Traveling to Rome

My girlfriend went 6 years ago. She said the problem to her wasn't the quality of the restrooms but trying to find them that was difficult. She doesn't have IBD (I do). 

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer 

When I traveled to Eastern Europe a number of years ago, I found that toilet paper was missing in most public restrooms.  Perhaps things are better in Rome, but I would carry sufficient TP with you, just in case.  I will refrain from disclosing the conditions I found in a number of rest rooms.

So appreciate your candidness.  

I haven't been to Rome, but I have been to Florence, Milan, Bellagio, Como, Verona, and Venice. In none of those places did I have any issues. All restaurants have rest rooms. Sometimes you have to pay an attendant, other times not. Museums are also good for a rest stop. Only in a rather ancient "mostly locals" restaurant in Murano Island did I encounter a "squat" toilet (hole in the floor with hand rails on the wall to hang onto). Every toilet I used had toilet paper. Not the greatest quality always, but available. 

I did carry tissue with me, just in case (those travel size Charmin rolls), and always had hand sanitizer with me. Also, do not use the toilets on the train while it is stopped in the station. It is considered impolite. (They have no holding tanks on the trains and it just goes on the tracks). I also took extra Imdium while traveling, and brought Flagyl, in case of pouchitis. If you don't have any on hand, ask your doctor for a script for international travel. You do not want to have to try to get it there.

You'll be surprised how welcoming Italy is for tourists. It is a good thing to push outside your comfort zone somewhat. You have a wonderful opportunity. Go for it!

Jan

Jan a million thank yous will pack my bag!

Prego! I also never had a problem with food. It was wonderful. My husband also has UC and he was fine. He did overdo it with gelato (he has a lactose intolerance). 

Ciao!

Jan

I'm travelling to Genova for work rather frequently and I have been in Rome quite a few times. I totally agree with 'all of the above'. There are bathrooms in restaurants and Gas Stations, you may have to tip a waiter. Bring lots of TP with you. Public restrooms in Italy are normally without TP from my experience. Must be cost cutting or something. Squatty toilets are still common in the not so touristy areas but much less common then say in China. So nothing to worry about. 
If you haven't tried Lomotil yet, travelling abroad with new / uncommon food might be a good time to try it. Works miracles for me where Imodium doesn't do anything. 

Rome and Italy is wonderful. Don't let your pouch stop you from travelling. 
I go to the bathroom an average of 15 times a day as well and couldn't imagine I'd ever travel again like I used to after I had my cancer/colon removal/j-pouch surgeries. Fast forward three years and I have been hiking in the Galapagos, Myanmar, China, Hong Kong, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Bermuda, Brazil, Bahamas,... Not trying to brag. Just some perspective. Lomotil has been the saviour of my travel bug ! 

Good luck !

p.s. I always carry depends with me as well - just in case - 

Please go its not bad at all. Rome is a once in a lifetime place to be. Its amazing you will hopefully forget you have any problems 

I was there at X-mas and had no problems and I have a k pouch...I have done most Mediterranean countries numerous times (I live next door) and I have rarely had problems anywhere except here in France!

Nice restaurants have beautiful restrooms, the people are friendly and open...Get someone to write you a little card or put something on your smartphone that says that you need a restroom urgently and show it to them...they will let you in.

I even used the one at the train station with no problem.

Although TP was never missing, sure, take some along with you but please do not throw kleenex into the toilet over there...it will block the pipes...their system is different and much older with smaller pipes...use only TP.

Eat, drink, be merry and enjoy the expresso...it is beautiful...and beware of pickpockets...keep all of your papers, valuables and smartphone hidden away in a body pouch that cannot be reached by strangers or little gypsy kids with sticky fingers.

Sharon

Great information thank you

Chad44 posted:

Please go its not bad at all. Rome is a once in a lifetime place to be. Its amazing you will hopefully forget you have any problems 

So very grateful to you for sharing your knowledge.

Than you for the wondeful outpouring of information most grateful

ps. I always take pictures of all of my prescriptions, whatever OTC meds that I take and any specific medical files that I might need and that I have had translated.

Just in case I lose my meds or supplies I have copies of it all that way.

Sharon

Before my temp ileo,I went to Amsterdam & Paris last year - I found the bathroom situation to be great. Private stalls in most of the places. Even though my pouch was in full failure mode, going 20+ a day. I wasn't going to let that stop me from traveling. I carried an empty hair color application container. I could fill with water & always keep a half used roll of toilet paper,refresh drops,wipes,butt cream in a makeup bag. I still can't believe the US bathrooms have no privacy like the ones I encountered in Europe. They are a pouchers dream.

I'm about to go to Italy in April.  I thought I wouldn't be able to travel internationally after my surgery.  In the last year, I've been to Mexico, Turkey, Paris, London, and now Italy.  I won't let this stop me from living life.  

Kudos have a wonderful trip.  Please let me know how you find Rome if you are traveling there as well.  Thanks so much for all the information.

I was in Rome last summer. Please go if you have the opportunity! I had no issues finding bathrooms. There is a restaurant every 100 feet!  And the food is so good and fresh in Italy. I did not have a problem the entire time with anything I ate and I ate like a Queen!  I want to go back! Enjoy!