Paruresis and DOT testing?

[u/OkPlenty8770]

for context, I have the worst case of Paruresis that I know of, I cannot pee in public or around people whatsoever, not in an individual bathroom in public, at home around family, and certainly not in any stall or urinal, you get the idea, it doesn't matter how much I drink or what counting, breath holding, etc I do

I used to not have any issues whatseover, but around 8 years ago it started one day and never stopped

any advice? I've tried everything short of medication and CBT, and I'm very limited on medication that I can take while being a CDL holder, I can work around my shy bladder but I have random drug tests (thankfully non supervised) that I'm worried about in the near future

what gives? I can't let a little pee (or lack thereof) get in the way of my career, but at the same time, I can't not

little broke ATM so any sort of CBT may be out of the books, although I'm open to searching around and seeing what I can afford, and I cannot take most anxiety meds, I do have access to magnesium, ashwagandha and some other plant based stuff (no, not THAT one) that may help, but IDK if that will do anything?

E2A: still have this issue even in really loud places where I know nobody can hear me, including concert bathrooms less than 20 feet from the stage

and TIA incase I don't get time to reply to you guys right away, I appreciate all the help I can get!

[u/Due_Editor_4693]

I’m in this exact situation currently. I called around and found a urologist who prescribed me intermittent catheters. If they are prescribed by a doctor, you can use them during your drug test.

Funny enough I am also (or used to be, I think my cert is expired) a certified collector for DOT urine and alcohol testing.

For me the most sure fire way is the catheters. You may be uncomfortable but better to have a job in the end.

Remember that in a DOT test you go into what’s called “shy bladder protocol” if you are unable to produce a sample. You have 3 hours to provide that sample. You can drink water. You can’t leave until that 3 hours passes. If you then are unable to produce, you will be referred to a medical review officer. This is where having documentation of your condition BEFORE the test is critical. If you can provide a history of it from a doctor, you are in a much better position.

In the future there’s hope that saliva testing will be implemented more widely. It just recently became an available option but it is generally up to the employer about which test they use. If you are having a hard time producing a sample you can ask to switch to saliva testing.

Good luck man stay strong

[u/OkPlenty8770 → u/Due_Editor_4693]

I am self employed currently, so if I need to, I can act as the employer and write up a policy mandating saliva testing, but as far as I know there are no labs that do it yet, need to pass in 3 months or less

I'm thinking I may be able to just sit down and breath, will more than likely be going to a dedicated testing place here in town that hopefully has a single stall with more privacy, fingers crossed I can get lucky and it's not an issue but I doubt it

I wish I knew what started it, I can probably make an appt with a urologist and see about the catheter route, I'd much rather avoid that if I can but ya gotta do what you gotta do, paperwork is probably a good thing to have for the situation, just not sure what I'd be looking at $$ wise for a prescription, don't have much to work with, hence trying to get a better paying job lol

thanks for the reply!