Do shops let you use the toilet if you have a medical issue?

[KizzyJo]

I have a blue badge and recieve PIP for different reasons but am increasingly finding it difficult to be out and about without access to the toilet.
I had stomach surgery 4 years ago and my digestive health has gotten worse and worse.

I find myself having rapid onset symptoms.

In the last month I have cried in the car 4 times as I didn't think I was going to make it home. It's so embarrassing.

If there's a mcdonalds or somewhere that has a public toilet obviously I will go there but I was just in B&M, one where there's no other shops around and I desperately wanted to ask to use the toilet but I was too scared :(

If I showed my blue badge would people allow me to use staff toilets?

I have a "can't wait" card and a RADAR key but it doesn't help that much. I have to plan, plan and plan again.
Also, I've tried to speak to people in a queue using my card but very few people will let you go ahead.
It is (quite literally) shit.
Have had IBD for years, it rarely gets easier.

Sorry you're struggling with this OP. I have crohns disease and I understand the anxiety urgency can cause.

Would you consider keeping a portable potty in the car? It's been a life saver for me over the years and has reduced the stress to zero. I know it's not particularly dignified but you can use it very discreetly. Keep it in the boot with a towel or scarf to pop over your lap, wet wipes and an air freshener. They come with liners. Sit on the back seat to use it, no one would know what you're doing.

I’d be considering keeping adult type nappies (or similar) in the car for an absolute emergency.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Toilet-Mobile-emergency-portable-Emergency/dp/B085DMF1K4/ref=asc_df_B085DMF1K4/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697337503196&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15808868384648302242&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006973&hvtargid=pla-910061407611&psc=1&mcid=06ed9291d82f3f48b7090fe779bce1b5&gad_source=1

Just an example of the kind of product available. If your rear windows aren't tinted you could buy a sun screen to block any view aswell.

Like many PPs and the OP, I have toilet urgency problems. Unfortunately it just means careful planning for any outing. If B&M doesn't have any toilets nearby, then you just can't go to B&M. It's unfortunate, but not a disaster. There are plenty of big shops with their own toilets or public ones nearby, and that's where we have to shop. 😊

I got my friend who has issues a radar key. He says it's been really useful.

What app do you recommend?

@BabaYagasLittleSister its called Toilet finder.

It's worth asking in a shop like that. They might have to say no though.

It's also worth always have a change of clothes, pack of baby wipes and a bag to put anything dirty in with you when you're out an about. Being prepared for all eventualities helps to make it less stressful.

Like mentioned by someone else upthread, I keep a travel potty in the car. It's actually just my DD's old toddler one but I've checked and it will take my weight if necessary! I haven't had to use it yet but I keep it in the car just in case we get stuck in a motorway traffic jam.

I have IBD. I've had accidents a couple of times. Both times I dealt with it and survived so I take comfort in knowing that I'll cope somehow.

We can't let customers use ours. One man had a card and kicked off but nothing I could do. Our toilet is through the warehouse and no way was I going to play dodge the forklift with a customer in tow while leaving the store unmanned.

I can sympathise, I really can as I take water tablets and often get caught short when out. I have a radar key but not had to use it. I do get annoyed though at the number of small coffee shops that don't have a loo. Also I only go where I know there is a loo so limited i.e can go to Westfield, the Cafe Nero in the bus station does not have a loo but there are public loos nearby.

I have to use pants and pads but sometimes it is not enough!!