When IBS Urgency Hits While In Public

Just recently, I was celebrating my boyfriend’s mom’s birthday. It was a group of 12, and we decided to go to lunch in a fun area of town where shopping, coffee, and parks are all about. The plan was to do lunch, then walk around, grab a coffee and hang out outside together.

Feeling good out and about

I love these outings because walking in the sun is soothing and relaxing. If this outing had been presented to me a few months ago, I would not have been able to attend due to my symptoms. But I have been feeling great for the past couple of months, so I have been going out more.

On this particular day, I felt great. The restaurant we had lunch at was wonderful, and I ate really well. I used the restroom before leaving, and all was well.

Once we walked a couple of blocks to the coffee shop, I made sure to order myself a decaf vanilla iced latte. I had had this before plenty of times and never had an issue. However, on this particular day, my stomach had other plans for me.

It began great. I was sipping away at my delicious coffee, enjoying the fresh air, sun, and great company. We sat in a park for some time, laughing and taking in the sights. Then we decided to head back to the cars to head home as a group. The walk to our vehicles was about 10 minutes.

IBS urgency hit

Then it happened. About halfway back, I needed to use the restroom immediately. Thankfully in this area, the streets are lined with shops and restaurants. There was a sushi place just up ahead. I discreetly told my boyfriend I had to use the restroom and to please continue heading to the car with the group. I didn’t need 12 people waiting for me outside to finish my business. So off I went to the restaurant.

Thankfully, there was no issue using their bathroom. The hostess kindly showed me where they were located. Once I finished using the restroom, I was happy to see my boyfriend waiting for me outside. The rest of the group went to get the cars, and he and I met up with them soon after.

Having so many restrooms available was a relief when the urgency hit. Looking back, I would have been so stressed and panicked if I was in a more remote area where I might have to pop a squat behind a tree. But the fact that there were storefronts and restaurants up and down the block, I didn’t panic, and I was able to remain calm.

My emergency kit was in my purse, which never failed me. It has feminine pads, wipes, extra underwear, Poo-Pourri, and peppermint essential oil. I was well prepared, and I was able to continue with the day without a hitch.

How about you? Have you ever had a moment of urgency in a remote area? What did you do, and how did you manage not having a restroom nearby? Share below, we love to hear from you.