Many IC patients I talk to often still want to be able to
travel or socialize and go to the theatre but feel it’s too much of a challenge
to do so. For some it is, but others with a little help would still be able to
participate in activities such as movies, theatre, flying etc.
Let’s start with things like movies, theatre, sporting
events and so forth. One of the first things every IC patient should have is the ICA’s Restroom Access Card. I strongly urge you to purchase the ICA’s
Restroom Access Card ($10 for just the card; or if you become a member of the
ICA you get one in your Welcome Packet). I have used my card on numerous
occasions when faced with extremely long lines at various events. I always seek
out a manager to assist me and don’t just whip it out and just try to get
everyone in line to let me bypass them. If you get a facility manager, explain
the situation, show your card, ask for their help, I have always been given
assistance and either taken to a separate restroom, or escorted to the front of
the line. Often theatres have special handicapped bathrooms, and you do NOT
need to be in a wheelchair to use them. Just show your card, and do not be
embarrassed or hesitate to tell a theatre manager you have this bladder disease
and cannot wait in a long line and ask for their help. This has always worked
for me in these situations.
Whenever I’ve purchased tickets for
a special theatre event or the like, I always make sure one of the seats is an
aisle seat and make sure that’s my seat, so I can easily sneak out without
having to climb over everyone in my row. I’ve mastered the art of sneaking out
quietly and getting back to my aisle seat without disturbing anyone around me!
If you are traveling by plane, as
you will read on the ICA link I’m posting, there are excellent tips to use in
dealing with the airlines when booking your trip and while traveling. In
addition, again, the Restroom Access Card will be of great value in dealing
with the flight attendants on board. This is
extremely important to help you once you board the plane to allow you to get up
and go to the restroom if the seat belt sign is on. Once you board, talk to a
flight attendant and show them your card and explain your situation; again, ask
for their help. This is key to being able to go whenever you need. The biggest
challenge is once you leave the gate and are on the tarmac waiting to take off,
if there are major delays, they WILL NOT let you get out of your seat, as they
need to be prepared to take off on a moment’s notice. Be prepared for that. Be
sure to click on the first link and scroll down to read the section on Airline
Regulations. There are challenges, but they CAN be overcome as long as you have
a plan and go prepared. As I suggested above, an aisle seat for you is an
absolute must on a plane and even getting that seat in the back of the plan as
close to the lavatories as possible is important. Get the flight attendants on
your side; ask them to let you know when the very last possible moment before
takeoff and landing will be that you can get up and use the lavatory is; the
last time I flew I got one of the flight attendants to help me and she
remembered during flight to ask me if I wanted to use the lavatory before they
blocked the aisle with the beverage cart and also let me know before takeoff
and landing that I should go right then and then we would be in landing.
The TSA website is an excellent resource as well; last time
I flew I went to their website and I was actually able to email them some
questions and got an email reply within 48 hours.
If you are traveling by car, there are some great smart
phone apps available to help you find restrooms on the road while driving.
There are several different ones and they each do it a little differently. I
downloaded several and they’re also a great resource that I recommend. These
can be found on the ICA website page I’ve posted a link to below. There are also excellent, portable, disposable
“potties” that you can purchase that I would recommend for use if you really
cannot find a restroom. I will say fast food restaurants and gas stations have
always been good places for me to use. No one even pays any attention
generally, and I’ve been able to get in and out with no problems.
I want to encourage anyone that feels up to going to the
theatre or taking a trip if they had a little help, that you might very well be
able to do some of the things you love if you take advantage of the resources
out there to help make participating in all these activities a little easier
and still enjoyable.
Here are some great links to the ICA
website! I hope you’ll check out these links and wish everyone the best of luck
in your next travel excursion, whatever it may be!
