Urine

[Mikefever]

Recently I have found when I am really breathless that I get a strong urge to urinate, perhaps it is due to the fear of dying . Can anyone tell me please if they have experience this ? Mikefever

[Fantasy3]

Yes,I do.

It's an awful feeling,but nothing to do with the fear of dying I'm certain.

I think it goes hand in hand with being sob.

X

[mikeadams51]

I am the same but not fear of dying. Its apparently down to the added pressure put on the bladder by the diaphragm being extra busy trying to get extra air into the lungs. I dont fear dying because my phylosophy no is if i wake up thats another bonus day. I hope this helps

[mikeadams51 in reply to mikeadams51]

Oops should read phylosophy now

[knitter]

Yep, I think the body goes into panic mode....its just not only urine in my case though.

[wenzelea in reply to knitter]

Thank goodness I'm not the only one with that problem...I've wondered if I was just strangely affected or what..as soon as I get caught up on my breathing the urges go away..I've just never felt comfortable enough to bring it up and question my Dr about it..thank you..Wendy

[Hidden]

Yes all i can tell you is you will get it and if you go far down the line you will urenat has it has happen to me one morning and i landed buying a new bed

[Nottobad]

No never happens to me

[Toci]

I read somewhere that it is the body's response when we are short of breath/oxygen. The brain decides to prioritise the major organs and the bladder (and bowel) are not considered to be of primary importance and so we lose control of them.

[barbs47 in reply to Toci]

This is quite right Toci it is the body's response to sob. The brain directs oxygen to the essential parts of the body. It has nothing at all to do a fear of dying. Barbs x

[Snazzypants]

Hi it hapens to me when im breathless cannot control it in the slightest x

[joyce74]

I believe Tocis reply is spot on. It happens to me. It is not possible to control and I am not anxious at the time but breathless. Don't worry about it, just be padded up when outdoors to save any embarrassment.

[lynnekay]

I asked my GP about this and she explained that it's caused by the surge of adrenaline the body gives out in response to a crisis in this case, SOB. In preparing for fight or flight, the adrenaline closes down all unnecessary functions and shunts blood to heart and brain to protect them. Getting rid of wee (and poo sometimes) gives the body one less thing to deal with

Isn't is a nuisance tho'?

[knitter in reply to lynnekay]

Yes, it can happen to people who find themselves in frightening situations and to animals as well

[Mooskie in reply to lynnekay]

Something to look forward to!!😡

[Hidden]

This does happen to my husband and he not just urinate - it only happens when he is very breathless and then immediately susbsides when his breathing returns to his normal. We have never brought it up with the doctor because we just assumed it was one of those things but it might be worth asking. xx

[Hidden]

Happens to my husband too.

[Catnip]

Inco knickers are a wonderful thing

Catnip

[Watfordgirl]

You know you're not alone then. If you can practice being in control of your breathing, especially calming it down when things are ok that helps. You can then use that calming down when you're desperate and sit quietly,telling yourself it will pass. It takes time - it's about tricking your body into believing what you want it to believe! Sue x

[doublecee]

Hi, This is part and parcel of having C.O.P.D. Nothing to worry about at all. I've had Emphysema for 27 years and have this little problem all the time. Forget it.

I found a question regarding this happening on a Pulmonary Rehab questionnaire many moons ago.

Cheers.

[undine]

I get it quite often my understanding as with others here is that when your body is crying out for oxygen all its energy and focus is on maintaining the function of your internal organs so anything else that requires oxygen like the muscles that tense to constrain the flow of urine are relaxed hence the,at times embarrassing flow ..... so not death unless you die of embarrassment ha,ha ....

[Dmactds]

As it affects me, I've had at least two explanations of this 'incontinence' nonsense; one doc told me it was very possible that, because of extended hospitalizations, lack of exercise and an out of shape diaphragm, I'd lost control of my bladder which is controlled in part by the 'kegel' muscles; here's a link specifically for women but there's a link to a men's page also on the left once you get there:

niddk.nih.gov/health-inform...

Look that over and perhaps do a couple of Google searches on your own for further info.

[hallentine47]

I have severe COPD & Emphysema and when I struggle to breath for whatever reason I have an urge to urinate but if I try I am unable to do it!! I recently found my self facing a staircase to toilets in a departmental store and when I got to the top I was so breathless and in that panicky state that I found myself standing in the toilet unable to do anything at all! It has nothing to do with the fear of dying. I accept it is connected with my diaphragm in extreme effort to take in Oxygen putting pressure on my bladder. Just another aspect of this lovely illness! Nothing to worry about Mikefever.

[Ruben123]

Yes same here lol nearly weed myself in the street many a time .and it don't look good a 72 year old standing cross legged in the middle of the high street

[Toci in reply to Ruben123]

I don't think that look works well at any age over 5!

[Charliegeorge]

Hi I get this too, it's a odd feeling.