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I have had this problem since I was a teen and am now in my 60s I cannot go in a public place, except in a cubicle on rare occasions That means any public place from shopping centers to airports etc. On a plane or bus its impossible. I feel anxious as soon as I close the cubicle door as I feel someone will be waiting outside and it takes me a long time if I go at all. So I just suffer.
At home and in friends houses I am fine.
Im going on a trip soon and one part is a scenic bus trip that takes 7 hours or the short one that takes 5 (I can handle 5 hours) I want to take the 7 though but with this problem I just dont see how Im going to be able to do it.
Any advice other than a cathater which I will not consider.
Re: Advice
Posted by alex on 18/8/2011, 7:02 pm, in reply to "Advice"
get to a workshop if you can asap help is available
Re: Advice
Posted by alex on 18/8/2011, 7:04 pm, in reply to "Advice"
see above for details of workshop on 30th sept
Re: Advice
Posted by Mark L on 19/8/2011, 12:38 am, in reply to "Re: Advice"
Hi,
A workshop is your best bet, but it depends when your trip is. Email the link at the top of the page to get onto one.
In the meantime, the best thing to do is to go de-sensing. Fill up with water and go to large wc's (service stations for example) and start in cubicles or if thats too big a step, then go in there and just go through the motions of what would happen, ie walk into cubucle, shut door and come out after a minute or so.
If you find this too much, then you can always go in to just wash your hands then come back out. The more you get used to being in public wc's the better. You will have to see whats best for you and go from there. Then report back with any questions etc.
You said you will not consider catheters, is there any paticular reason why? I have used them several times when going clubbing or taken on a long haul flight for reasurance. They are quick and easy to use, with only a bit of discomfort. Small price to pay if you ask me! Having them in your pocket can often reduce the anxiety enough to never actually need them.
Speak soon,
Mark
Re: Advice
Posted by Colin on 20/8/2011, 11:53 am, in reply to "Re: Advice"
I can only reiterate what Mark and Alex have said. A workshop is the best option, but if you need to get started straight away then just go into toilets and get used to being there. See the excellent advice on the UKPT website for "faking it". The more you go in them, the less scary they become. Just go into every toilet you pass, every time you pass. Also, if you are in a pub or restaurant check the toilets out first off, so if you need them later, they are not a surprise to you. Get used to using cubicles, many men do. And remember, disabled loos often have full length doors, and more space inside. Most are not reserved just for the obviously disabled, but are enabled for easier use by wheelchair users. Use them. Book a workshop. You will not regret it. Even if it cannot help your upcoming trip, book it now so you know it is in place. MOST IMPORTANT. Keep posting your progress, so other paruretics can help you.