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Hi all, I just came across the website having discussed my problem with friend yesterday and realising that it probably isn't normal. I have real trouble with going to the toilet outside of my house and in toilets that I have not been to before. I often work double shifts at work and am there for 16 hours and dont wee and yet as soon as I get through my front door I nearly wee myself cuz i'm so desperate to go. My problem lies not only with the thought of people waiting or listening, but also with asking where the toilet is in restaurants and pubs. If I havent been to the toilet in a place before then I will not go, and even if I have been there before, if the situation is not right then I cant go there either. The worst is in small crowded night club toilets where people are right outside the door. I'm not sure when it started or why it keeps happening but it's starting to affect my day to day life. I sometimes spend 30 minutes in a toilet, playing on my mobile phone on reading the writing on the toilet roll holder or something to try to relax, waiting till everybody leaves. I'm worried that I will end up wearing nappies and will be unable to have any control over my weeing! I need help!
Help is here for sure now that you've found this site and all those who kindly commit to putting in to words their experiences and positive attitudes to this condition. You are not alone with this!
Your first step to a better life is to continue reading the threads on this site, a variety of course, with many very similar to yours, and all causing different levels of distress that you are experiencing.
This condition is not the most commonly known so, therefore, certainly not commonly spoken of. However, on this site, you can share your thoughts and experiences without feeling judged or inadequate. We are all 'in the same boat here', and we are all here to help you. There is further help in the way of workshops and books too, you can find out more about this on the main website if you haven't already ventured that far.
Thanks for sharing your story. As Pete said, have a good read through the threads. Although this problem mainly affects men, there are plenty of topics with input from women on here as well.
There is a link about workshops on the main forum page with details. It will be the best thing you can do to tackle this and it will get you your life back.
You are not alone with this problem, and although the majority of sufferers and people posting on this board are men, there are other women with similar issues to you. I'm like you in that I usually find it impossible to go if there are people outside the door. Do read the website and look at posts on the board, and I would definitely recommend you go on a beginners' workshop if you can. Good luck, let us know how you get on. Jane