[steelmagnolia]

I'm new here. I've been suffereing from ocd for 11 years now. I got medical help 7 years ago. I take luvox and have gone through cognitive behavioral therapy.

I have many more good days than bad days. I've gotten better by about 75%. BUT, when I have a bad day (something happens that triggers my fears and anxiety), it hits me really hard.

I used to fear food borne germs. I have been able to get a handle on it. Since a few years ago, it's been rabies. That's my trigger, my fear, the thing that adds fuel to the ocd fire. In my mind every animal could or has rabies. Yesterday, I had my pup out for a bathroom break. She was close to something in the yard that flew or fluttered away. It wa a tan color. I kept trying to identify it but each time I got close enough, it flew/fluttered away. My pup didn't yelp, I did not see it in her mouth. I didn't see it near her, but in my mind is this: "I didn't see her not get near it, so she could have touched it. I didn't get a good look at what it was, so it must have been a rabid bat." The thoughts get worse from this point - believe me.

My husband has tried to help me, bless his heart. I was in a tear anxiety filled panic last night (the incident happened during the day.) I'm still obsessing over it. I've gone to bat, cricket and moth websites. It was most likely a large moth. I guess. Heck, maybe it was a mini alien from Venus. Yeah....it could have been that because I didn't get a chance to analyize it personally! It could have been anything but my ocd choose to tell me it was a rabid bat.

I'm sorry about going on and on about this.

My point in the subject title is this: If my husband took the pup out, he would not have given this fluttering/flying insect/thing a second thought. He would not have mentioned it. My ocd would not be having a field day with it. YES! Ignorance IS bliss...

well, most bats are dark colored and there are lots of tan moths. and the dog isn't exhibiting symptoms, so you're okay. i understand your fright, but you're okay.....xoxo pat

[steelmagnolia]

That's what my husband told me. He tried to make me see that 1) the dog didn't yelp 2)I didn't see the dog with it 3)I didn't even get a good look at it to see what it really was 4)to assume it was a bat sounds like my ocd "talking". Everything has to do with rabies. Several years back it was all about contaminated food. Now it's this.

I know to someone that does not have ocd or understand ocd must read this and think I'm a total nut case. Sometimes I really feel that way.

Thanks for the encouragement, Pat

oh, you don't have to thank me.....i have my burning house anxiety...i always know that when i drive around the corner, my house will be on fire.......had it for about 20 years now...can't get rid of it.......xoxo pat

[wi_fighter]

Pat, you have burning house anxiety too? I have a floor furnace, and I always assume it's going to be up in flames when I come home.

I can't relate to a rabies phobia, but I do a lot of transcription for cancer patients, so I'm always assuming anything that's not quite right on me is cancer. I noticed my fingernails were vertically ridged last week. Instantly start wondering what kind of cancer might cause that. Found out it's just a part of aging. I'm only 43, dangit, I'm not supposed to be considered to be "aging" yet. Sore boobs? Cancer. Can't possibly be monthly changes.


Sorry, I hijacked.

[steelmagnolia]

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Pat, you have burning house anxiety too? I have a floor furnace, and I always assume it's going to be up in flames when I come home.

I can't relate to a rabies phobia, but I do a lot of transcription for cancer patients, so I'm always assuming anything that's not quite right on me is cancer. I noticed my fingernails were vertically ridged last week. Instantly start wondering what kind of cancer might cause that. Found out it's just a part of aging. I'm only 43, dangit, I'm not supposed to be considered to be "aging" yet. Sore boobs? Cancer. Can't possibly be monthly changes.


Sorry, I hijacked.

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Oh, I don't mind - in some way, hearing about what others deal with makes me feel like I'm not alone in my struggles.