When You Need "To Go" - General Health Message Board

Stef457 · 03-08-2006, 10:47 AM

Please excuse this embarrassing question, but I really need to ask: how can I deal with public bathroom issues?? I'm so embarrassed asking this!! You know, when you have those bad stomach aches and you really need to go and you're on the go, at work etc and you just can't hold it in anymore...I've been really stressing out. There are just so many diseases out there and it scares me to death about contracting anything. Any pointers on how to deal with this??

Jon powell · 03-08-2006, 12:45 PM

Are you worried about public bathrooms and disease/sickness?

I think common sense should rule. Obviously "stuff" on the seat is going to be dirty. Urine is usually sterile. Fecal matter however is not. If you are worried put loads of tp around seat. Although I can't see that paper makes things anymore safe. If someone was bleeding I wouldn't wrap TP around my hands before touching to protect myself.

I think I read in several places that the first stall is usually the cleanest. I always flush with my foot. Then washing your hands will be of utmost importance.

Lindaru · 03-08-2006, 12:56 PM

I would suggest carrying two things with you . . . Clorox wipes and a portable bottle of hand sanitizer. You can use the Clorox wipes to wipe the seat down before you sit and the hand sanitizer whenever you are touching *anything* (toilet or even shopping cart handles) to wipe up after contact is over and before you touch your face.

Most public restrooms used to provide seat covers that flushed when you were done but those seem to be going the way of the record player.

Good luck!

Lindaru

Sunlover · 03-08-2006, 02:16 PM

I agree with what everyone else here said, but I want to add just 2 more things. Flush first before going, so that you flush away any residue that could splash back up into you... and when you flush, pull your shirt up around your nose and mouth if you are going to breathe. particles fly up and fly about 6 feet they say. This sounds a bid absurd, but I'm like you with public restrooms! And don't put your purse or any bags on the floor! Hang them on a hook or hold them (people put shopping bags or purses on the floor then go home and put these things on their kitchen table!)

Misty800 · 03-08-2006, 02:47 PM

Carry good quality plastic 13 gallon bag seat covers in your purse (unscented). Make by cutting bags to make two sheets (makes 2 covers). Place on your home commode and cut hole the right size. Put in a plastic bag along with small bottle baby powder and you will have better protection than from toilet paper. Lightly sprinkle powder on plastic so it does not stick to you when you get up. Carefully remove plastic cover and put in trash. Always use your foot to flush or if necessary use toilet paper to protect hand from flusher. Use paper towel to turn faucet off after washing hands, do same opening doors on way out. Wash hands with soap silently singing Happy Birthday twice, will be enough washing to have clean hands.

I always carry a supply when on trips.