Oh my God! Helps to know that there are ppl like me. My shy bowel is so severe. I'm normally a happy, energetic, fun person. But when this fear takes it's toll, it's immobilizing. I am 45. Live alone. Can't go if anyone is in my house. When I lived with my boyfriend I got so sick trying to fig out what was wrong with me that even going to the bathroom at home alone was difficult. Not able to finish. I finally would make him go to a store or something, then my body would relax. Now, I just offered this girl a place to stay at work, and the minute I mentioned it, I had trouble going home alone. I feel so sick now. It's like I try so hard to figure out what it is I'm doing that's so secretive, that my body starts to not work like it used to. I can't quite relax all my muscles... And she's not even here yet. Any suggestions?? I feel as if I'm going crazy.