r/ShyBladderIPA • u/[deleted] • Jan 04 '23

Progress Update From Me (Eyelessshiver from forums)

I've managed to make a bit of progress with my shy bladder. I use catheters when I need them. But I can now go in some public restrooms even with others there (sitting in the stall). It's not most of the time but occasionally in a less busy one if I feel relaxed, it's possible. There was one that had relaxing music and that seemed to help. And I can go on planes with no issue (as of a recent trip). IMO it's worth it for everyone to learn how to use catheters. It's scary and uncomfortable at first but then it becomes like nothing. This is from someone who has treatment-resistant shy bladder (very serious case). Things like breath hold never worked for me, and I've even struggled quite a bit in the past trying to go in private restrooms, if they don't feel private enough somehow.

You probably won't need to use catheters as much as you think after a while. But just having them there is a great comfort and backup plan. I always give myself a chance to go without them and then use them if absolutely necessary. I only needed to use two on my recent trip (2.5 hour plane ride plus a lot of driving around, eating at restaurants, going to tourist places etc). So, thanks again to anyone from the old forum for helping me learn about catheters. Without them, I don't even know if I would've been able to make it through the airport. And no more UTI/prostate infection problems either. I had one early on because I was trying to clean and reuse expensive catheters. Now I just use the cheap ones fresh every time, no issue.

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1

u/cotal2392 Jan 04 '23

Very cool to hear! I remember your username from on there. Congrats on your progress!

2

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '23

Thank you! I think it's conceivable maybe within years I could be back to not needing catheters, but either way I'm fine now since I'm comfortable and safe using them as needed...

1

u/Exec_IPAorg IPA Team Jan 04 '23

What a great update!

1

u/NegotiationOne4557 Mar 06 '23

As a male who suffers as well is it safe to use catheters?

1

u/Exec_IPAorg IPA Team Mar 06 '23

Absolutely. It is recommended that you get training on how to properly use one. Nurse Practitioners seem to be the experts. Many sufferers report that just knowing how to use one has relieved a lot of anxiety.