Bladder problems - but only when I leave the house

[Doyoureckon]

This is just the most frustrating thing ever.

I've been diagnosed with panic disorder but it just feels so physical.

I've had a scan of my bladder and all okay.

When I'm out of my house I'm convinced I constantly need to loo or else in going to see myself, even feeling like some has escaped. Sorry if that's TMI but that's how I feel.

I feel like every myself around that area tenses up.

In my house though, even when rushing about, I'm totally fine and don't give it a second thought.

It's ruining my life and I'm currently off work and can't see me returning to the career I love. I'm due for CBT.

I'm worried it is actually my bladder and not anxiety.

[Doyoureckon]

• Constantly need the loo or I'm going to wee myself (obv!)

[Ridingthegravytrain]

I have this but for bowel issues. The anxiety can cause a physical manifestation. But it probably won't! If I were you in the short term until you have the anxiety under control I would limit liquids before going out and wear pads and tell myself if it happens who cares no one will know! That takes away some of the pressure. Beta blockers can also help short term to break the cycle

[Lweji]

It does sound like anxiety, actually, if you're fine at home.
The need to pee will be a symptom.

Some symptoms are considered psychosomatic because they are effectively caused by the brain. But can be felt physically.
In this case it looks like your brain is engaging a physical aspect that prevents you from leaving.

Are you being followed professionally?
Talk to them about it.
I'd try and leave the house starting with a few minutes and making an effort to stay longer. In this respect something like cognitive behavioural therapy may help in changing your patterns of thought. For example, can you distract yourself when out and about? Focus on something else that will take the pressure off?

[Doyoureckon]

This is so helpful - thank you!

It's so strange. It's worst when I'm in a queue or where I can't leave at will. But it does feel like it's actually happening. Like when I'm dropping DS off at school.

I think I just needed to hear that this is a possibility as I was dubious.

Really helpful advice.

[mummypig3]

Would wearing a pad help. So if any does come out nobody would know

[Doyoureckon]

I have tried massive Tena pads, little pads and the anxiety/urgency is still there!

God it's a nightmare. How did yours start Mummypig3?

[hoppy40]

I had to post this was me a few years ago I had the bladder test and the test for holding In fluids I felt the same as you in the house never a problem out of the house the feeling I might wee myself was awful I eventually went to the GP for anxiety tablets ( sertraline) this worked for me.

[Doyoureckon]

It's awful isn't it hoppy. Did you have time off work? I was leaving meetings two and three times and work in an open office so have had to until I have a lid on it, although feel incredibly guilty.

[nmg85]

Try CBT and if not then hypnotherapy can sometimes work

[hoppy40]

I think it was one of the worst times in my life the problem affected every part of normal life I had to check whether there was a toilet nearby on every outing. Have you thought about anxiety tablets doyoureckon ?

[Doyoureckon]

Do you know what? That is horrible that is was one of the worst times in your life and I'm upset that someone else had had to go through it. But that post make me feel less insane as people just want me to stop being 'silly' and get on with it.

I tried an antidepressant once and had a really bad reaction - hallucinations included. I'm really hesitant to try tablets for that reason.

Are you okay now?

[hoppy40]

I'm of the tablets that I was taking and my life is "normal " again now. I wouldn't hesitate to go back on the tablets again though.
Friends and family were great when I couldn't take my kids to school or when I had to decline an invite they probably couldn't understand how bad the panic and anxiety was but I think I was actually bordering on being agoraphobic I hope my writing this does help

[Ridingthegravytrain]

You could ask to try propranolol (beta blockers) they work to block the receptors so when you feel the anxiety you don't get the rush of adrenaline and feeling of panic and physiological and psychological reactions that happen as a result

[Doyoureckon]

It's definitely bordering on agrophobia for me - dropping DS off is an ordeal. It's bizzare. Was such a confident person, nothing phased me.

riding so are they not the mind altering ones?

[Ridingthegravytrain]

Not at all (and I have anxiety about taking pills after a bad experience so can panic just from that!)

You take one an hour or so before the anxious event so in your case leaving the house. You take them as and when not like other meds you need to take every day. I find the effects last all day I think the half life is quite long. You can feel your pulse to know its still working..resting pulse is slow and calm