Bedwetting

[JohnB]

I am much too old to be wetting the bed yet once in a while I have a Viet Nam war nightmare that produces a bladder release. I don't ever remember the dream but I awake extremely tense and angry. I don't know where the anger comes from... When I was 'In country' back when, I don't recall ever being so scared that I lost bladder control but had heard of it. When I lived alone it was just something that happened now and then but now I live with my significant other and in six months it has not happened until today. During an afternoon nap no less ! I have never told anyone about this and am not sure what to do.

 

[ShodokanJenn]

I sometimes have the same problem (not from Vietnam, but from a very traumatic childhood). I've been married 11 years. I feel so humiliated when it happens, but my husband has been so understanding and patient about it. It's been happening less and less often since I got back into therapy about two years ago. We got a couple plastic mattress covers, and always keep extra sheets upstairs. Just know that this isn't your fault. And you are not alone.

 

[BradyLady]

It's more common than you think. In my case, diabetes and three childbirths have combined to make my bladder not the most reliable in the world. Diabetes leads to neuropathy, with resulting deadened nerve sensations. If those nerves happen to be the ones in charge of sending "gotta go" signals, I'm going to have a problem. On top of this, I have mobility limitations from a car accident, and even when I do read the signal, I can't always move fast enough.

In your place, the first thing I'd do is see a doctor and make sure there's nothing else going on. There are so many reasons this could be happening, and none of them are your fault or your personal failure.

 

[Go Hungry]

I had this happen a couple of times, back when I was first diagnosed with PTSD. I think the overwhelming stress of trying to accept such a big revelation just overpowered me sometimes. It passed though.