If you have ulcerative colitis (UC), you know it can be a pain sometimes to leave the comfort of your own house.
You have to be ready for whatever comes your way, since anything from prepackaged food to long lines and stressful phone calls from family can trigger your next flare-up or make it unbearable.
The following tips and tricks are essential for navigating the outside world of public restrooms when you’re living with UC.
Sometimes you might find yourself in a flare-up situation, but the store or venue you’re in doesn’t have a public bathroom.
According to Ally’s Law, anyone with a chronic illness has to be given immediate access to the employee-only washroom without question. Grab the “I can’t wait” pass offered by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, a VIP all-access card that gets you into the finer spaces at events.
Experience the luxury we all felt as babies and invest in soft, warm, cleansing wipes. They’re like a bidet in a bag and are more gentle on the skin than regular toilet paper.
If your doctor says it’s okay to take antidiarrheal medication, keep a stash close by at all times. This will come in handy when you’re experiencing an inopportune time for a flare-up, such as during an important business presentation or even at your own wedding.
Like a squirrel stocking up on nuts, do the same with wads of toilet paper. Keep some in your purse, briefcase, jacket pocket, backpack, and office desk. What’s worse than entering a public toilet to find a cheap one-ply? Finding no toilet paper at all. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
When you can, buy deluxe toilet paper. Why not treat yourself to the three-ply, aloe-infused toilet paper? It’s worth the extra 20 cents — trust me.
If your symptoms are flaring, you know you might be in the bathroom for a while. Bring along a book or magazine that makes you smile to pass the time.
Instead of worrying about odors in your stall, carry a cheap perfume or air freshener and spray a few squirts into the toilet water. It’ll help you mask the smell, lessening your stress.
With the popular push toward mindfulness, consider your toilet time also your meditation time. Light a candle, take a few deep breaths, and you can be halfway to enlightenment before noon.
Always pack an extra pair of undies and pants when you leave the house. While UC flare-ups don’t give us the courtesy of calling ahead of time to announce their arrival, you can plan ahead.
Have fun with it and treat yourself to the good stuff, like clothes that are soft against the skin.
When designing the bathroom in your home, place a potted tree by the toilet and hang toilet paper rolls from each branch. It’s decorative and a useful accessory for everyone to enjoy. Better yet, attach some patent leather armrests and pretend you’re simply driving a Ferrari!
Establishing a regular bathroom schedule can improve bowel control. Other ways to improve bowel control include pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles and increasing fiber intake.
The best toilet paper for those with bowel issues is the ultra-soft options or baby wipes.
When you live with UC, you know that bathroom trips can be frequent and long. And while UC isn’t a laughing matter, humor can go a long way in helping you navigate bathroom stress. Plus, you can never be too prepared when it comes to UC.
Maybe bathroom meditation isn’t for you, but it doesn’t hurt to carry some extra essentials, like toilet paper and air freshener, for when your symptoms strike.