Things Learned on a Toilet

k1
k1 Member Posts: 220 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
This post is inspired by another post on this forum, from a person who said they did their best thinking on the toilet after colon cancer treatment/surgery.

I'm curious, what have you learned, read, discovered during your bouts with MPS (Multiple Poop Syndrome)?

I'll go first. I did a lot of reading in the hours spent on the toilet at home, but I recently realized I had learned something else from the Year I have spent in public restrooms since colon resection and complications afterward.

I became an expert at tile patterns and learned a new appreciation for the art of tile setting.

In public restrooms I never had any reading materials, and I always hoped I could make it from Point A to Point B and back home without having to spend a lot of time in public restrooms, but that just never seemed to work out. Sooo, I tried to plan to spend time in the cleanest ones at least! And while there learned some things the last year.

In public restroom stalls I started studying tiles and tile patterns. And counting tiles of contrasting colors or sizes. A year later I am amazed at the variety of sizes, colors and textures of ceramic tile and the hundreds of ways these may be laid out on a floor or wall.

I also learned what an art that tile setting actually is, and how specific it is to the tile setter/artist. You could give the same 100 tiles to a dozen different tile setters and each one might lay it differently in a unique pattern. Some tile artisans are very creative and come up with complex patterns. I've often wondered if they are just taking pride in their artistic abilities in their everyday life and job. I admire that in a person, someone who puts a little extra effort into everyday work and life to make the world more beautiful for us all even though most of the time their work goes unnoticed and unappreciated as it blends into the surroundings of a place where normal people just go for a quick in and out (but some of us spend much more time there). Gas stations, restaurants, fast food places, retail stores ... the variety in tile work is just amazing.

Anyway, I have gained a new appreciation of the ceramic tile workers. They are some of the unseen artists in our society.

K1

Comments

  • jararno
    jararno Member Posts: 186
    #2
    Bathrooms!!
    Love this post! I too am amazed at all the tile work/patterns found in public bathrooms! Some of it is totally amazing!( I admit I noticed this prior to my "trots"/constipation ( turtle eggs!!!!!!! )days!!)

    I often look at the patterns and how they fit together while I am waiting on the throne!!

    I also admit that I have taken over many mens bathrooms in my wild flights to get to a toilet! Sorry Guys!
    My embarrassment of coming out of the mens room is deeply overshadowed by the alternative!

    I love the look on the face of the poor man waiting to get into the bathroom when I fly out of there! (I usually tear out of there before anyone can say anything to me!!!) They always double check the writing on the door!! ( PS I do not go into mens restrooms unless it is a single with a lock.....)

    When ya gotta go.....you gotta go!!

    Take Care!
  • lizzydavis
    lizzydavis Member Posts: 893
    #3
    jararno said:

    Bathrooms!!
    Love this post! I too am amazed at all the tile work/patterns found in public bathrooms! Some of it is totally amazing!( I admit I noticed this prior to my "trots"/constipation ( turtle eggs!!!!!!! )days!!)

    I often look at the patterns and how they fit together while I am waiting on the throne!!

    I also admit that I have taken over many mens bathrooms in my wild flights to get to a toilet! Sorry Guys!
    My embarrassment of coming out of the mens room is deeply overshadowed by the alternative!

    I love the look on the face of the poor man waiting to get into the bathroom when I fly out of there! (I usually tear out of there before anyone can say anything to me!!!) They always double check the writing on the door!! ( PS I do not go into mens restrooms unless it is a single with a lock.....)

    When ya gotta go.....you gotta go!!

    Take Care!

    I have enjoyed reading these posts. It helps me to know that I
    I have enjoyed reading these posts. It helps me to know that I am not alone. Thank you for posting!

    Lizzy
  • cmcl
    cmcl Member Posts: 78
    #4
    Hysterical!
    This post is so funny! I'm only a few months in to my bathroom experiences, but I have noticed not all bathroom stalls have a hook on the door to hang your bag, which I always have nowadays to hold all my bathroom accoutrements. I'm certainly not putting it on the floor, so I kind of try and hang it around my neck, which isn't always comfortable.
    Sometimes when there are decorative patterns on the wall, maybe some swirls or some sponge painting, whatever it may be, I look for a picture in the pattern. Sometimes I'll see a face or a little animal. The trick is to try and find it again after your eyes wander away.
    Thanks for the chuckle!
    Carolyn
  • khl8
    khl8 Member Posts: 807
    #5
    cmcl said:

    Hysterical!
    This post is so funny! I'm only a few months in to my bathroom experiences, but I have noticed not all bathroom stalls have a hook on the door to hang your bag, which I always have nowadays to hold all my bathroom accoutrements. I'm certainly not putting it on the floor, so I kind of try and hang it around my neck, which isn't always comfortable.
    Sometimes when there are decorative patterns on the wall, maybe some swirls or some sponge painting, whatever it may be, I look for a picture in the pattern. Sometimes I'll see a face or a little animal. The trick is to try and find it again after your eyes wander away.
    Thanks for the chuckle!
    Carolyn

    I have learned that quite a
    I have learned that quite a few people talk on their cell phones while using the toilet. I guess they have never had the experience of dropping it in. I haven't either but my sister has done this twice!!!
    Kathy
  • ktlcs
    ktlcs Member Posts: 358
    #6
    khl8 said:

    I have learned that quite a
    I have learned that quite a few people talk on their cell phones while using the toilet. I guess they have never had the experience of dropping it in. I haven't either but my sister has done this twice!!!
    Kathy

    Me too!
    Although it was husband who had crc not me, I too have learned that a lot of people talk on their cell phones while in the bathroom. I recently overheard (couldn't help it) a woman talking to her child's school and in mid sentence she flushed! I can't help it but I find it very odd

    Kathy
  • eric38
    eric38 Member Posts: 583
    #7
    ktlcs said:

    Me too!
    Although it was husband who had crc not me, I too have learned that a lot of people talk on their cell phones while in the bathroom. I recently overheard (couldn't help it) a woman talking to her child's school and in mid sentence she flushed! I can't help it but I find it very odd

    Kathy

    I learned from spending more
    I learned from spending more time in public restrooms that all men are pigs. Including myself.

    Eric
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #8
    Okay, I didn't start this toilet thing But.....
    LMAO, here are simple things I learned on the "home" toilet.
    #1: First off, you can't keep your feet up on the toilet seat with a pair of socks on. (feet up, helps the "end" result come out).
    #2: Arms wrapped around the knees helps keep the feet up.
    Been trying to figure out how to get those ob/gyn stirrups to fit around toilet to make all the above easier. LOL
    #3: Always, and I mean ALWAYS make sure there's toilet paper before sitting!!!!
    #4: Reader's Digest is always good to have handy within toilet sitting reach.
    And I learned I don't like the tile job my remodolar did. I can point out every flaw.

    As for public toilets: Number 1 rule is (see above rule #3) MAKE SURE THERE'S TOILET PAPER!!
    #2: Don't flush while talking on cell phone (same for home, and if making a "noise" put your hand over the talking end)
    #3: Be considerate, flush often (keeps the odor down).
    Yours in toilet etiquette,
    Winter Marie
  • khl8
    khl8 Member Posts: 807
    #9
    herdizziness said:

    Okay, I didn't start this toilet thing But.....
    LMAO, here are simple things I learned on the "home" toilet.
    #1: First off, you can't keep your feet up on the toilet seat with a pair of socks on. (feet up, helps the "end" result come out).
    #2: Arms wrapped around the knees helps keep the feet up.
    Been trying to figure out how to get those ob/gyn stirrups to fit around toilet to make all the above easier. LOL
    #3: Always, and I mean ALWAYS make sure there's toilet paper before sitting!!!!
    #4: Reader's Digest is always good to have handy within toilet sitting reach.
    And I learned I don't like the tile job my remodolar did. I can point out every flaw.

    As for public toilets: Number 1 rule is (see above rule #3) MAKE SURE THERE'S TOILET PAPER!!
    #2: Don't flush while talking on cell phone (same for home, and if making a "noise" put your hand over the talking end)
    #3: Be considerate, flush often (keeps the odor down).
    Yours in toilet etiquette,
    Winter Marie

    Ok, I have to ask, how in
    Ok, I have to ask, how in the heck could you even put your fee on the seat while you are sitting on it?? Are you a contourshinist? Or do you have one of those giant toilets ( like the Huge rocking chairs) Heck my hips just hurt thinking about how to accomplish that feat!!!
    I have used a footstool to raise the legs up and keep things going!
    This made me laugh though!!!!!!!
    Kathy
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #10
    herdizziness said:

    Okay, I didn't start this toilet thing But.....
    LMAO, here are simple things I learned on the "home" toilet.
    #1: First off, you can't keep your feet up on the toilet seat with a pair of socks on. (feet up, helps the "end" result come out).
    #2: Arms wrapped around the knees helps keep the feet up.
    Been trying to figure out how to get those ob/gyn stirrups to fit around toilet to make all the above easier. LOL
    #3: Always, and I mean ALWAYS make sure there's toilet paper before sitting!!!!
    #4: Reader's Digest is always good to have handy within toilet sitting reach.
    And I learned I don't like the tile job my remodolar did. I can point out every flaw.

    As for public toilets: Number 1 rule is (see above rule #3) MAKE SURE THERE'S TOILET PAPER!!
    #2: Don't flush while talking on cell phone (same for home, and if making a "noise" put your hand over the talking end)
    #3: Be considerate, flush often (keeps the odor down).
    Yours in toilet etiquette,
    Winter Marie

    I LOVE the idea of stirrups on the toilet!
    In a documentary on bathrooms/toilets around the world, the point was made that using a "squat toilet" (as is common in homes in Asia) puts you in much better position to eliminate, with less stress along the way....

    The number of crossword puzzles I've done while sitting, allowing things to "ease" out after resection surgery and during chemo (the joys of anal fissures...). Bought a big fat book of puzzles - need a new book!
  • cmcl
    cmcl Member Posts: 78
    #11
    herdizziness said:

    Okay, I didn't start this toilet thing But.....
    LMAO, here are simple things I learned on the "home" toilet.
    #1: First off, you can't keep your feet up on the toilet seat with a pair of socks on. (feet up, helps the "end" result come out).
    #2: Arms wrapped around the knees helps keep the feet up.
    Been trying to figure out how to get those ob/gyn stirrups to fit around toilet to make all the above easier. LOL
    #3: Always, and I mean ALWAYS make sure there's toilet paper before sitting!!!!
    #4: Reader's Digest is always good to have handy within toilet sitting reach.
    And I learned I don't like the tile job my remodolar did. I can point out every flaw.

    As for public toilets: Number 1 rule is (see above rule #3) MAKE SURE THERE'S TOILET PAPER!!
    #2: Don't flush while talking on cell phone (same for home, and if making a "noise" put your hand over the talking end)
    #3: Be considerate, flush often (keeps the odor down).
    Yours in toilet etiquette,
    Winter Marie

    Accidently found out . . .
    Shortly after my colectomy surgery during one of my numerous nighttime bathroom trips, I was half asleep on the toilet. I was so tired and so tired of getting up in the middle of the night, I thought if I just keep my eyes shut I will get back to sleep easier when I get back in bed. So I bent down to rest my head on my lap. I was shocked at how easily "everything" came out! I use it all the time now. I will try the feet on the toilet seat too, I may have to do some stretches first though : )

    Carolyn
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #12
    khl8 said:

    Ok, I have to ask, how in
    Ok, I have to ask, how in the heck could you even put your fee on the seat while you are sitting on it?? Are you a contourshinist? Or do you have one of those giant toilets ( like the Huge rocking chairs) Heck my hips just hurt thinking about how to accomplish that feat!!!
    I have used a footstool to raise the legs up and keep things going!
    This made me laugh though!!!!!!!
    Kathy

    Not a contortionist
    LOL, I've had IBS since I was 21, so 30 years of practice of toilet sitting and best positions for diarrhea and hard to come out ones. LMAO, regular size toilet seat. I tried footstools, but the higher the knees the better the "outcome", hence feet on toilet seat.
    Winter Marie
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #13
    cmcl said:

    Accidently found out . . .
    Shortly after my colectomy surgery during one of my numerous nighttime bathroom trips, I was half asleep on the toilet. I was so tired and so tired of getting up in the middle of the night, I thought if I just keep my eyes shut I will get back to sleep easier when I get back in bed. So I bent down to rest my head on my lap. I was shocked at how easily "everything" came out! I use it all the time now. I will try the feet on the toilet seat too, I may have to do some stretches first though : )

    Carolyn

    Another trick
    Due to IBS once again, I have quite a bit of experience on going #2. LOL
    When your hurting and it won't come out, get down on the floor, on your knees, butt up in the air, and arms straight out along with head touching the bathroom floor. (It's nice if you have an extra large bath mat to do this on)this will somehow ease the pain and cause the culprit to come out easier and quickly.
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #14
    cmcl said:

    Hysterical!
    This post is so funny! I'm only a few months in to my bathroom experiences, but I have noticed not all bathroom stalls have a hook on the door to hang your bag, which I always have nowadays to hold all my bathroom accoutrements. I'm certainly not putting it on the floor, so I kind of try and hang it around my neck, which isn't always comfortable.
    Sometimes when there are decorative patterns on the wall, maybe some swirls or some sponge painting, whatever it may be, I look for a picture in the pattern. Sometimes I'll see a face or a little animal. The trick is to try and find it again after your eyes wander away.
    Thanks for the chuckle!
    Carolyn

    Hook on the door
    Do you know why sometimes you can't find a hook on the door of your "private stall" in the public restroom?
    It was discovered that women were losing their purses by thieves who would reach over the stall while one's "pants were down" and steal the purse.
    For that reason hooks have ceased to exist on many a bathroom stall, airports in particular.
    Wish they would start putting the hooks on the side of the stall above the toilet paper, but they haven't figured out this easy way of allowing us someplace to hang our purses yet.
  • khl8
    khl8 Member Posts: 807
    #15
    herdizziness said:

    Another trick
    Due to IBS once again, I have quite a bit of experience on going #2. LOL
    When your hurting and it won't come out, get down on the floor, on your knees, butt up in the air, and arms straight out along with head touching the bathroom floor. (It's nice if you have an extra large bath mat to do this on)this will somehow ease the pain and cause the culprit to come out easier and quickly.

    Hummmmmm,, somehow I think
    Hummmmmm,, somehow I think that since I have had my reversal, this would not be a great position to put myself in! LOL

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