Stopped holding my pee!

Work gets busy, restrooms might be far away, before I knew it I was holding my pee and it was messing with me. Lessons have been learned the hard way. I work in a very busy environment, especially the weekends. And sometimes trying to get to the bathroom to pee seems nearly impossible. Well just last year I got my very first UTI. Sometimes they are very common in women and other times women rarely get them. I had never gotten one until then and I didn’t even know I had it until I was hunched over in pain. I woke up one morning and had to go to immediate care right away. The pain was truly unbearable. After my checkup, the doctor told me I had a UTI and asked me a series of questions. Turns out I definitely was holding my pee for way too long on too many occasions. I had no idea how dangerous it actually was for my health. Not only did it cause me to get a UTI but it can also cause bladder stretching, kidney disease, and difficulties relaxing the pelvic floor.

Regardless of being busy with clients or not, I have started to excuse myself politely when I need to go pee. I refuse to hold it in because work is “busy”. I do still continue to drink the same amount of water per usual but don’t feel embarrassed to go when I need to go! It’s less of a hassle and embarrassment to excuse myself and go to the restroom rather than get another UTI or worst!!

#health #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #Lemon8 #Lemon8Diary

2025/7/28 Edited to

... Read moreWe've all been there, right? That moment when you really have to go, and a proper restroom feels miles away or completely inaccessible. It's an intense, uncomfortable feeling that can sometimes lead to desperate thoughts or situations. My recent UTI experience was a massive wake-up call, making me realize just how crucial it is to listen to our bodies and prioritize those essential restroom breaks, even when life gets hectic. Beyond just getting a painful UTI like I did, regularly holding your pee can have some surprising and long-term consequences for your bladder and overall health. Think of your bladder like a balloon; if you constantly overfill it, it can eventually stretch and become less efficient. This 'bladder stretching' can reduce its natural ability to contract properly, potentially leading to issues like incomplete emptying or even incontinence down the line. And it's not just about the bladder itself; your pelvic floor muscles, which are key for bladder control, also take a beating when you constantly resist the urge to urinate. Over time, this can weaken them, contributing to a range of discomforts and health problems. I used to think being 'too busy' was a valid excuse, especially in my fast-paced work environment. But honestly, no client meeting or deadline is worth the agony of a UTI or the risk of chronic bladder issues. I've completely changed my approach. Now, if I feel the urge, I make sure to excuse myself politely and go. It’s a small habit, but it makes a huge difference. I learned that it's always better to use any available restroom instead of waiting until it’s an absolute emergency. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but your health is paramount. To avoid getting into those desperate situations where you feel you simply can't hold it any longer, some proactive steps can really help. Understanding your hydration patterns is key; try not to chug a huge glass of water right before a long commute or an uninterrupted work block. Instead, sip water consistently throughout the day. Also, pay attention to your body's subtle cues. Often, it gives you a gentle nudge long before it becomes an urgent, uncomfortable demand. My new habit of taking regular restroom breaks, even short ones, has been a game-changer. It’s about building awareness and respect for your bodily needs. Ultimately, this whole experience has taught me that prioritizing my physiological needs is non-negotiable. It's a fundamental part of self-care. Don't let embarrassment, a demanding schedule, or the perceived inconvenience of a restroom break put your body through unnecessary stress or risk serious health consequences. Your bladder and kidneys will genuinely thank you for it!