freaking out

[Skjones]

so the past 2 months have been bad I had surgery then after that I was treated for a parasite and about 2 weeks after that I got a bad fungal infection now I can't stop washing my hands intrusive thoughts are going through my head that I'm going to pass it to someone somehow and that it is resistant to the medication and it's going to spread all over my body I keep disinfecting things and I feel like my head is going to

[aparente001]

Some symptoms are more impairing than others. When my son was doing ERP therapy, he and his therapist worked on the less impairing symptoms first, progressing gradually to the more impairing. It was kind of like how in the spring you have to build up your cycling muscles gradually.

It sounds like this particular symptom is quite impairing for you. Have you worked with a therapist to map your OCD, and rank which things are the more challenging and which are less?

[Skjones in reply to aparente001]

I'm still on the wait list for an ocd specialist

[aparente001 in reply to Skjones]

Oh gosh. Have you been told how long of a wait you'll have?

I don't know where you live, but sometimes going to another city, or seeking remote treatment, can help one get a jumpstart.

Have you considered discussing medication options with your primary, or with a psychiatrist? My son benefited from combining medication with ERP, but it took several months for him to ramp up to his therapeutic level of SSRI.

I hope you can find some activities that will provide some distraction, while you're waiting.

Exercise helps my son. I don't know how common that is.

Best wishes.

[LovinMyFungus in reply to Skjones]

Have you ever checked for heavy metal toxicity? Turned my brain ino a non stop horror movie among other horrible things

[cooperhawk]

I'm so sorry you are overwhelmed and bombarded by intrusive thoughts. In my counseling, a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise (along with deep breathing) helped me when my anxiety was heightened. It helped calm me to be able to think a bit more clearer.

There are variations of it. The one given to me was faith based (which I can share if you'd like), or there are some online I found. An example:

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding

Search for:

– 5 things you see

– 4 things you feel

– 3 things you hear

– 2 things you smell

– 1 things you taste

[Sallyskins]

The stress you've been under with your health problems have no doubt been a factor in this, as OCD often increases its hold in response to stress.

I'm not a doctor so I can't really comment on how contagious this fungal infection is, but I imagine that it's more so in your imagination than in reality.

Keeping generally clean in your person and surroundings is likely to be enough. In fact, a little dirt is good for you - it helps to keep your immune system exercised, and plenty of good bacteria etc leave less space for the bad ones to get in!

Perhaps have a think when you next feel the need to wash your hands - 'Do I really need to do this? Perhaps I should wait and put it off for the next ten or fifteen minutes.'

I'm something of a hand washer myself, so I do get where you're coming from. It can be hard to shake off a 'dirty' feeling - and it makes you afraid of touching other things in case you contaminate them too.

I note that you're still waiting for a therapist - perhaps meanwhile you could invest in a self help book or two. They can get you started. Many have exercises you can adapt to suit you, and this shouldn't be too difficult as hand washing and contamination OCD is common and many have sections that deal with it.

[IStillHaveHope]

I'm sorry you're having trouble and it sucks your on a waiting list. I'm not sure if it would help, but if I were really having a bad time of it, I'd call their office and ask if they could fit me in for a session or two. Also, if you're doctor isn't aware, it might be worth mentioning that all these medical conditions are spiking your OCD. They may be able to put a word in and move things along. There are also apps like NOCD which others seem to say help, but I don't have any experience with them.

Again I'm really sorry you're having a difficult time. You're not alone though. Remember that. Please keep us updated on how you feel. Take care my friend.

[Skjones]

Tha k you to all of you for you replies, the waiting list I'm on theyvtold me 6 months but it's been more than that theyvwont return my calls I do have some books and luckily the panic has settled, I am grateful to all of you for your support and care. I'm not perfect and I'm still working on my issue and it helps to have suppot

[joleb]

Hi there,

I am sure the stress of surgery and your medical symptoms made OCD worse. I hate to reassure you but these conditions are not contagious. I know OCD makes us think that it is. Try to surrender to your fear and accept that it may be possible. Listen to your heart 💜