Urinary urgency

Several months ago within a day or so of each other, I developed urgency of bowel, and urinary functions. At the same time I started having a runny nose that flows out in a very fluid manner, something I never had before.

I had suspected these were TMS and fortunately urologist and gastroenterologist check ups found no physical problems. Both providers agreed with the emotional cause explanation.

The bowel urgency is under control now using the talk to your brain process described by Dr. Sarno in healing back pain. It hasn't worked for the urinary urgency. But I still think it's TMS I just don't know how to get past it.

I haven't read the entire book for a while but I just reviewed the Pages on talk to your brain and review the daily reminders. I have been doing these
Thanks in advance for any insights
Gary

 

I would suggest reading the entire book again.
I found many of Dr. Sarno’s suggestions very quick, almost glossed over.. because my mind was looking for things to “do”. Read between the lines for things he is saying not to do.. where to put your attention “think psychological” - infers not to give attention to the physical symptom.. and this is where self-kindness comes in. Don’t judge yourself for the symptom, or feel rushed or pushed to see it gone. Sarno suggests to focus on hidden rage and anger: not just external events that create anger, but the internal rage we often don’t recognize or associate with our image of self.
Lastly Sarno suggests we get back to living, because it helps us take our focus off of frustrating symptoms that keep us in cycles of rage and keep our nervous system activated. Do stuff you enjoy!
Urinary and bowel frequency are often a physical reaction to an anxious and stressed mind and body. Do you take time to relax? Are you able to accept physical states of anxiety without creating resistance and tension? This is a reason why some people choose meditation, or breathe work, go for walks, hang out in nature. It gives us a chance to separate from the anxious mind and experience our physical bodies in a calmer state.

 

@Cactusflower, always great insight. I was recently thinking I should re-read Dr. Sarno.

My most persistent symptoms as of late is urinary urgency too. I have other symptoms but they have come and gone - and for the most part, stay gone or are very brief these days. But the urinary urgency has been more stubborn... I absolutely believe this is a physical reaction to an anxious and stressed mind and body. Very often, I can hear and feel my heart beat in my head and ears. Typically something people in fight or flight states experience, but it is a daily occurrence for me. Even if in those moments I don't feel particularly anxious/stressed, it shows me how normal that state of being has become for me...

@Thanksdoctor - I couldn't say anything better than the above reply, but wanted to share some things that have helped me when it comes to urinary urgency. Meditation, as Cactusflower recommends, has made a difference. Even if it doesn't relieve the sensation, I feel mentally and emotionally calmer.

I took a big step in the right direction when I removed my expectations of what was normal or healthy. I just started going to the bathroom when I had to and doing my best not to think about it too much. I don't know about you but I literally started tracking how long between bathroom breaks, how much I peed each time, etc. I would also stubbornly avoid the bathroom because I was worried I'd go and then have to go again right away and get all anxious, it was a big avoidance behavior. It was a vicious cycle because it caused me to dedicate way too much of my attention. When I stopped worrying so much about what was acceptable or not, and just listening to my body, things began to improve. Just my two cents.

 

@Cactusflower Thanks for your thoughtful response.

 

@ARCUser831 Thanks for your thoughtful response.

 

urinary urgency truly seems like a hobgoblin of TMS that is just very popular right now. I’ve had it like a motherf*cker and it’s been so darn difficult to shake. it’s gotten way better for me, but it’s been like a two year journey. i’ve come to realize i hold a lot of tension in my pelvis, more than i had imagined. it’s a process but i do feel like i’m managing it as TMS and it’s been diminishing. good luck!

 

Thanks for your reply good luck continuing to reduce your symptoms