To ask a question about radar keys

[hermioneweasley48]

Can anyone have one? What toilets do they enable you to access that you can't already?

I suffer from IBS but my physical symptoms are made a lot worse by anxiety. Once I get into panic mode I often need to dash to the toilet and if I'm somewhere where there isn't one immediately accessible it can be very distressing. This has massively impacted my life and where I can go. Long remote walks, appointments, new places, travelling...it's all really tough for me and I tend to avoid it. I'm pregnant now and don't want to be like this with a newborn. I will have appointments to go to and I don't want to restrict their life with these issues.

I wondered if I were to have a radar key if it might give me more confidence. But I'm not sure about how they work. Any advice on how they work or if I'd even be allowed one based on my symptoms would be much appreciated.

Sending you a pm

You can buy them online, they are for the disabled toilets which a lot of places have locked and you have to ask to use them

Yes, you can have one for IBS. I have one because I'm in a wheelchair but prior to that I still had it, not just for my physical disabilities but because of my IBS. Luckily I don't often have to 'dash'. I did always use the regular loos if it wasn't an emergency and there wasn't a queue, though.

Anyone can buy one online.

There is an app called Changing Places which shows up to date info on where toilets are that radar keys allow access to.

Yes you can get one.

Take alook around the areas you usually go and see whether there are radar locked toilets. Some have more areas have more than others. Some just have then next door or ordinary toilets so unless they are particularly high queue areas it might not help.

Is it the increase in toilets that helps you or would it be the increase in confidence that you might find one when needed?

I have them as youngest is autistic and needed help/supervision. He is older now so is normal fine in regular toilets.

Yes anyone can buy one online, I believe some branches of boots also sell them.

My DS has one and I am in the process of getting one too for a bladder condition.

There is also a 'can't wait' card from the bladder and bowel society which you can order of the website. I've used it to access staff toilets in places where there is nothing else available.

You can buy from argos or amazon

I was fortunate to be able to borrow one during a recent ankle fracture but the lender got hers from an accessibility shop (the type that sells wheelchairs, scoters, frames etc). I think you can buy from eBay too.

You can buy them in Boots.

I also have IBS D, and have been in some horrible situations for me though when it is worse is usually when I am no where near a toilet never mind one that needs a Radar key.

Have a look here at their card scheme: www.theibsnetwork.org/cant-wait-card/

I have one bought online along with the 'I can't wait' card. I think it was about £5.

I have one, I got it when I joined the crohns and colitis uk charity. They also have lots of good information on IBS

I also have a can’t wait card

The keys unlock disabled toilets normally, but dint help if there are no toilets nearby