Posted by Jane on 25/5/2009, 8:46 pm, in reply to "Re: First time user!"

Hi Sally So sorry to hear of your problem, but you are among friends here. I'm 62 and have had paruresis since I was about 20. I'm not as severely affected as you,I can usually go in public toilets if there are several stalls and/or no-one I know in there. But it has still had a big effect on my life, especially in relation to holidays and even days out. There's no miracle cure (wish there was!) but as others have already said there are things you can do to help. At least you have told your friends, which is great. I only told anyone (except hypnotherapists)for the first time last year! Do go on the UKPT workshops if you possibly can. I was really daunted about sitting in a room with (mostly) men and talking about this problem, but I relaxed as soon as the workshop started, the leaders are really supportive, and its just so good to be able to chat with a nice, normal group of people who all share the same problem - it doesn't seem to matter whether male or female. I did make some progress, and have a more positive attitude now. My GP's surgery were against self-catheterisation, but referred me to the mental health nurse first, and then (reluctantly) to the urology department at the hospital. Once I got there it was completely different, they were very familiar with paruresis and supportive with the catheters. I can't pretend to be very relaxed about using them, but am persevering as it's just good to have them to fall back on for travelling or any other time when desperate! I hope you make progress, keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Good luck. Jane.

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