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The public restroom dilemma

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/4/2014 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
Yesterday I had to go while I was at work. We have like 5 toilet stalls. I was really gassy because I had some coffee with real milk which I absolutely cannot take. So there I was. I noticed another person a few stalls away. It seemed like she tried to be extremely quiet while I just let it all out. I think I made her feel sooo uncomfortable. It sounded to me as if she left without finishing lol

I used to hate it when I had to go and someone else was there. Today I just go and don't feel ashamed anymore. It's funny how you adjust with this disease. I still hear people saying that they don't like to use public restrooms and I used to be the same until I got sick and I had no other choice than to use what was available.
Posted 3/4/2014 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yeah this disease certainly changes one's perspective on restrooms. Right now I follow this golden rule: anywhere but my pants haha. I've used shady gas station bathrooms, portapottys, heck even dashed in the woods on a few occassions. Before uc, yeah I was picky and would avoid any toilet that was iffy.
Posted 3/4/2014 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
i agree with Ipoop--anywhere but my pants is the rule I follow. We should start a thread on the worst public bathroom you were forced to use.
Posted 3/4/2014 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have found it very interesting noticing that when I have been in public restrooms with others, that there have been some where I believe they also have digestive issues.
Posted 3/4/2014 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
That happened to me yesterday too. I had no choice but to let it fly but there was someone in there and they remains quiet the whole time. It was awkward. I was proud of myself, I am always very shy a bout these things.
Posted 3/4/2014 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
I used to really punish myself trying to make it home to go. Not anymore. Like was said above "Anywhere but in my pants". I tell my motorcycle buddies that if I pull over and run into the woods, don't follow. I kinda make sport of it when in public restrooms. While in Wal-Mart the other day, I had to go and there was another gentleman in the next stall. Well, you all know how loud it can be especially when amplified by the toilet and all the hard walls. I just let 'er rip. Then let out a big "Oh Boy!!! That's better" Everyone in the restroom erupted in laughter. If we can't laugh at ourselves, who can we laugh at?
Posted 3/4/2014 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
I once ran across the the campus when I was in college just so I could use the barely used bathroom.

I wouldn't recommend it.
Posted 3/4/2014 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
I always flush if I think I'm going to let it rip loudly. Sometimes I flush 5 times or more! I know- water, conservation, etc, but I figure I'm sparing them the sound effects, the smell, and keeping just a small pinch of my dignity. I had the luxury of "going" in an airplane bathroom this weekend and it was heaven! It's so loud in the back of the plane that no one could hear a thing! Lol.
Posted 3/4/2014 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I'm afraid that no matter what, I will always be obsessed with toilets now thanks to this disgusting disease instead of the things I should be obsessed with, like shoes, etc. I say let it all out and be glad you're doing it on the toilet and not your pants, I think society shuns us more for crapping our pants than crapping in a toilet lol!
Posted 3/4/2014 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
As long as I can make it to the restroom, I don't care what people think. There usually isn't much time anyway when I get there,so I don't even think about it. Just happy I didn't do it in my pants like IPOOP mentioned. I haven't had to do the woods thing yet, even though I always think about that option when I'm driving. That has to be a tad embarrassing though. If I need to, I won't hesitate; just hope no hikers are around.
Posted 3/4/2014 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Going to an all residence college helped with some of the bathroom issues. Kind of hard to hide poop when you live on a floor with 30 other girls and share two bathroom areas!

But yes, the rest of my trepidation went away with catching UC. It's not like you can help it!
Posted 3/4/2014 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
I've pooped in almost every public bathroom in my city. I'm a courtesy flusher and try to mask some of the explosion sounds with a few perfectly timed flushes, lol.
Posted 3/4/2014 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
Sigh, the bathroom episodes. I'm shy to just let it all out so I wait till the coast is clear. I haven't gone to a gas station bathroom, since I don't hover. I just take soap and water on a tissue and hope it removes as most germs as possible. Then I lay one of those potty covers down.. sometimes 2 lol. Although, pooping in the woods is an interesting experience especially near areas when your worried someone might see you and the joy of using leaves for toilet paper!
Posted 3/4/2014 11:15 PM (GMT 0)

garylouisville said...
I have found it very interesting noticing that when I have been in public restrooms with others, that there have been some where I believe they also have digestive issues.

LOL this is so true. My BMs might sound strange to others (they kind of come out with a... whoosh) but there have been many times since my surgery when I'll be in the bathroom at work and hear someone else and think "that poor girl!" It's also pretty easy to "diagnose" a UTI by sound in a public bathroom and I always feel for them as well.
Posted 3/5/2014 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah pooping in the woods is a little embarrassing but a whole lot less embarassing than pooping in your pants.

Must be a woman thing to be embarrassed about going #2 in a public bathroom with stalls. Everything is a competition with guys (doubly so if not previously announced as a competition) and bathroom stalls are no different. Guys will brag or exaggerate anything, and why not this too?
Posted 3/5/2014 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
I have to admit I go in and let it all go, however- I wait until everyone leaves to leave the stall! Lol...
Has any one else noticed their poo doesn't stink as bad any more!? Is it just me!?
Posted 3/5/2014 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
I don't like to do a courtesy flush because the water can spray up and get you in the backside.
Posted 3/5/2014 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Bahaha, yes, backsplash is a risk with the courtesy flush tongue
Posted 3/5/2014 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
I vaguely remember a joke a while back about a man who let one rip very loudly in a stall....

Just as a second man entered the stall next to him, sat down, and announced quite loudly, "player #2 has entered the arena, ready to go ....."

kind of takes the edge off.
Posted 3/5/2014 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Nothing is worse than a restaurant with only one stall in the ladies room, especially if the one stall is where people can enter and wait for you. Especially if it's a breakfast place. Hear me, First Watch??

There is a spray you can get at medical supply stores that is supposed to kill any biological smells, btw

I can tell you exactly where public restrooms are in many major cities around the US...

The worst was a ladies room at an old gas station converted into a repair shop. I think it had never, ever been cleaned. And the door didnt even shut all the way. But I used it. And was grateful for it.

My husband still giggles about how I will "poop in a corn field" (along the highway).
Posted 3/5/2014 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
I try to carry a mini-febreeze or that poop-pori stuff (basically scented oil). I try to help people out lol.
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