The question is "are you prepared in case an accident occurs away from home?" Not so much prepared as far as having a change of clothes and extra pouches, but prepared emotionally to deal with the unexpected mishap.
The reality of it is that every ostomate must think of what he or she would do if at a party, in a restaurant, at work, or anywhere else your pouch leaked because it wasn't on securely, or the clasp came off and the contents were spilling out. Embarrassing things happen to everyone at any time. I think you must feel confident when you are venturing out and not constantly worrying that something will happen. The question is "what do you do if your pouch is not on securely or you feel "wet" around your pouch?"
First of all you think that everyone is noticing you and knows what is happening. Stay calm, go to the nearest bathroom and take care of business. Actually, you are probably the only one who knows what's happening. Most likely, your friends are continuing their conversation in the restaurant or in your work place, and no ones knows you are missing from the party.
When I encountered an accident while I was in a group situation, I just removed myself and took my time in freshening up, and rejoined my friends. No explanation is ever necessary! The more outings you take and the more public situations you are in, the more confident you will be as time goes by.
I am sure that if you asked each of us at an ostomy meeting, you would find that most had experienced a similar situation. Actually, it is probably no more embarrassing than spilling a glass of red wine on a white tablecloth when you are eating out. It is how we perceive it.
