Like a Boss! Using a Public Restroom With an Ostomy | You Got This 💪🏻

Like a Boss! Using a Public Restroom With an Ostomy | Prep and Go Out!

As an ostomate, we do have to navigate the public bathroom experience if we want to get out of the house. Don't allow it to intimidate you - just be prepared and even if a leak happens and you can't wait until you get home to change your appliance, that's ok - if you have your supplies and a change of clothes always on hand (in your vehicle, in your desk at work, backpack at school), you can change it in a public restroom!

If you must empty your pouch and there is no bathroom access (it does happen from time to time):

No 1 - breathe.
No 2 - find a rest stop type of area (when safe to do so).
No 3 - using a 1-2 liter container, baby wipes & a bottled water will suffice & toilet dump it out when you find one or at home (I've done that a couple of times in my mini-van when I've had to).

What tips can you share with us?
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Y’all Live Blessed!
Karah
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PRODUCTS I Use:

- [ ] #ConvaTec Natura Moldable Wafer 411802, Natura Pouch 416418. Mini pouch info: the old number was 416408 but it was discontinued by ConvaTec for a new 6” with a filter. Unfortunately, the new product number is not legible on my samples. You can order these as sample using that old number for reference but you’ll need to call them.
- [ ] #SensiCare adhesive remover wipes & spray
- [ ] #Coloplast #Brava deodorant (for inside pouch)
- [ ] Hollister Adapt stoma powder
- [ ] 3M Cavilon skin prep wipes & spray
- [ ] Doggie bags (from Dollar Tree) to dispose of used appliance & cleaning supplies
- [ ] Viva Signature Cloth paper towels
- [ ] #HyTape (pink)
- [ ] Huggies Natural Care baby wipes
- [ ] Coloplast Brava Elastic Strips; “Y” - 120721 & “C” - 120700
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The Big 3 manufacturers I use products from (Choose country)

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CREDITS:
VIDEOLEAP by LIGHTRICKS Unlimited app: video editing & audio tracks USED WITH PERMISSION AS PART OF MY VIDEOLEAP MEMBERSHIP (in order of appearance): “All For One”

Canva: miscellaneous graphics, gifs & thumbnails (currently utilizing free version!)

Apple: video capture & photos (iPhone 11)

Lighting: UBeesize Ring Light Set (was a gift but was told available on Amazon :-)
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SOCIAL MEDIA:
Link Tree has all my connections in one easy place!

[chrislawlorcreative]

Great video and thank you for the shout out at the end! I am getting things ready and counting the days.

[charminsavage]

Thank you for the toilet paper idea, I never would have thought of that (though I have encountered a mad flushing toilet unfortunately). My doctor is over 3 hours away, so I've learned all the rest areas and gas stations along the route with good bathrooms and good faucets - I prefer the faucets that aren't motion activated and have a stream instead of 3 or 4 jets, in case I need to refill my rinse bottle. Also my "go bag" is a NISHEL 4 Sections Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag Organizer (large) that I got off the internet...that thing has enough room for 3 full bag change supplies, a water rinse bottle, and a vanity type mirror with suction cups on the back to stick to a door or wall to see what I'm doing - plus I can fit a pair of leggings, underpants, and a shirt in it for those really bad accidents. My 4 year old granddaughter calls it my Stanley bag...cuz, Stanley the Stoma...the bonus is it looks like a large purse, has a large exterior pocket for my wallet/phone, and does not look like a medical supply bag so I don't feel self-conscience carrying into the stores.
Question - have you gone on any long road trips, if so how do you manage the long period in the car? My stoma (2nd) is high on my belly, but my first one was low and the seat belt was a nightmare...even now I have to be aware of not compressing my bag into a mini-pouch. Many Blessings.

[carolynmannon]

Do you ever empty your bag standing up? It's easier for me to empty it standing up so I place toilet paper on top of the water so that it doesn't splash when I empty my bag.

[marlenerobinson]

Dear Karah. Thanks for your video. I don't quite know what you mean
Like a Boss. What comes to my mind. (Forgive me). When I'm in a hurry for emptying my pouch i place some toilet paper in the bowl and I'm in the standing position and then empty the pouch like a Boss. Hihi. Bless you Karah.

[minolio]

Try to avoid them… I have made myself a small list of suitable places (surprisingly, Repsol petrol stations have very good restrooms)

[erinsansom]

Having a list of clean bathrooms is a great idea. I am a new ostomate (4 weeks) and I am learning so much thank you!