Ive been invited to a year end ski trip at the local ski hill I work at. I would like to go, and know that I will be okay snowboarding...I have gone to the mountians twice this year!
The thing im not sure about is that the people I will be travelling with dont really know about my jpouch and all. A couple know I had my large intestine removed but they dont really know what comes along with it.
I dont want to have to explain everything to a bunch of people Im not particularly close to, but I dont know how else im going to go 3 days sharing a hotel room and driving with others. But Im not about to look weird and stay in a room by myself. Im not sure what im asking, but if anyone has any thoughts that would be much appreciated.

Also, is it possible to have friends that dont know about everything we've been though, or is it something that will always eventually come out? All my friends know about it, but im starting to meet new people and if I dont have to introduce myself as "hi im ashley, I poop alot" I would rather not

I would get my own room and be the one driving the car! You might make sure that everyone else frequently quaffs a gigantic beverage so that they will have to go just as often as you ("we must not get dehydrated at altitude!"). No one has to know what you are doing in the bathroom, and if they do notice, just say you are having some health-related issues. They do not need to know whether or not it's temporary. Most people are surprisingly understanding about such things, if it does become obvious.

I go to various restrooms frequently at work, and never use a urinal, but after more than 10 years there, only one person knows that I have a j-pouch, or any condition at all.

I am kinda doing the same thing this weekend, snowboarding with some friends and others i don't particularly know. What i'm going to do is just go to the bathroom when i need to go, and if they wonder why, i'll tell them the story. I'm not too worried about it though. I'm more concerned about if i will have the strength to snowboard. i haven't done any real physical activity since my takedown in January, and i was a hard-core snowboarder before. so we'll see how things go. good luck to you on your trip though.

I have traveled frequently with friends and strangers and when sharing a room I just always politely say that I would like the bed closest to the bathroom. If I get an odd look then I tell the person that I have to get up frequently at night and don't want to disturb their sleep. This line always works and no one has ever pressed for more information.

Now go out there, meet new people, and have fun!

Sue

I agree with Sue. Don't offer any information that you don't have to, but still be an advocate for yourself. Or, maybe find someone you're more comfortable with sharing a room with and give them a little bit more of the info.

Don't miss out on a good opportunity just because of the pouch. A positive funloving attitude can overcome these kind of barriers. I know that's easy for me to say and harder to do, but that's the luxury of being in the peanut gallery.

Seriously, try to have fun and give it a whirl. The worst thing that can happen is that some of those peoople you don't really know turn out to be people that you don't want to know and you're not loosing anything!

Good luck!

Rick

I understand where you're coming from! I've had to do this a couple of times and was so uncomfortable. I would try and hold it and not go in the hotel as much as possible and go to a public restroom. I know that sounds backward from what most people do but I didn't want to suffer the embarrassment with the people I had to share a room with.

It doesn't bother me that I go a lot but the noise and the smell would embarrass me. So here is what I did when I HAD to go in the hotel room with people I barely knew.
I would start running the water for my shower to drown out any noise I might make and I would take those little spray bottles from White Barn Candle Company/Bath and Body Works that will wipe out any smell with just one squirt.

If I could swing it, I would definitely get a room alone or just one person that knew my situation well. If not, definitely take the bed closest to the restroom and use the spray.

Have a great time!

I wouldn`t be too specific but just let the "strangers" know that,"Due to a condition I have you will notice me having to use the toilet facilities more than the rest of you,I would appreciate it if we just carry on like normal.No big deal.Thankyou.
P.S.I forgot to mention that if your scared of our noisy exploits while emptying our pouches just do what I do and use the flush handle as a muffler!

Did you ever consider that some people pee way more then others... most people dont see how many times you use the bathroom or what you are doing. They have their own problems or enjoyments to deal with.

Ashkloff,

There's been some good advice but when I travel I also watch what I eat and drink. Water is fine, it doesn't go through so fast but coffee, soda and juice are definitely out when traveling. I also cut down on what I eat and with experimenting you will learn what goes through fast and what goes slow.

I have an ileostomy so it's a little different but the results are about the same. Also I'm old so nobody thinks too much about an old guy going to the bathroom in the middle of the night or needing to stop along the way. But I don't feel it is necessary to tell them I have to stop and empty my bag or why I get up during the night.

Oh, one other thing, most hotels have a bathroom fan so I turn it on as soon as I get in the bathroom and it usually helps.

Good Luck,
Jim

Interesting...

I suppose I must be more carefree about telling people about things. I don't think you should feel ashamed, embarrased, or secretive. This is something that is out of your control.

Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't bring things up as a topic of conversation with everyone. I would just go about my business. If I got wondering eyes, or a question / comment about going a lot, I would simply ask if they wanted the long or short explanation:

- Short: "I have chronic digestive issues."
- Long: tell them your story

You know, our stories are stories of overcoming, perseverance, and survival in spite of a very difficult and awkward circumstance.

Also, it may make it easier if you try and put yourself in the other person's shoes in order to realize that most people really are understanding and compassionate if they have enough information to understand. Yes, there are a few who will be bothered no matter what - but it's a good growth opportunity for them

Steve

Have Fun!

When I have been away with friends, I just say I am headed to the lobby for a walk or coffee and then use the bathroom down there. They are usually very clean.