Posted by M on 17/10/2012, 7:47 pm, in reply to "Feedback October Beginners workshop: What is your greatest fear?"

Hi all, Thought I ought to add a post too...my first one...although I have been checking in with it regularly, so here goes The October Manchester weekend course was lifechanging for me. Ive had AP since childhood (over 30 years ago) and it was only this year that I summoned the courage to even think I could do something about it...I started off by googling I can't pee in public loos...that took courage to even do that...it was the first admission that my situation was really getting to me and I wanted to do something about it...and then suddenly within a few clicks I was able to connect with the UKPT website, order a book about the syndrome from Amazon and realise that I was not alone. I couldn't wait to get on a course knowing that I needed support to challenge this. I got to Manchester ok but the nerves really hit me as I descended the hotel steps to the meeting room. I needn't have worried. I was greeted by Andrew and Peter warmly and we were all made to feel totally comfortable and safe about being there. Soon we were all talking and sharing our experiences. We even went to the pub together - what a relief to go to the pub and not have to have a coping strategy in your head...we were all there to support each other and no one was there to judge anyone...it was GREAT! I made progress during that weekend that I would have described as impossible had you asked me before the course. I even pee'ed freely between two guys from the course in open urinals in public loos...something I haven't done...ever. The challenge for me is bringing this progress into my daily life and am pleased to say that I have pee'd in a number of busy public urinals since...a siutation where I would have locked up previously. At the end of the course we finished off my designing a strategy to keep winning and recovering...life is of course busy now and it's a challenge to practise but I am doing it and moving forward in high spirits. My advice to any others out there...don't suffer longer than you need to...the course is very comprehensive and there is space to rest and be alone if you need it. UKPT is making a real difference to people's lives...I am so grateful to Andrew and Peter...I reckon a knighthood would be good for pair of them!

223