Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Public Restrooms

deb727
deb727
I haven't written anything on here in a really really long time, but I just had to rant somewhere and I know most of you will understand this.

I was in a store this afternoon when the urge hit to go to the restroom. Admittedly, this store has a sign at the front that says "No public restrooms" but I didn't have a choice or time to ask. I walked to the back of the store where the curtain to the back room was standing wide open, as well as the door to the restroom, so I just waltzed myself right in there. When I came out, one of the "ladies" that works there jumped all over my case. I asked her would she rather clean up a puddle or pile in the middle of the store? She replied "Yes". My mother was even standing there telling her that I was sick, and the "lady" said it didn't matter, no one is allowed in their back room except employees.

I can understand they need security measures in all stores, but this was an emergency, and while she might not have minded cleaning it up, I surely didn't want to stand in the middle of the store and crap my pants. Pardon the language, but I could have used worse.

So to make a long story short, I will be calling the national headquarters of this store Monday morning, their lucky they closed at 4:00 today and I'll have the weekend to cool down. Have any of you run into this situation, and how did you handle it?
deb727
deb727
they're* lucky. I hate typos.
almairis
almairis
Hi, I would recommend you write an email now, as sometimes they have staff for that, if you have, name, hour, receipt , include all that information and don't forget to tell them ,you have a witness to such a severe public humiliation. And next time, take a deep breath, call a guard or policemen and make a report, if the police says you where wrong tell him you are not claiming to be right but you need proof this event took place. Keep us posted, Alma
lchoppel
lchoppel
go for it! I just hate to use public restrooms, but when you have MS, and you have to go, you have no choice - you have to go!!
deb727
deb727
I didn't get the persons name, and I surely didn't buy anything there after that, but they are definitely gonna get an earful Monday morning. I want to say it to a live person, that will make me feel better.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
I'm glad you posted! Yes, I hate public restrooms. Be sure to read your post over a couple of times on Monday before you make your call. It should help bring it back fresh in your mind after the weekend.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Deb, forgive me if I hit a nerve here. Having gone thru a period of time where the rest room was a second home, and going places was ruled out. I worked as a plumber before the MS ended that. Most of the commercial businesses we worked in if they sold or had food or drinks for public consumption, then they are required to have public restrooms. If no food or drinks, then public restrooms are an option. Also I think that places such as gas stations would have public facilities in case of accidents. The other thing, my wife is a store manager of a retail store in a large nation wide business. So I often hear little bits of things, as just with us having to vent before blowing up. Anyway. her company stores do not have public restrooms. The back room doors are supposed to be kept shut, to keep the public out and prevent theft. Not to say everyone will steal something but with the way the economy is. If you call the head office, and give date, time, possibly description of employee(s) that would be good, as they shouldn't have a door or curtain open. Also, when you entered store did someone greet you. That's another thing I hear, that the employees don't greet the customers. Getting off on another tangent here. Good luck and raise hell.
deb727
deb727
Thanks Ted, and no nerve was hit :-). I do thoroughly understand that some stores do not have public restrooms, and I mostly avoid those stores, but when the urge hits, there's not a lot you can do about it, as I'm sure you know. My problem was more with the employee's attitude. She was very condescending, and embarrassed the hell out of me. And seeing as how this store is an offshoot of a supposedly Christian organization, I think they might be interested to know that some employees are not representing them very well.
marilyn4342
marilyn4342
I agree! I would have asked to see the store manager at that time. I would still contact the headquarters. Monday is a holiday for some, so you may have to wait until Tuesday! Good luck and give 'em he'll!
Orsova
Orsova
Shame them through the pages of your local paper by writing a letter to the editor.

On the other hand I think there are a lot of places which are reluctant to let the public use their restrooms as some people abuse the privilege. Stii, a key could eliminate many problems.
deleted_user
deleted_user
sometimes its easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission.
sherizi
sherizi
I have seen things like this posted on another ms website, and they have talked about carrying a "card" that tells about the "emergency ms need"...meaning, if you have to go, you show the card to a clerk, and get to go! Or, maybe even mention upon entering a store, if you think there may be a need during your visit. Sometimes this might help, without the hassle. I don't know. Not sure where we can get those cards. But, maybe we could even get a "doctor's comment/request card" . I don't know.

But, I have had emergency moments more than once, I was grateful that at least in those moments I was where there were public restrooms. But, if there had not been...it could have gotten messy!

I do think you have the right to email. call, or write about this. However, do so in a way that is polite, and you will likely get a better result. Just tell them the facts! I hope this works out for you!
princessgwenda
princessgwenda
When I had problems and was refused the restroom to only pee at a local store/ chain last summer; I told the higher-ups of the store/ company about the inconvenience/ humiliation and I did receive at least 3 phone calls, a hand written apology, numerous store merchandise/ store gift cards and discount cards that they let me use the next time I was ever there!

Complaining nicely can really pay off sometimes!
deleted_user
deleted_user
That's a bunch of crap.........literally! ;)
Rules are rules, but there are always exceptions or emergencies!
Kayce1970
Kayce1970
This shows that some people are human.
Yrs ago I was in a food store that did not have public washrooms but I had to go I asked one of the girls looking after the store if I could use there (while doing "the dance") she said yes.
I emailed the head office to let them know of the problem and tell them that their employees are doing good.
I have not thought of it in years but now all of the food stores have public washrooms there are just no signs but for those times when you just have to go.
they would sooner have you use the bathroom and stay in the store and spend your money.
about those cards that were mentioned it may be something to bring to the attn. of the ms society. A friend has crones and he has a card from them. It is just printed saying that they have to go when they have to go.
He showed it in restaurants when he just walked in without buying anything and other places most people were fine with it.
baywatchkelly
baywatchkelly
I have had this happen too. I am ready to just pee on there floor and leave them to clean it up. Maybe I'll pack spare pants so I can leave a little present for folks like these.
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