I would like to prevent embarrassing accident

Dear Annie: I am a woman in my mid-60s with multiple sclerosis, which is under control. Although a trip out to an appointment and a couple of stores is no problem, I am very limited in how far I can walk, and with my neurogenic bladder, I must make frequent restroom stops.

My concern is what I would do if my car broke down. We are automobile club members, but I know I would need a bathroom before help arrived. I don’t know whether it would be OK for me just to call the police and notify them that I am having an emergency and temporarily leaving my car to take a taxi to a fast-food place and promptly return to the car afterward.

My neuropsychologist responded to this question by advising that I take a change of clothing with me at all times. She said I would have to change under a blanket in the car. That sounds difficult and unpleasant. I make regular use of incontinence pads, although under normal circumstances, I almost invariably make it to a bathroom without any accident. I also know about adult diapers. The problem would be to know what day my car is going to break down so I could be sure to wear a diaper that day!

Do you have any other ideas? Afraid to Be Humiliated

Dear Afraid: First off, know that you’re not alone, and you should not feel humiliated if something like that ever were to happen. However, I completely sympathize with your wanting to have a plan in place to prevent it.

Your tentative solutions are good ones. Have a list of taxi companies and their phone numbers in your car, along with an emergency cellphone loaded with minutes from a calling card. Depending on how vigilant you want to be and how much space you have in your vehicle, you might consider buying a portable toilet or building one. (There are tutorials online.)

Finally, get your car inspected and serviced regularly. The best defence is a good offence.

Dear Annie: Your response to “Fed Up,” who was tired of a co-worker’s running commentary on her lunch, was perfect. Healthy eating is important, but manners, especially in the close quarters of a workplace, are more so. Thank you for taking a stand for the right to eat in peace. Minding My Own Lunch in PA

Dear Minding: My knee-jerk reaction to a comment such as the one her co-worker made is the same as yours — to feel offended and regard it as a passive-aggressive insult. But I do think some people don’t even realize how it comes across, so it’s always good to try to give them the benefit of the doubt.