Lack of public loos

[janke]

I`ve been nervous about going out for a while in case I need a loo in a hurry but Coronavirus has made this far worse. I`ve actually not left home for more than a month now - I had agoraphobia when I was much younger and am worried I am heading back down that road. I can`t face shopping if it involves queueing and not being able to access a loo if I need one. I understand that most places are opening their facilities but limiting access. I used to be able to talk myself into going shopping etc by knowing where the loos are but all that has changed now.

Just wondered if anyone else is stressing over this and what they have done about it.

[Linley]

Not anxious so much now as the Government led Covid 19 update last week said they were talking to the body responsible for public loos about opening them up soon so I bought myself some disposable toilet seat covers from the IBS network shop and feel ready to go out that said I am not sure that loos in large supermarkets will do the same thing🤔

[Endersgame]

Hi, you have my sympathies. Throughout the covid situation I have been working (key worker) and able to park my car directly outside the door of my office. Now that things are reopening and because its a shared building with many non key worker services returning the access to the parking has been removed. Yesterday I returned to the car park approx 500 meters away. This usually has a public loo which I use several mornings each week. It was locked yesterday and that gave me a very nervous fast walk to the office. Made it but was sweating it. Last night I hardly ate and ive doubled my drugs (loperamide and codeine) in the hope that today walk is easier. Difficult times.

[juicylucie76]

I feel exactly the same, and the more I worry about the lack of toilets the more I need to go! I live in Spain and cant go to the beach as public loos closed and also hotels all closed. As far as shopping is concerned I ring the supermarket or shopping centre beforehand and check if toilets are open! Lidl here is a total no go as they have closed the toilet in there since the start of the pandemic. Luckily bars and restaurants are allowing access to toilets here. But like you, I am way more comfortable staying at home. But I think it is really bad that they have closed public toilets, surely they just need to have extra staff on to keep them clean!

[Sasical in reply to juicylucie76]

I had to check wether I had written this post and forgotten about it LOL. I also live in Spain and I'm supposed to be going to the beach with some friends on Friday and paddle surfing but I'm so nervous in case I will need the loo. I was thinking of cancelling but I don't want to not have a life

[Ltjc98]

I have had this same fear. With ibs, the safety of toilets is a must and I'm finding it hard to go anywhere without knowing the facilities are open. I worry about having an emergency, so much that it brings one on!

I do hope that govt guidelines will permit toilet use soon - at least disabled loos. Recognising that you may be going down a bad path mentally is the first step. You can get through this. Xxx

[Cornwallgirl]

Yes it's a worry isnt it. My tummy problems happen mainly in an afternoon after lunch, for some unknown reason? So I try and organise everything that involves being away from a loo in the morning. I get so anxious. I had to go into a Crown Court building before lockdown, as there were no loos near. I only just made it. Its so scarey isn't it. It takes over your life.

[JanetJAM]

I know exactly how you feel I have been hardly going out anywhere just a short walk. People have started going to the beach etc but I need to know I can get to a toilet quickly feel safer just staying at home it’s a catch 22 situation the more you worry the worse it is hopefully they will all be open soon x

[Hidden]

Hi, I read the other day that someone’s developed an app called Lockdown Loo, where it displays all available toilets in an area. This means you could make sure there are multiple before heading out. Hope this helps x

[janke]

Thanks everyone, it is good to know there are others like me. I heard about LockdownLoo yesterday but so far it doesn`t include many in my area. I believe local supermarkets do have their loos open but are restricting numbers - I really don`t want to have to explain to others why I want to jump the queue! As several of you have said, worrying about what might happen makes you nervous and that makes you feel you need the loo more!

[Hidden in reply to janke]

Most people are very kind and understanding if you explain you have diarrhoea and can't wait in the queue as we all have had it at some point!

[d3b13]

I totally understand where you are going with this as I am exactly the same. I made progress with venturing out with my IBS-d. During lockdown this has had a negative impact on my progress with agrophobia and not going out unless food shop. The long queues have made my anxiety worse and sometimes leave my shopping and go back home as toilets currently closed.

[Hidden in reply to d3b13]

They're not nice for anyone aren't the long queues lately!

I make sure I only join them if I have no other choice and it's absolutely necessary that I'm there and if it isn't I don't bother!

With accidents they're upsetting but not the end of the world and I laugh afterwards when I look back!