Paula shares her experince with intimacy as an ostomate.

1. What are your plans for the evening?

   Plans might be different for a first date versus dining with a long-term partner or spouse. You might be considering an event to follow dinner, such as a show, opera, sporting event or maybe a concert. Or you may need to keep in mind if there is a potential for intimacy at the end of the night.

2. Keep in mind where you will be throughout the evening. Will you be in a place where you won’t have access to a bathroom, or do have access, but have concerns about odor?

   There are certain foods or drinks that will cause an increase in output, gas and a potential embarrassing smell. Check out tips and tricks for diet here, but keep in mind that everyone will react differently.

3. If you fear odor that may accompany emptying your pouch, try carrying a bottle of ESENTA^TM Odor Control Lubricant or an odor eliminating toilet spray.

   You spray it in your toilet  before  you empty, and it helps hide the odor.  Now that doesn’t solve the problem entirely, but in combination with a lubricating deodorant you can empty with more confidence.

4. If you do end up having a little more output than expected without access to a bathroom, I find using one of the  Ostomysecrets^® wrap

• to both hide the potential bulge from 
  your shirt or leverage extra support in
  case you fear an accident. The wrap can
  also prevent self-consciousness if your
  shirt “accidentally” comes off during the
  date or evening.
• If you are hoping to avoid the bathroom 
  altogether, keep in mind, how much you
  eat will also drive output. If you eat a
  lot, then you could potentially be in
  and out of the bathroom all night.
• Bottom line: plan ahead thinking about 
  where you’re going, what you’re plans
  are and you’ll be able to face the
  evening with even more confidence!
  ~ Randy