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Person with Crohn’s disease denied bathroom access

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Posted 2/17/2012 11:30 AM (GMT -8)

Irate customer threatens to defecate on floor

By Brian Slodysko TribLocal reporter

Today at 8:05 a.m.

 

The following items were taken from Downers Grove police reports on Feb. 16.

Person with Crohn’s disease denied bathroom access

  • A manager at a store in the 00-100 block of Ogden Avenue called police  after a person who claimed to be suffering from Crohn’s disease yelled at the her after she denied them access to the store’s private restroom, about noon on Feb. 11. After the person asked for permission to use the bathroom, the store’s manager said it was private and told the person to go to another store in the strip mall. The Crohn’s disease sufferer  grew irate and threatened to defecate on the floor of the store. The store manager told police she was concerned because the incident startled customers. She feared future action the person may take against the business.

Posted 2/17/2012 12:18 PM (GMT -8)
Being a Crohnie is not an excuse to behave like that. Wow.
Posted 2/17/2012 12:18 PM (GMT -8)
I have to say, there have been times that I have felt that way, though it was usually at a job when they told me I couldn't go to the bathroom or that I had been "too many times".

I don't know that that is the best reaction that could have been had, but I know the frustration and pain the person may have been in. I think a part of the issue is that alot of people have no clue what is involved with Crohn's, and have no idea what is actually happening when coming up against something like this....

For myself, since I KNOW I have problems being out for almost any amount of time, I always make sure to know where all public bathrooms are and I try to stay within quickstepping distance of one, if possible....
Posted 2/17/2012 12:39 PM (GMT -8)
In Michigan, there has been a law passed that people with Inflammatory bowel disease can't be denied access to bathrooms in public places. I don't know the law in Illinois where this occurred. Has anyone seen the "I can't wait" card issued by the Crohn's and Colitis foundation? The customer may have been obnoxious, but we do have a disability and it seems crazy that shopkeepers can't help someone out in dire need!
Posted 2/17/2012 2:15 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Gumby...I have one of those cards. I have never had to use it so not sure if it would actually work. Its sad we have to have "proof" that we have to use the bathroom right then and there.
Posted 2/17/2012 2:50 PM (GMT -8)
I have one of those cards that the above users are talking about, too I've never had to use it though. Most store owners have been very understanding. I ususally buy something in the store if I'm not feeling too bad after I use the bathroom, as a sign of greatfulness. I would say that even though that person is a Crohnie, the behavior is unacceptable but I know when I'm at worse in a flare, if someone denied me to use the restroom I would probably act like that...
Posted 2/17/2012 3:54 PM (GMT -8)
The store clerks idea of "threatening" to defecate on the floor might just have been the Crohnie stating what could possibly happen.

such as "if I can't get to your rest room I might have to go right here". It's all a matter of interpretation.  Other people seem to think that everyone can poop on command.  Sometimes there's alot less voluntary withholding involved. LOL

Posted 2/17/2012 4:02 PM (GMT -8)
If you've got time to argue, you've got time to find another toilet elsewhere...

Neither side comes off great, albeit going on limited information only. The manager probably should've let the Crohn's person use the toilet, but then again, in this day and age, it's also a bit of a risk. Supposing the person was lying and had more sinister reasons for wanting to enter the premises? Yeah, paranoia, I know. But I wouldn't let a stranger into my house to use the toilet and I wouldn't do it at work if I was on my own.

As for the Crohn's person, it sounds like they were being obnoxious and trying to bully the manager. Could be wrong, but it's hard to find an excuse for that. I would love to know the outcome though. Did they find another toilet? Did they reach it in time? Enquiring minds want to know! ¬_¬
Posted 2/17/2012 5:30 PM (GMT -8)
What boggles my mind is my Pharmacy who use to have a public restroom now has a big sign no Public restroom...
Posted 2/18/2012 8:04 AM (GMT -8)
Quite a different reaction from forum members than for the reaction to the teen age girl denied private bathroom access at an Old Navy store a couple of years ago.

I wonder how much of that reaction is due to the "tone" of the article by the writer??
Posted 2/18/2012 10:00 AM (GMT -8)
myIBD.org also sends out those "I can't wait" cards. I have a couple, but haven't had to use it. I gave one to my Chronie roommate and she hasn't either, but knowing that I have it really helps.
Posted 2/18/2012 6:27 PM (GMT -8)

     I used to work for a C-store that had no public restroom. I think it was a safety policy, but it seemed harsh to me. What is harsher, is that I'm a crohnie who had to enforce such a policy. Of course, the restroom in question was down a very long hallway through private not public parts of the store, so from that point of view it was obvious they didn't want people going back there.

       Sincerely,

                Matthew

Posted 2/19/2012 7:59 PM (GMT -8)
When our local humane society built a new animal shelter quite a few years ago now they were told by the state that they HAD to provide, not just one, but TWO public bathrooms, one for males and one for females. I am assuming that this applied only to buildings erected after a specified date since I'm familiar w/MANY businesses that have only one bathroom that is not open to the public.
Posted 2/20/2012 10:59 AM (GMT -8)
Yeah, this was an old business building. I believe it was once a laundromat. Anyway, most of my jobs have had at least two restrooms on the property.
Personally, in an extreme emergency, I might have waived that rule. Maybe.. :)

Sincerely,
Matthew
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