Some hints for slowing down stoma activity before changing appliances: Eat a tablespoonful of peanut butter before, or eat four or five large marshmallows 10 to 15 minutes prior to changing. [Ed note: I've seen these hints repeated in many newsletters, but haven't ever tried to verify them. Does anybody have any idea whether they actually work?]
When you are in one of those places without a public restroom, the polite question, "May I use your bathroom?" will often get you the polite answer: "We don't have a public restroom." If you absolutely must empty your pouch, the magic words are "I have a medical emergency and must use your bathroom." One bathroom habitué (frequenter) swears she has never been turned down.