New Here, need input on disorder
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New Here, need input on disorder
| Tue, 04-25-2006 - 9:44pm |
I'm new to the site,and thought I might get some input. I'm a 41 year old female, and I've had for years (since high school) had a problem where I couldn't control my bladder. This would happen before athletic events I was playing in or giving a speech in front of the class. In my adult life, I get these when I'm about to enter an office/store (of any kind, dr's, gas station, office complex, etc.). Whenever I'm about to get out of my car, I get anxious I guess, and have to stop to control my bladder so that I have no leakage. I generally get my composure enough to get out and enter. Are these "panic attacks" of some sort? My ob/gyn several years ago said I had agoraphobia and put me on antidepressants which seemed to help for a while (it was great), but then it started to wear off. We changed to several different kinds. Logically I never thought I had "the fear of open spaces". I have no problem (am not shy in any way) talking in front of large groups of people (it's the initial anxiety that gets me, but once I get going I'm fine). Another dr. told me I had over active bladder, and was on medication for that. Again it worked for a while, but gradually wore off. I was never tested for overactive bladder. I did go to a specialist and without testing, his guess was that it was NOT OB because I didn't have this urge during the night/sleep at all. I'm so at a loss of where to go to. Is this a physical condition or a mental condition? Anybody else ever experience this symtom with anxiety or panic attack? I would appreciate any advice you all my have. Thanks!

Hi & welcome!
Sheri Ann
I am sorry to hear about this very distressing problem. I have to agree with Sheri Ann, that you need a consultation with a specialist. That would be a urologist who deals with kidney & bladder issues.
To set the record straight, *agoraphobia* literally translated does mean the fear of open spaces. However, in common usage it means people so overwhelmed by fear/anxiety/panic that they do not leave their safe havens. A housewife who can't go to the grocery store, drive her car alone to visit friends or attend PTA meetings @ school would be considered agoraphobic. A man who is unable to ride the subway to his work, attend church or go out of town on a business trip would be agoraphobic. Just examples. There are many more. The fears are overwhelming & the avoidance of situations interferes with a person's ability to function in daily life. Is that what you're experiencing, imaroofer? If so, you might consider seeing a therapist to *talk* through your feelings & a dr. to get you back on meds. There are alternative ways to handle fear, ie hypnosis, accupuncture, deep relaxation, but research has shown a combination of meds & therapy is the most successful.
I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted on how you're doing. We care & want a better life for you. (((hugs))) jan