New York City with Ostomy

[lisa3171]

Hello, all! I have had my colostomy now for 13 months. I have received so much helpful info from you all this past year - thank you! This is my first time to post.

My family would like to visit NY City this summer. However, I am very hesitant as I am concerned about the availability of restrooms when we are out & about. From what I understand, a lot of places have no restrooms at all for anyone & some only for customers. I was hoping some of you may have travelled & visited there & could share tips/info. One of my biggest fears (everyday) is to have a full bag & no where to go to take care of it! TIA

[danilynn]

I'm no expert so other posters will probably have more specific advice but I think you'll be fine. I took my kids to NYC last year to see Hamilton and do some sightseeing and I didn't have any issues. I was a little nervous about the bathroom thing too but I didn't have any problems finding a place.

I don't know where you'll be staying (we were in Times Square) but we used various apps to get around and it wasn't hard to find a McDonald's or other fast food if I needed to empty. (My kids never mind a McD's stop.) I specifically remember a very nice public restroom near the edge of Bryant Park, and there were always restrooms at whichever landmark we were visiting.

[Mysticobra]

I have an ileo. I live in the DFW area. If I am ever in the city I have never had a problem with bathrooms. Thing about it is the bathrooms can and some are so nasty. The good thing is we do not have to sit down to empty. Advantage yes. Definitely.
Ostomates-1
Coloned people - 0
They have to sit.
Lol.
I've never been to NY. But I'd assume it's like Dallas or Ft. Worth. Big cities have somewhere to go if need be. Mcd's is a good one. Any fast food. They are required (I think) to have a bathroom.
Good luck. Enjoy. Have fun.
Richard.

[Jimbob]

I have a very good friend who lives in the NY suburbs and goes into the city quite often. He has an Ileo. I have never been in NY but would not hesitate to go. Big cities intimidate me. LOL

[Mara]

I live in New York City, actually in Brooklyn. I think there are less public restrooms here than in other places where I have traveled but still plenty of them.
Obviously I'm not a tourist and usually am going to a specific location so it is different for me. I think that Starbucks has restrooms as do some Pret A Manger restaurants - don't know about McDonald's or other fast food restaurants as I don't go there...but department stores have restrooms as do most restaurants but those would be for customers.
If you are visiting a museum of course there is a restroom. Also large stations such as Grand Central, Port Authority and Penn Station....
Enjoy your visit!

[marymartha]

With the all gender or no gender stalls, the bathrooms have become single and private. The change was for transgender but turns out it provides much needed privacy for others with private stall with private sink.
If you are not in a upscale restaurant with private restrooms, try to stop at a hotel and use their public restrooms.