This topic is about the challenges faced by ostomy users when they need to care for their ostomy in public restrooms. Many public and even hospital restrooms lack shelves, flat surfaces, or hooks, making it difficult to manage ostomy supplies and clean pouches. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

1. Portable or travel kits:
- Consider carrying a dedicated "mobile changing kit" for your supplies.
- The Vegan Ostomy blog provides an example of such a kit, which can be found at https://www.veganostomy.ca/my-ostomy-travel-kit-march-2015/. This bag can hold all your supplies, serve as a small work surface, and hang over a stall door.
- Some users have found this bag to be durable, spacious, and reasonably priced for daily use.

2. Purpose-built products:
- The "Riksack" from StomaWorks is designed to help with changing an ostomy pouch and can alleviate the lack of shelf space.

3. Choosing friendlier facilities:
- Restrooms in day centers for the elderly or disabled often have proper shelving, as staff need space for client care. These can be good options when available.

4. Minimal-equipment strategies:
- Some experienced ostomates prefer not to change appliances in public. Instead, they empty, rinse, and clean the pouch.
- Carry a small cup or bottle to rinse the pouch before emptying.
- Keep a roll of tape handy for quick leak repairs, and leave full change supplies in the car for longer trips.

5. Avoiding toilet clogs:
- When emptying, flush repeatedly to reduce the risk of blockages, especially in low-flow toilets found in hotels or airports.
- Arrange all needed items before opening the pouch to speed up the process and maintain hygiene.

6. Advocacy perspective:
- Some contributors note that restroom design often prioritizes janitorial convenience over user dignity. Continued awareness and advocacy are needed to ensure that at least disabled-designated stalls include shelves.