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find it difficult or impossible to urinate in a public or social situation. Men should use the men's Board.
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How wonderful to find a place where others won't think I'm crazy because I can't wee anywhere but at home. That's not strictly true, I can cope with private facilities in hotel rooms, mostly, but public toilets are useless to me, no matter how urgent my need. I'm also quite unable to 'go' from a squat or standing position (God knows I have tried often enough). I haven't told anyone of my problem, other than my husband (now ex) who couldn't understand why I couldn't relieve myself like other women. He would say I was being silly. I'm sure he became very frustrated and probably a little embarrassed at my requests to get home quickly. No one else knows my secret, so finding this message board is a wonderfully (safe) way of learning how I can lesson the grip this phobia has over me. I would welcome any advice any other women can give me.
Re: I have suffered in silent isolation all my life
I was like you Penny and discovered this site by accident after years of living with difficulties. Some of my behaviour over the years became a bit bizarre at times (too bizarre to be able to admit to yet, even on here!) but if you read my story it was a totally unexpected breakthrough on holiday in Nepal a few years ago which has enabled me to move on somewhat. I still sometimes have difficulties, especially in social situations, but I attribute that to not being a very confident person and have learned ways of dealing with it. Although I have treated my bladder very badly over the years!