Posted by Jackie on 15/6/2009, 10:37 pm, in reply to "First time user!"

Hi Sally i am also a first timer user .I am 47 years old and have had this problem since i was about 19. I can't remember how or when it started excactly , i only know that it controls everthing i do and everywhere i go. I never go to the pictures i hardly ever go out for the day just for a few hours at a time because trying to find a public toilet that nobody is going to be in or walk in when i am in there is nearly impossible. I have sat and waited so many times for other people to go out and then because its on my mind that someone may come in at any minuet i can never go.I hate that i always end up travelling home desperate for the loo.I just want to be normal and have the freedom to go out and never worry about how long i can last before i need to go.If i know i have to go to town i will get up about 6.30am and wait until about 1pm before i go and i won't have a drink all day until i come home.Today after suffering for 29 years i have finally gone to the doctors and i am waiting to see a counsellor for cognitive behavioural therapy . I'm not sure how much it will help but i have finally had enough and i am willing to try anything.Even if i go to my sister's house i can't go and she knows about it some times at home if someone walks past the bathroom door or even if i hear them moving about down stairs i can't go so i know how you feel.My doctor did say it wouln't be something that could be fixed quickly after all i have had it for 29 years , i hope you get some help and at least now me and you both know that we are not the only ones suffering . Look forward to hearing from you and anyone else who may want to get in touch. Jackie

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