OCD?

[Wazza84]

Hiya everyone.

Was just wandering if anybody has become a bit obsessive with everyday things?

For example: for me certain things have to go in a certain place i.e the knife, fork & spoons HAVE to go in the correct compartment in the drawer & I sit in the same spot at home & at my sisters house amongst other things.

I put it down to my last couple of weeks in Trafford rehabilitation hospital when I was set a routine of being hoisted from my bed to wheel chair then gettin washed and dressed then manoeuvring my self round the wards in my wheelchair for exercise.

I think the routine of my last few weeks in hospital has turned a bit OCD & I’m curious to know if anybody else experiences such things.

[Fificakes2]

Yes I like a strong routine and everything being the same. It's not OCD but I like things done in a certain way and everything has a place so that I can find it again.

[Wazza84 in reply to Fificakes2]

Hiya Fificakes2..

It started off as a routine but now it’s a bit obsessive compulsive, not to an extreme but it’s definitely there.

[cat3]

Yes Wazza I identify with that. Everything in its place and a little bit too tidy for many people. But I think it's all part of trying to take back control after being knocked for six by unforeseen events which we were powerless to prevent and utterly reliant on others to fix.

So when we walk into a room and everything is where we left it we're creating predictability, and the certainty is reaffirming. Of course it can drive others, of a more laid-back nature, to distraction at times ! 🙄 But let's face it, disorder in the material world can be a massive ask for an already disordered brain to cope with. x

[Wazza84 in reply to cat3]

Hiya Cat.

It’s good to know I’m not the only one who likes things to be in their place 😁

[BaronC]

Yep, I can understand that. I have very low grade OCD if I'm honest, but certain everyday things bug the crap out of me. Pictures on the wall MUST be level, I use a spirit level to check, for instance.

[Wazza84 in reply to BaronC]

Hiya BaronC

Yeah certain things can really get to me too, my mam made me a brew the other day that wasn’t in MY cup and it really stressed me out, luckily we both saw the funny side of the OCD!

I’m a fan of your work/videos by the way, keep up the good work 👍🏻

[BaronC in reply to Wazza84]

Cheers! Thanks for your support!

[LittleBribri]

I actually have been diagnosed with OCD. I can tell you that sudden change is hard for me. I have had many times in medical rehabilitations because I've had 2 strokes plus I've been struck by lightning. It's been 17 years since my list stroke and what I've found is that high stress means higher than usual Obsession for control. Normally, I'm particular about how I like things and where I like to be in regards to sitting and eating. I like to think that normally I'm easy going but in all reality, I like things clean and tidy. I like things organized. I keep meat in my fridge for four days then toss it. I don't handle food without washing my hands before, during a lot, and after. I can't go long without a shower, brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, washing my face. I like to be with friends but over the years I've become much more hermit like than it in public with people. I hate it. Even now I'm tapping my forehead typing this out for you. I just want you to know that if you are brave enough, braver than I am, find ways to cope with these seemingly small things now. Try new things especially when it's really challenging to do so. Maybe change the place of where you sit at your sisters house. A lot about OCD is learning to sit in being uncomfortable and still getting through it. Deep breathing is super helpful. Listen to music that's new. Mindfulness in activities is helpful. And when you are ready, you can do something really crazy like place your forks in the soon slot and spoons in the fork area. Simple things can change the world. I try these things still, but I stopped therapy too soon and I'm still trying to go back. I hope you know that you are okay. Noticing things you like is not a bad thing. If these things help you to keep you home near and you feel alright about them, it might not even be OCD. But if you find that you really are worried about it, and that it's having a poor impact on you then please find a therapist you can trust and ask. They can help you to know. I don't know what to you too a rehabilitation hospital and a wheelchair, but I do hope that you heal and recover well. I'm really proud of you for asking the question that you did here. It takes guts to ask. Cheers to you out there in cyber land. All the best

[Wazza84 in reply to LittleBribri]

Hiya LittleBribri.

I say I have OCD but I think that’s a bit extreme compared to what you’re telling me, I see a neighbour lock his door then walk away then return several times every morning & I think he has OCD.. although I do like to lock up my house other than somebody else I don’t have to check myself over and over.

And you were struck by lightning? WOW! Was it as painful as it sounds?

[LittleBribri in reply to Wazza84]

At the time of the incident, no because it knocked me into next week... Consciously anyhow lol. The after effects though, ya still incredibly painful

[Wazza84 in reply to LittleBribri]

Ouch.. must be pretty cool to say you were struck by lightning.. I’d be telling everybody.. shopkeepers, taxi drivers, people passing in the street 😂

[Paddington18]

My partner has developed low grade OCD since his accident. Nothing alarming just a bit of fussiness. It’s about control and needing order so he can concentrate on what he needs to concentrate on

[Wazza84 in reply to Paddington18]

Hiya Paddington18.

This is pretty much how it is for me, I’m very fussy over certain things 🤔

[cat3]

I concur with Bribri's handwashing. I don't see it as OCD though because it's just common sense to me that hands should be properly clean before/during handling food. And I'm sure hospitals could virtually eliminate MRSA, C diff. etc if better hygiene regulations were observed by all doctors, nursing & kitchen staff and patients. Same with restaurants. I was lax enough to accept a hot mince pie at a local Christmas eve charity fete and spent the following 48hours 🤢 ……..well let's just say my Christmas was cancelled.

On one 4 bed ward with sinks near each bed, a doctor conducted an intimate examination of a patient and came from behind the screen straight to another patient requiring tactile attention. The patient looked across at me horrified and only after, "You can wash your hands here doctor" from the accompanying nurse, did he reluctantly deign to observe the most basic, but essential, hygiene. Pretty scary, and the reason why I've since dreaded hospital stays and don't eat out. 😧 x

[lcd8]

Hi Wazza. Like many of your other responedents I can identify with this. I like things to be in the right places and in the right order. This sometimes causes problems especially in my working life as I am a stickler for doing (what I class) is the right thing. And I find many other people just don't have the same morals I do. On a slightly different note though I am also a little OCD about hand-washing. I'm not sure why but as far as I know have always been like it.

[Wazza84 in reply to lcd8]

Hiya lcd8

It seems it’s quiet a common thing with brain injury survivors especially the hand washing part 🤔

[lcd8 in reply to Wazza84]

Yes, realising that. Makes me feel a bit more normal! Thanks Wazza84.

[SillyPhil]

There's a lot of evidence that brain damage can exacerbate or seem to magnify pre-existing traits or conditions. I was quite anxious before my brain injury but am a lot more so now. I hope that this helps x

[Wazza84 in reply to SillyPhil]

Hiya SillyPhil.

Ye I’ve heard that before but for me I wasn’t OCD at all before my haemorrhage its a “new me thing” 😁

[SillyPhil in reply to Wazza84]

ooh, that's interesting. Brain damage is very unpredictable. I wonder if your family would say that you were just a bit OCD, or fussy or tidy? But maybe not. Anyhow, I haven't seen your story so I don't know how long ago your 'damage' was but things can continue to improve for a good few years afterwards. I wish you all the best with your recovery and look forward to updates.

[Wazza84 in reply to SillyPhil]

Thanks 😁

Had a brain haemorrhage due to an AVM in the brain stem on 08/04/2012 feel free to nosey through my profile (if you want that is) 😁