Christmas Shopping with Chronic Diarrhea
If you have been following my series in regards to my battle with abdominal adhesions, you already know that I had recently experienced some relief. While I am still able to eat without pain, diarrhea along with abdominal contractions have returned. With my body unwilling to give me more than a 5 minute warning that my rear end is about to blow, I must know where the nearest restroom is at all times. I know, I know, I could just do all of my shopping online while sitting on my porcelain throne, but it is not the same. There is something about physically being in a store at Christmastime, I love the sights, sounds, and smells. I love finding gift ideas that I may have not of thought of. Instead of waiting until I think it is safe to leave the house or just hoping that diarrhea won’t strike when I am out, with a emergency plan in place I merrily shopped for friends and family the other night.
My Diarrhea Shopping Plan
- Wear a diaper. I would rather have someone notice that I was wearing an adult diaper than to have brown liquid oozing its way down my pant leg.
- Only shop in stores or malls that I know the location of the restrooms. If I don’t know where the restrooms are, I inquire upon arriving. Then I remain within a radius that would allow me to reach the restroom within 5 minutes.
- Be prepared. To keep myself distracted or entertained while pooping in public I bring my phone to catch up on emails or watch Hulu. To comfort my bum, I bring along Fresh Assist. In case I don’t make it to a toilet in time, I make sure to bring along a spare diaper, wipes, and in case it gets real messy, a change of pants.
I was lucky, I only experienced one explosion while shopping that evening. The moment my forehead broke out in a sweat I quickly made my way to the restroom. Thankfully there wasn’t a line because I would have filled my pants had I had to wait one second longer. The sounds and smell coming from my stall were just awful. Knowing everyone else in the restroom just had to be disgusted by the smell I hollered, “Sorry, chronic diarrhea! Save yourself and run for your life!”
I refuse to allow my chronic diarrhea to keep me home. By accepting it as part of my life I am able to prepare for the worst and not be devastated when it strikes. Making fun of or finding humor in this disgusting situation is one of my coping mechanisms, but it is also a way to make others feel at ease as well. Besides not having diarrhea, bringing my bidet or having all public toilets equipped with one would be a dream come true.
Be sure to check out my post “My Top Five Tips for Surviving the Holidays” at Psoriatic- Arthritis.com!
Wishing you a day filled with many reasons to smile!
The Disabled Diva
Truly understand. I have had explosive diarrhea for years and had to leave work to change clothes too many times. At least you had five min warning I would get about five steps. Good luck…Janice