Bathroom Inaccessibility

Have you ever been out somewhere, needing to go to the bathroom and find yourself with nowhere to go?  Chances are, if you are a fellow wheelchair user, you have found yourself in this predicament. Inaccessibility is an inevitable problem.  Barriers are everywhere.  This has happened to me multiple times, and I suspect it will happen many, many more times in the future, but the question is:

 

How do you handle it?  What do you do?

 

Last weekend, I was with a friend of mine, celebrating my birthday, with some live entertainment at a local spot.  We have been there many times, and I knew accessibility would not be an issue for me. Boy was I wrong about that.

 

After getting our table, ordering drinks, and ordering our food, my friend headed toward the bathroom.  Upon returning she mentions that the accessible stall was “out of order” and seemed to be locked from the inside so that no one would use it.  I immediately said some bad words with a phrase along the lines of

 

“well, now what?”

 

I’ve never been the type of person to really get worked up about things that I can’t control.  Sure, I am human so it has happened, but for the most part, I might curse a little bit and then move on.  This is exactly what happened in this situation. I said my curse words, and then immediately started problem solving; because, well, that’s what I do.  I love to problem solve.

 

My first thought was to ask our server (or even the manager/owner) why the stall was “out of order.”  Knowing that this wouldn’t help me in the present, but it would at least bring attention to the fact that I am a customer and that it needs fixed sooner rather than later.  This particular restaurant always seems to have issues with the accessible stall. The stall itself is either “out of order,” like in this case, or there were times (many times, actually) that the stall door was not attached to the stall.

 

However, this restaurant is not known for their customer service, or being the quickest at coming to the table.  My friend and I were sitting at the table for at least 10-15 minutes before a server greeted us to ask for our drink order.  And, it was not a busy time – plenty of open tables to choose from. So, I decided to not ask about the stall – to me, it wasn’t that big of a deal – I had some other options.

 

My second thought was to see if I could fit into a regular stall. I’ve done this before in places that did not have an accessible stall.  If I could fit, knowing the door wouldn’t close, I could at least do what I need to without people really “seeing me.” And, if all else fails, I would see what the male bathroom had to offer. I have no shame and have used this option in the past.  

 

Which one did I choose?

 

Luckily, I didn’t have to utilize option number 3.  I was able to fit into a regular stall and do my business.  I am lucky enough to have some closed system catheters which has a bag attached to the end of the catheter for collection.  The brand that I use is the Hollister VaPro Plus Pocket (I wish I could offer some type of code or link for you, because this product is AMAZEBALLS, but unfortunately, I am not able to do so).  I was using the CureCare closed systems for like 10 years, but with new hydrophilic technology, I wanted to switch, and I am so happy that I did. (There has been another catheter switch, and I will describe that, and why, but not in this post).

 

Anyway, back to the topic

 

With the VaPro Plus Pocket catheter, I am able to stay in my chair, fully dressed, and empty my bladder.  I then just have to dump it somewhere, throw everything away, and go on with my bad self. So, I literally can “go” anywhere without too much showing.  These are great for traveling or in places where a bathroom is inaccessible.

 

After this experience, I started wondering what others do in this type of situation that do not have a closed system catheter?  If you have an experience you would like to share PLEASE e-mail me @ megs@thewheellifeblog.com or DM me on IG (@wheellifeblog).  I would love to hear all the ways our community has to maneuver around accessibility barriers!  I would even love to put the stories together (with your permission of course) for another blog post.

 

The more we know, the better we can do!

 

After this situation, I started thinking about other possibilities.  I could have transferred to the toilet (without grab bars or any safety features – and it probably would have been an ugly transfer), have my friend move my chair and close the door, and then bring my chair when I was done.  But, I am probably too stubborn for that possibility. I would be a “if all else fails” type of plan. It is always nice to have multiple plans, however, just in case nothing you usually do works out.

 

As always, leave me some feedback either here – below this post, e-mail me (megs@thewheellifeblog.com), or on any of my social media platforms! (FB/IG/TW @wheellifeblog and Snapchat @megsh8).  I would love to hear from you and what I can do to help. If there is ANYTHING that you want to hear about – please let me know!  I can’t do any of this without YOU, so I would love to connect with you!

 

Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity and self-care going!  Live honestly, passionately, and with kindness!

Megs