:09 AM (GMT 0)

jcline, I know exactly what you going through I've been through it all in the last 13years.   I have always been one to panic about going out during a flare for fear of accidents, but you do need to get out.   There have been times that I would use my childs diaper, just in case.  I always ask where the washrooms are as soon as I enter a facility or mall that is new to me.  Extra underpants are kept in my purse along with a change of clothes, toilet paper and a plastic bag in my car.  I have had many accidents during the worst of my flares but life goes on.   Since my last flare the doctor perscribed lomotil pills (anti-diahrea - slows things down in the intestines, plus calms me)and it has been the best thing for me.  Its peace of mind knowing that about 1/2hr after taking one my colon has settled and the urgency has stopped - so I know for me it's safe to go out.  Since then I have used it regularly, and I feel that I can do so much more knowing that I have that peace of mind.

Posted 5/2/2008 7:31 AM (GMT 0)
hello!
all great ideas and things i do as well.
i also have a portable potty in my car. i'm pretty small so i can use a kid's potty like for potty training. but you can also shop around for camping toilets. i just line the little bucket part with a small rubbish bag (double lined... don't want that stuff leaking!) and i used it MANY times while flaring.
a towel or something to cover your lap for privacy. i usually hop in the back seat which has tinted windows.
it's a bit of a hassle but MUCH better than going in my pants and cleaning up later, ugh.

hope you get out of your flare soon!! some of it does calm down when you can rid yourself of some anxiety.
i even had times when i could just get the potty ready (hubby driving the car) and just knowing it was there calmed me enough to make it to the nearest toilet.
Posted 5/3/2008 11:52 AM (GMT 0)

This reminds me of something I have been wondering. Being stuck at home a lot, I watch more TV that I would like. It seems like I have heard of people getting arrested for public defecation and urination. The poster above who mentioned running behind a tree reminded me of it.

What does everyone think? Would you get into trouble?

What if they take you to jail and and another inmate asks you "what are you in for".....

Posted 5/3/2008 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
"What if they take you to jail and and another inmate asks you "what are you in for"....."
Guess you could say,"I'm in,cause it had to get out!".

When I'm flaring I will avoid eating for several hours before going out,then take six imodium(yes six,checked if okay with my doc)an hour before leaving.Then I'll visit each toilet available,whether I feel the urge or not.Quite often something will come out,if even only a trickle,and I find it helps prevent urgency.
Posted 5/3/2008 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder the same thing!!!!! Please, I go to the bathroom outside at least once a week- & every time, I think "What if....???" It cracks me up though- I always figured I would tell a cop "I'm sick!" if they ever busted me. There have been times, in flares, that I've gone outside in broad daylight, with people like walking right by me practically! It's a wonder no one has seen me,.....yet!

Posted 5/3/2008 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
This is just a guess but I think the laws about public urination/defacation are to control the drunks, sex offenders, drifters etc. If the police saw a "normal" person doing it they may ask if you are ok etc. but feel bad for you and let you get on your way. I think its just an easy way to sweep the drunks and homeless off the streets. There are also the few that get off on doing it in public but the police usually know who they are. If you aren't a "regular' to them you will be all set.

Eva - you are my hero!! Heck if dogs can do it, why can't we? Do we have to scoop it too lol!! And as far as telling the cop "Im sick" you have the evidence right there. I bet if it is that urgent it won't look normal.
Posted 5/4/2008 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Of all the things to finally get my "hero" kudos for...!!! hahaha... I used to think "Oh, I could never do that!". Then, after my first mad dash behind a tree, it was easy. I have had some memorable moments though- going behind a dumpster behind the local convenience store, on the way to work. Going behind our local library while my daughter brought me the tissues I keep in the car. Going...well, going just about anywhere! and honestly, I've never had an "in the pants" accident. As long as there's a tree, I'm good. One of these days my luck is bound to run out- but right, who can argue with the evidence!?!?!? I am sick, darn it! What, do "they" expect you to crap in your car??? Plus, I find it takes the pressure off when you do have to leave your house- so you have to stop somewhere, big deal.

Posted 5/4/2008 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
OMG i have to say this really made me laugh!!! in a good way because even though i know people have UC i swear i was the only young 23 year old who was still able to "crap" their pants.. some of these stories i'm like yup that happened to me.. my accidents always happen when i am like 2 minutes from home.. I'm always like geez couldnt you just wait 5 more minutes!!!
Posted 5/4/2008 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
I have had this happen. Lucky, (or unlucky) the LEO was someone I use to date. Upped my embarrassment quotient, but he could tell it was coming out both ends and offered to call the ambulance for me. But, now I carry my own diaper bag in the car (and I have no kids...LOL).
Posted 5/4/2008 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
Navy - is LEO law enforcement officer?
Posted 5/4/2008 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Yep. Sorry, I should have said that.
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