www.incontinentsupport.org

My husband is taking some time off from work next week. We plan to run some errands and be out of the house quite a bit. This will be the first time since I have been wearing diapers that I will be away from the house for more than a couple of hours at a time. ( not counting work that has a bathroom close to me. ) I am a little concerned about this.

I will carry a diaper bag with extra diapers and supplies with me and keep extras in another bag in back of the van. My concern is changing in public restrooms. I wear snap on cloth diapers all the time, except for at work. Using disposables is not a choice because they just are not as efficient as my cloth diapers. I can change myself at home easily enough. One of my concerns is that most of the toilets in public restrooms in our area sit low. At best this hard for me to handle due to arthritis in my knees. The idea of dealing with changing a diaper using a low toilet seat scares me. Changing standing up is not a choice due to some balance and co-ordination problems related to a life long medical condition.

My question is this: Is it acceptable for me to use the Handicapped stalls with raised toilets in restrooms to change myself? I have never used one before and don't know if this an acceptable reason to do so.

Norma

Norma,
You better believe handi-cap restrooms are OK to change your diaper. I don't classify myself as handicapped, but I do think incontienece is a type of disabillity. I always use the handi-cap stall to change. You need the extra room. Those regular size stalls are only 36 " wide. A handi-cap stall is 60" wide minumum(code required).
Incontinent people have every right to use them. If you're lucky, some have a sink in them to help wash up. .....Paul Martin

Paul,

Thanks for your answer. I don't consider myself handicapped either and wasn't sure. I never thought about the extra space available in them.

Norma

It is perfectly ok to use handicapped or disabled toilets for changing yourself. I do quite often when I am out in public. It may be a bit more embarrassing at first, but you will save yourself a lot of time and frustration. After all, those stalls are made for individuals with "special needs" and I believe we qualify.

You might want to look for the family restrooms as well. They usually provide more privacy and can be locked.

I use the handicapped stall when I really have to change and clean up.Incontinence is not considered a handicap in its self but more room is alot better.

My wife and I were shopping for Christmas, an hour turned into 7 hours and I didn't have a diaper bag in her car. Needless to say it was anoying. My wife bought a package of diapers so we wouldn't have to run home. I was changing in the bathroom and someone walked into the stall. There I was standing with my pants around my ankles having just finished putting on a clean diaper when the door opened up. He appologised and left. I finished and left wondering if they would recognise me. Oh well who cares at least I got my shopping done.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

Tony

Yes, a bit embarassing but you sure sound like you took it in stride! And good for you! You are proof that no one should be staying home just because they need to wear protection for leakage they have no control over!

It was a lot more practical to buy a bag of diapers and change in a public restroom than go thru the inconvenience of returning home.

And for what it's worth, remember that most adults have the "class" to not notice diapers. It really is getting toward being less of a big deal as people realize that a lot of adults have problems that require protection.

I think you are right on when you say "Oh well who cares at least I got my shopping done."

Good attitude! Keep it up, Tony!