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Old Jul 17, 2007, 09:22 AM
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Wants2Fly Wants2Fly is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Southeast Florida
Posts: 3,355
I'm sorry you are feeling so badly. Toilet bowls get stopped up, whether or not one has OCD.

Pachyderm's advice makes sense.

Take some deep breaths, and take your time. Wash as often as you need to feel comfortable. The toilet paper will continue to degrade, so it will become easier to dislodge.

Spread old rags, old towels, or newspaper around the base of the toilet so that if it overflows, the water won't run all over. This will make the clean-up easier, should the bowl top over.

You do not have to put your whole arm and hand into the toilet to get the running to stop. All you have to do is lift the big rubber ball that floats on top of the water and is never more than partially submerged. You can remove the toilet lid before you flush, if you are afraid of water topping the bow.

Carefully put it in a safe place where it will not trip you or get broken. You can wear rubber gloves, if you have them, or put your hand in plastic grocery bag or freezer container bag. If the bowl is going to overtop, grab the rubber ball and lift it up. Protected by the plastic, your hand will not touch the water.

When necessary, if the water problem is bad, I have been able to stretch the handle of that big floater ball so that the ball catches on the side of the toilet tank and can rest there while the water drains. I do that so I don't have to stand there holding the ball, waiting for the situation to clear up, and I can leave the bathroom.

I am not very strong due to physical problems, but I live alone, and I have no choice but to get toilets unplugged all by myself.

Good luck with this. I know you can handle it.
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