Fear of public toilets

[Dave-abes]

Hi, anybody have any good tips on getting over the fear of using public toilets?
I panic with the state they tend to be in, and also the sound my bowel movements make along with the unpleasant I have Crohn's disease smell!! Disgusting I no but true, it makes going out hard. I can pretty much hold my feeling for needing the toilet at about 1-2 mins at a push, sometimes less, it's pretty much fecal incontinence, so is there any exercises that anyone has tried that could maybe help me train my self to hold for longer!?

 

[Daisy123]

Hi, I know the feeling all to well. I know every public toilet around where I live and work. I generally use disabled toilets if I can as there is more privacy. Think about carrying some ostomy spray to use before and after. Talk to your GI about biofeedback therapy.

 

[Hunt]

I'm afraid that the whole "holding in the toilet" is really down to your own mentality. I've found since being diagnosed and knowing what's wrong with me I can hold it in for a good 30 minutes other than before I struggled to hold for 5.

Do you take emergency supplies with you; toilet roll, baby wipes etc stuff like that? It would probably make you feel more comfortable about using public toilets if you did.

 

[Dave-abes]

I think that is what I need to do, before I had my ileostomy reversed I used to carry all sorts with me in a bag, I'm going to have to start doing that again.

 

[Hunt]

At least just until you get it under control more than you do now, good luck Dave.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I hate public toilets I'm a germaphobe. I use tissues to touch everything and I bring my own wet wipes.
You can do kegel exercises to strengthen your ability to gold out and feel less an emergency to evacuate.

 

[DaisyB]

You could practice 'holding on' while you're in the house. Even if you go to the bathroom so that you know you won't have an accident, but hold it in as long as you can.

I think sometimes for me it was just sheer force of will that helped me, along with focusing on my breathing - long deep breaths which helps with the pain and also distracts the mind somewhat from the situation!

 

[theOcean]

I always use my sleeves or some article of clothing for touching doorknobs and whatnot -- I'm a huge germaphobe and don't like to touch anything if I'm out in public. I use tissues to make sure everything is clean, and if you'd really like you could use wet-wipes on the seat before you go.

Otherwise, I don't think you have to be too conscious of smell. It is a washroom, after all.

 

[scottsma]

I understand the dirty toilet syndrome,and I've always covered my hands with my sleeve while opening doors etc.You could try flushing immediately before you sit down,and carry a small air freshener in you bag/pocket,to cover your personal usage.
Personally,my biggest fear is there not being any public toilets near-by.If I have to go,a cess pit will do.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I always used my sleeve but that sleeve comes with me and now I try to use a napkin. My favorite restrooms have the auto paper dispenser so I grab a few to touch this like the doors and faucet.

 

[gotumtum]

I have heard that you can get disposable seat covers in a pocket size pack.

My Mum taught me the trick of putting toilet paper around the seat, but of course this all goes out the window when an accident is on the cards!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Biggest thing I have trouble with is the pit toilets. Nothing is worse than feeling like you have to throw up while using the pot. I make sure to keep hand sanitizer in my purse and in both cars all the time.

 

[Everly]

I have a fear of public restrooms myself as well. Throughout high school I'd try to hold it in until I got home. Not the best idea, but I was absolutely terrified of judgement. I wasn't diagnosed until my senior year, but even then after lunch I'd always have to go. I'm sorry you go through the same thing. I'm sure many others on the forum feel the same way. It's sad we have to worry about being judged for doing something natural. Something everyone does.

 

[Daisy123]

The choice is always between staying at home, having accidents out or using public toilets. The later is the best of three options.

 

[Malice67]

Poopourri is a spray that you use BEFORE you go that really helps with the smell -- the ad is silly (just google poopourri), but it actually works (there are probably other brands out there as well -- a friend introduced me to this one so I haven't searched for others)

But I know what you mean about the rest (an it IS easier for the ladies to be less obvious about carrying this kind of stuff around, sorry guys)

 

[Catapalooza123]

I think we all feel this way. I have had to get over it, though. Real fast! Might I suggest a product called " Just a Drop "? Google it as they are an online company. They come in a travel size teeny squirt bottle that you can tuck into the coin pocket of jeans or pants.

It doesn't help with the unpleasant sounds ( just keep flushing if you can ) but they are a miracle worker for the odor. If you have time, you squirt a drop or two into the bowl before you go...but to be honest, I have found using them after your final flush helps even better. That way when you exit the stall you leave behind an actually pleasant scent. You'll be surprised!

Now, if only everywhere had clean, decent, PRIVATE bathrooms! Wouldn't that be a dream?? :smile:

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Charmin to Go makes little packets of toilet paper and toilet seat covers. I never sat on a public toilet in my life, squat all the way lol.

 

[Malice67]

Do you know if the mini-sized bottles of Just a Drop are refillable? looks like a perfect size to hide well, but couldn't see anything about refilling on the website

 

[Catapalooza123]

No...they aren't. I checked on that, too! I have found they last a long time though. They are super concentrated and it literally just takes a drop ( or 2 ).

I have only used the eucalyptus scent and it is good. It is not overpowering, just clean smelling. I hate nothing worse than a sickly, sweet smell when you are trying to cover up. This will not smell sweet.

I realize the cost is a tad high...do sign up for their e-mail offers. They run great specials.

All I can tell everyone is, just try it. You won't regret spending the money!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Can you get that just a drop in the stores? Be cool if we could find them near us...

 

[Catapalooza123]

I don't think so. I *think* it is an online company, only. I would love to see it in stores, though! Maybe one day it will be.

 

[EvieBaby]

I used to be exactly the same. On a night out a few months ago with friends I had a problem and needed to go urgently. We were in a pub and the music was quite loud so it drowned out the sound but the smell was horrific. Some girls came in and started being very rude and pretend wretching with the smell, and normally I would just hide but that night I had had enough. I left the cubicle and told them to their faces that it was me and I had a chronic bowel disease and I found their comments hurtful. Their faces soon dropped after that. Inside though, I was mortified.

These days I just do what I have to do. I won't put myself in pain or risk an accident in public because people are rude about something that everyone does. If I know I'm going out I try not to eat beforehand but this isn't always easy. I'm definitely going to look into the odour spray thing though because I've never heard of that!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Cross I think I called them and it's online only. It's very effective but so expensive. I think it might be easier to just buy the essential oils and make your own potion bars on the ingredients they use.

 

[Catapalooza123]

Cross I think I called them and it's online only. It's very effective but so expensive. I think it might be easier to just buy the essential oils and make your own potion bars on the ingredients they use.

Not a bad idea...except for the delivery system. The "mini" bottles are perfect for hiding in your pocket or in the palm of your hand if you can't take your purse with you AND they don't leak. Ever. They even come with a plastic pouch to store them in.

Again, I know at first glance the price seems expensive for an " air freshener " but trust me, they are so much more. Goodness knows I spend way more money on meds, supplements and gluten free food! It is worth it to me for that tiny bit of control they give me.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

You can purchase a mini spray bottle like that for under a dollar. I have done it and spent less than $15 for all supplies and it's equally as potent and lasts so much longer

 

[Catapalooza123]

You can purchase a mini spray bottle like that for under a dollar. I have done it and spent less than $15 for all supplies and it's equally as potent and lasts so much longer

Well, it's not a spray bottle. It is a dropper bottle with a secure lid and storage pouch and is small enough to carry concealed in a pocket all day if you have to. But, if a spray bottle works for you, good deal! I just don't think I would feel as secure carrying around a spray bottle, but thanks for sharing the idea!

 

[The Real MC]

There are so many places you can pick up germs other than the washroom. Germs can be anyplace where dirty hands touch. Door handles. Restaurant menus. Elevator buttons. Paper bills and coins. Gas pump handles. ATM buttons. They're everywhere. No need to get paranoid.

 

[Catapalooza123]

There are so many places you can pick up germs other than the washroom. Germs can be anyplace where dirty hands touch. Door handles. Restaurant menus. Elevator buttons. Paper bills and coins. Gas pump handles. ATM buttons. They're everywhere. No need to get paranoid.

You are so right! Germs are everywhere, as this germa-phobe can attest to. But, germs aren't the reason we hate public restrooms ( at least not the main reason ). I think it is just having to use them without a choice when the urgent need to go hits. There is nothing worse than a crowded restroom when you are dealing w/ any type of IBD. It is the embarrassment that causes the dread and fear, not the germs.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

This trip of ours we've had our share of pit toilets and THEY SMELLED AWFUL!!!! It was bad enough to make one feel like puking while using it either way. Sadly, my husband had never understood my severe dislike to pit toilets until now.

I think no matter what, I could almost take anything as long as it's not as disgusting as what we've been subjected to. Any type of air freshener would be welcomed for me for travel! :stinks: