Pressure to have a pooh when out of breath

[kay1400]

When I walk a bit and get out of breath I feel pressure in my stomach and need a pooh .Has anyone else suffered with this .I do have emphysema and it making me lose my confidence in going out.Any advice will be much much appreciated

[Fleurbaby]

Hi kay, yes I have the same problem with my ablutions! That is why we have to plan everything before we can do ANY outside activities, l always try to be up and about maybe a few hours before l go out, so my "system " has "woken " up & l can lighten my load, lol. So you're not alone, don't worry.

[BrianTaylor]

It’s a bit of a taboo subject but yes, I know that feeling! Sometimes I struggle to turn to one side or the other due to pains in my lungs, that doesn’t help.

[knitter]

Being breathless can make me anxious , and one side effect of that is needing the loo.

[claracola]

Dear Kay

Yes I have exactly the same problem. Breathlessness causes me to have urgent need to go! Not sure why. I wear Tena lady which can help a bit but basically I avoid getting breathless!

[Ozzy16]

Hi yes I have severe copd stage four and have the same problem mentioned it to my respiratory nurse and she had never heard of it but going by your replies it seem s to be quite common if it's any comfort to you mine is not nearly as bad as it first was so perhaps your body learns to cope good luck

[Hacienda]

Yes, I agree. Timing and Planning in the Morning for the day ahead. Even before COPD, if I was Nervous, I went to the loo, so I put it down to being Nervous. Being Breathless, we are bound to be Stressed any way. Pre Plan Hun. xxxx

[Grayjay]

I have the same problem with the feeling of needing to pee. Luckily up to now I haven't wet myself. The feeling goes away when I get my breath back. I read that if the body is starved of oxygen the brain sends what little there is to the important organs and leaves the bladder etc to fend for themselves so they shut down until they get a supply again. Hope things improve for you.

Good luck.

[Doggie123-UK]

I have similar problems, I have IBSc/Diverticulitis and Emphysema and suffer with anxiety and panics attacks, when I do go out I feel a constant pressure as if I need the loo constantly, which of course makes me anxious, I have managed to purchase a R.A.D.A.R. key so at least I could use a disable loo if I am desperate which has taken a little of the worry away, most of the accessible loos are normally in pubs and either up or down stairs whereas disable loo are normally on the ground floor, hope you manage to start feeling better with yourself.

[Spacecat1 in reply to Doggie123-UK]

Have to carry a little bag in my handbag with spare pants wipes and medi wipes for my hands.

[SparkySW123]

Hi Kay, you certainly are not alone. I too have emphysema. When breathing becomes difficult, so often anxiety, even panic steps in and then the need to pooh comes into play. This used to happen to me a lot, particularly when bending down, and was followed by severe discomfort in my bowels that I would have to sit down for half an hour afterwards and catch my breath again. I've recently be put on Mebeverine (often used for IBS) 3 times a day 20 mins before eating and it has been an absolute godsend and is helping to restore my confidence in going out and about. Maybe speak to your doctor about this?

[hallentine47]

Yes Kay I have Emphysema severe COPD and I suffer dreadful anxiety when needing the toilet sometimes. It is usually when we are out and its a cold day and I ought not to be out at all and I need the toilet. By the time I find one and get there I am shaking and breathless and consumed with all the symptoms of anxiety and I have suffered panic attacks at these times. I use a laxative timed to work before we leave the house so the experience is much easier. This is a subject not talked about too much but can be the cause of much anxiety and distress. Good to know I am not alone.

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hi there kay1400 and reading your many replies I see it's not just us women who are having this problem. Grayjay has explained it well as it is the way our bodies react to panic/anxiety at times. Interesting to learn from SparkySW123 that something called Mebeverine has been a godsend,so ask your GP about it too - worth a try and nothing to loose. Best wishes!