OllieR
12-20-2009, 11:58 AM
(and any bathroom that isn't your own).
Happy holidays everyone! 'Tis the season for happiness, but also travel, shopping, parties, etc. And that means that if you want to venture out, you will be forced into one of my worst nightmares: the public bathroom. If you're reading this you are probably newly diagnosed with IC, and you may not have been to a public bathroom as much as some of us. I also find that public bathrooms when used every once in awhile are a minor inconvenience, but when used on a regular basis become annoying. It is unfortunately terrifying and shocking what you will see, but I hope this helps you:
Essential Things (you will want to carry on you at all possible times):
1. A way to sanitize your hands - travel sized soaps or hand sanitizer. You used to be able to get individual soap sheets in a travel container at Bath and Body Works, but I'm not sure if you still can.
2. Your own toilet paper (or, I carry a travel size of the kleenex because they are so convenient).
3. Moisturizing lotion! This is little thought of but important when you are washing your hands 40 times a day and it's cold outside. Trust me, you'll want it.
Optional Things (that may make your life easier):
1. A mini air sanitizer (you can buy travel size at Bath and Body Works)
2. Travel size of lysol sheets or baby wipes for general sanitizing (seriously, you think I'm going overboard, but I'm not. It's shocking how disgusting people are).
Other Random Tips for Navigation:
1. Men's room are exactly the same as women's rooms when only one stalled. Feel free to use the men's unless the owner specifically asks you not to. I do it all the time. It's amazing how long women will stand in line and the look of surprise on their face when I waltz past them into the men's :P
2. If you are like me you may have retention issues and have to sit down to completely void. Always check the seat before!!! I hate when I forget to do this. (your lysol sheets could come in handy here).
3. Check the floor too. I ruined a nice pair of shoes in a public bathroom once.
Be Eco Friendly this Season:
1. When I was using the toilet every 20-30 minutes I only flushed every other time at my house.
2. Air drying your hands is a good way to save trees and avoid the dryers that make your hand something akin to sand paper.
3. Buy recycled toilet paper and use hand towels in your home.
4. If you want to go extreme you can carry along a washcloth with you to dry your hands at stores and public restrooms.
5. If you REALLY want to be extreme, there was a recent documentary released where a guy wiped with washable towels instead of paper.
Anyways, I have just been so frustrated with public bathrooms I wanted to share some of my experiences with you guys with some things I never would have thought of until I had to learn it the hard way. Any others who would like to chime in would be awesome! There are basic things that should be forced by the health department to be included in all bathrooms, but unfortunately we're not there yet. Good luck everybody!
Happy holidays everyone! 'Tis the season for happiness, but also travel, shopping, parties, etc. And that means that if you want to venture out, you will be forced into one of my worst nightmares: the public bathroom. If you're reading this you are probably newly diagnosed with IC, and you may not have been to a public bathroom as much as some of us. I also find that public bathrooms when used every once in awhile are a minor inconvenience, but when used on a regular basis become annoying. It is unfortunately terrifying and shocking what you will see, but I hope this helps you:
Essential Things (you will want to carry on you at all possible times):
1. A way to sanitize your hands - travel sized soaps or hand sanitizer. You used to be able to get individual soap sheets in a travel container at Bath and Body Works, but I'm not sure if you still can.
2. Your own toilet paper (or, I carry a travel size of the kleenex because they are so convenient).
3. Moisturizing lotion! This is little thought of but important when you are washing your hands 40 times a day and it's cold outside. Trust me, you'll want it.
Optional Things (that may make your life easier):
1. A mini air sanitizer (you can buy travel size at Bath and Body Works)
2. Travel size of lysol sheets or baby wipes for general sanitizing (seriously, you think I'm going overboard, but I'm not. It's shocking how disgusting people are).
Other Random Tips for Navigation:
1. Men's room are exactly the same as women's rooms when only one stalled. Feel free to use the men's unless the owner specifically asks you not to. I do it all the time. It's amazing how long women will stand in line and the look of surprise on their face when I waltz past them into the men's :P
2. If you are like me you may have retention issues and have to sit down to completely void. Always check the seat before!!! I hate when I forget to do this. (your lysol sheets could come in handy here).
3. Check the floor too. I ruined a nice pair of shoes in a public bathroom once.
Be Eco Friendly this Season:
1. When I was using the toilet every 20-30 minutes I only flushed every other time at my house.
2. Air drying your hands is a good way to save trees and avoid the dryers that make your hand something akin to sand paper.
3. Buy recycled toilet paper and use hand towels in your home.
4. If you want to go extreme you can carry along a washcloth with you to dry your hands at stores and public restrooms.
5. If you REALLY want to be extreme, there was a recent documentary released where a guy wiped with washable towels instead of paper.
Anyways, I have just been so frustrated with public bathrooms I wanted to share some of my experiences with you guys with some things I never would have thought of until I had to learn it the hard way. Any others who would like to chime in would be awesome! There are basic things that should be forced by the health department to be included in all bathrooms, but unfortunately we're not there yet. Good luck everybody!