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I suffer from shy bladder syndrome and I also have a what seems to be small bladder (I'll sometimes go 4 or five times within 4 hours). In two days I'll be traveling with four of my fellow employees by van for 7 hours to shoot a documentary and I'm feeling kind of nervous about it.
The worst thing about it is the lack of control. I will not be driving and I have no idea how often we'll be stopping or what the bathrooms will look like when we do stop. I'm also the new guy so everyone is still forming their opinions about me.
Anyone have any tips on how I can get through this? Also, does anyone know how I can minimize my urine output without endangering my health? I know that's considered an avoidance technique but I'll feel better about the whole thing if I have the knowledge in the back of my head.
Going 4 or 5 times in 4 hours: if this is during a normal day (i.e. not in the pub) then I think it is because you are not drinking enough. This causes the urine to become very concentrated (dark orange) and this strength irritates the bladder making you to feel like you need to pee, even tho there is little volume.
When guys have learnt to drink normally and to let their bladders fill up, they find that they can easily go 3-4 hours between pees, even tho they are drinking water.
For the journey, avoid diuretics (i.e. liquids that make you pee) such as coffee, tea and beer.
Drink some water.
When you have a stop, go for a dump, even if you dont need one: then you can pee in private.
If you stop twice, go for another dump; if anyone comments just say you've got a gippy tummy.
If it is at some services, do the opposite of the others i.e. if they head first for the loo, you go to the shop instead for say a Mars bar (greedy bugger :-). Or vice versa.
When you get a twinge, tell yourself that is all it is. Loosen your belt, and let your belly flop: i.e. the opposite of holding your belly in, which puts pressure on the bladder.
Look forward to the trip, be positive about it. Being negative will make you anxious and that will make you want to pee.
