Posted by Ian on 25/5/2009, 11:31 am, in reply to "Beginners Workshop Manchester 22-24 May 09"

I just want to echo the sentiments expressed by Harry. I booked onto the workshop with much trepidation. As you can probably imagine meeting up with a bunch of strangers to talk about shy-bladder is not exactly something I tend to do on an ordinary weekend. But my apprehensions soon vanished when I arrived and realised that everyone was in a similar position, making it easy to talk openly about how AP had impacted our lives. In fact, it was a really enjoyable weekend with a mixture of frankness and honesty, as well as lots of good-natured, friendly banter. Both Andrew and Mert helped to create an atmosphere that was relaxed, open and friendly, and at no stage did I feel under any pressure to do something I wasn’t comfortable with. They gave us a lot of information to take away, much of it I intend to put into over the coming weeks and months. But for me it was their own experiences, reflections, and personal anecdotes which gave me greatest hope and relief that this condition doesn’t have to be a constant blight on my life. The best thing for me is the fact that I am now starting to accept this condition with greater equanimity and calmness. I would advise anyone thinking of going on a beginner’s workshop to do so. I want to say a big thank you to Andrew, Mert, and Andrew’s wife Jan, for all their help, advice and support over the weekend. Ian.

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