This story is about a day full of unexpected events that started with a simple drive to meet a childhood friend for lunch. The journey took a turn when the driver lost control at a rural Iowa roundabout, ending up in a field and becoming an unexpected sight for some schoolchildren. A passer-by called for help, and after a long wait, a sheriff arrived, giving only a verbal warning. A tow-truck was needed to get the car back on the road, costing $150.

Despite the mishap, the driver continued with her plans, visiting a nursing home to see her friend’s mother and grabbing a sandwich. She thought about emptying her ostomy pouch but decided not to. On the way home, the pouch overfilled, causing it to burst and soil her clothes. Although exhausted, she was thankful to be home safely and decided to stay in the next day.

Here are some helpful tips and insights for similar situations:

1. Carry an emergency kit when traveling:
- Include a small bottle of water, a turkey baster for rinsing or emptying, and napkins or paper towels. Keep these in a convenient place like a "man-purse" or glovebox.
- Having these supplies allows for discreet roadside emptying. With an ostomy, you usually don’t need to lower your trousers completely.

2. Manage food and gas:
- Be mindful of eating large servings of gas-producing foods like blackberries, baked beans, ham & beans, chili powder, and onions, as they can cause rapid output and high pressure, leading to blowouts during travel.
- Some people find that taking Beano (an over-the-counter enzyme tablet) before meals helps reduce gas. It works well for some, but not for everyone.
- If Beano doesn’t work, options are limited, and it may require trial-and-error diet adjustments. Some people find that nothing fully stops gas for them.