Posted by Andy on 16/9/2009, 11:52 am

I just felt compelled to write in to express my gratitude to all you people for running this website and sharing your problems. Like you all, I have been putting up with AP since my early teens, and in hindsight probably just after puberty, which may be significant, and that is an awful long time ago now considering I am 57! I only started looking on the internet a couple of months ago, with an operation looming. I felt that it really was about time to face up to AP and the information I have found on your site has been so helpful. I have had my operation and of course had to tell the doctors and nurses there was no way I could pee in to a bed-pan or whatever the equivalent is called these days. As others have frequently stated, just admitting your problem to anyone else outside ones immediate family is a first big step. The doctors were understanding and helpful. I had a catheter fitted for a day so there was no immediate worry, but then the next day, after it was removed, I had to leave them with a urine sample before being discharged. Fortunately there was a cubicle nearby, and with my wife standing guard outside, I was able to produce the required sample. My AP is not as severe as some of you poor people put up with, not these days anyway. I think that as I have got older it has gradually become easier, although actually standing next to anyone at a urinal and performing seems a distant dream. I will have to think about a workshop sometime, although it will be difficult to fit it in around work (I have a farm), but reading the information you have on the website, as I said before, has already been of immense help. Best wishes to you all.

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