Posted by Kerry C on 16/12/2014, 4:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Lesson learnt?"

Hi Andy, Grab yourself a cuppa this is gonna be a long one! The whole GP scenario is simply a lottery, the response you have had unfortunately is a common one. Over the years I've had those who just try to pass you on to somewhere else, if it's not something that can be cured with a pill etc. they don't really want to know! I've had CBT, been to a psychologist who put me on Paroxetine (Seroxat) which is an antidepressant, which apparently works well with phobic disorders. I've those who say it's not a physical problem so nothing can be prescribed to help, a urologist who was certain it was a physical problem & convinced that the physical need to go would eventually lead to involuntary urination, hence I had bladder neck surgery, all with little or no long term effect. I do have to say that my own regular GP has been very supportive, who had me try Tamsulosin (from his own research), which did seem to help a little, flow was much better & it was easier to go when I could if that makes sense. Now I don't know if that was a direct benefit of the drug or perhaps a placebo effect. Also I understand that as Tamulosin has not been officially tested for the treatment of AP in this way, so some GPs will be reluctant to prescribe it for you. The Paroxetine, eventually helped in as much as it took away some of the anxiety linked to the condition, but does nothing to get you over the problem, I was fortunate that it was linked with some CBT, which again didn't get me over the problem but gave me coping techniques. The only treatment that ever helped (I've had this since my early teens some 35 years or so) was the beginners course run by UKPT, I have a million miles to go but I've made more progress in the last months following the course than I have ever done in the proceeding 30 odd years, so if you haven't been on one, get on one!!! Best of luck, keep going, there is hope. Cheers Kerry.

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