Aa
Compulsive with catching STD's
Hello to all.
I am a 26 years old guy that just graduate. I have a good job and good contacts. I live in Brazil and I'm married. I love and trust my wife for everything.
Wasn't everything suppose to be very good in my life? Well it is not. Actually, I'm very, very depressed and feeling really bad. I can't work well. Actually, I'm at work right now, but I'm feeling so bad that I just can't do the things I have to.
I don't know well why that started, but has been two years that I think everything is going to infect me. I've done some posts (with another account which I've lost acces) in the STD's forums, but I know "logically" that I'm not suppose to worry about catching STD's.
My last problems have been about dentists. I've started using braces, because I really need to correct some problems with my teeth and jaw. I started my treatment with a dentist that sometimes didn't wear glooves. That made me crazy and then I could not trust him anymore. Since I could not trust him anymore, I wouldn't go to his office again, so I took the braces out myself with pliers, payed him to get all my exams back, and restarted my treatment with another dentist.
Everything seems to be well until two events. At one time he wasn't wearing a mask and then, later, he opened the door of his office with the glooves that he was using to work on me and, when he returned (with some kind of stuff he couldn't find inside the office), he didn't switch the gloves. So, again, I was not beeing able to trust him. That time, however, I took a different approach. I've decided to talk to him and explain my problem and ask him to be very, very cautious with me, because I have OCD. He said he undestands, and that he had never done anything wrong but, if I feel something is wrong, he asked me to tell him at the time the incident happens.
Now I'm feeling that he is going to do something wrong exactly because I've asked him not to do so. Like not sterelizing some of his stuff or doing something when I can't see him. I've also did some posts on dentists forums/blogs here in Brazil, saying that I was worried about he not switching his glooves (as anonymous, without saying his name, but with a very small chance that he could read and then connect that post to me, because I told my city, e-mail, and the history about the other dentist, which I told him explaining why I've switched). Now I'm now afraid that he could punish me because of my posts (not this one, because I'm writing in english and doing questions on ODC forums), or my behavior of saying he is not doing his job well.
I don't know exactly what to do, I've done therapy for three years, but I'm not doing right now. Should I just trust him, because he said he understands? Should I seek another dentist because of his flaws?
Thank you very much.
I am a 26 years old guy that just graduate. I have a good job and good contacts. I live in Brazil and I'm married. I love and trust my wife for everything.
Wasn't everything suppose to be very good in my life? Well it is not. Actually, I'm very, very depressed and feeling really bad. I can't work well. Actually, I'm at work right now, but I'm feeling so bad that I just can't do the things I have to.
I don't know well why that started, but has been two years that I think everything is going to infect me. I've done some posts (with another account which I've lost acces) in the STD's forums, but I know "logically" that I'm not suppose to worry about catching STD's.
My last problems have been about dentists. I've started using braces, because I really need to correct some problems with my teeth and jaw. I started my treatment with a dentist that sometimes didn't wear glooves. That made me crazy and then I could not trust him anymore. Since I could not trust him anymore, I wouldn't go to his office again, so I took the braces out myself with pliers, payed him to get all my exams back, and restarted my treatment with another dentist.
Everything seems to be well until two events. At one time he wasn't wearing a mask and then, later, he opened the door of his office with the glooves that he was using to work on me and, when he returned (with some kind of stuff he couldn't find inside the office), he didn't switch the gloves. So, again, I was not beeing able to trust him. That time, however, I took a different approach. I've decided to talk to him and explain my problem and ask him to be very, very cautious with me, because I have OCD. He said he undestands, and that he had never done anything wrong but, if I feel something is wrong, he asked me to tell him at the time the incident happens.
Now I'm feeling that he is going to do something wrong exactly because I've asked him not to do so. Like not sterelizing some of his stuff or doing something when I can't see him. I've also did some posts on dentists forums/blogs here in Brazil, saying that I was worried about he not switching his glooves (as anonymous, without saying his name, but with a very small chance that he could read and then connect that post to me, because I told my city, e-mail, and the history about the other dentist, which I told him explaining why I've switched). Now I'm now afraid that he could punish me because of my posts (not this one, because I'm writing in english and doing questions on ODC forums), or my behavior of saying he is not doing his job well.
I don't know exactly what to do, I've done therapy for three years, but I'm not doing right now. Should I just trust him, because he said he understands? Should I seek another dentist because of his flaws?
Thank you very much.
Thank you for your support. I'll try to be confident in my dentist work.
A little bit about my problems: I've allways had some kind of mental problem, but the STD stuff suddenly started about two years ago (at that time I was stopping my teraphy).
Before that, I was diagnosed with depression, but I dont know if that was correct. I did therapy mainly because I had thoughts that I wasn't able to do stuff, to complete college, to build a life. My college was really hard in the begging (Computer Science) and I didn't even had a computer and wasn't accustomed to use computers. At the time I needed my family at most, because I was feeling really bad for not beeing good at college, my father gave up of me and said that I was going to end up a beggar.
After that, I could'nt keep with college, because my father wasn't supporting me anymore and my mother is poor (they are separated since I was a baby). I ended up living with my mother for some time (in a farm), feeling really bad from inside out and very depressed. Then my aunt (she is a doctor and have no children) decided that she was going to help me and put me back in college and doing therapy.
The whole college was really, really hard to complete, mainly because I couldn't get rid of thinking that I wasn't good for anything. That thoughts allways made me forget things I was talking or writing, or thinking, making me feel dumb most of time. But I didn't give up.
The therapy helped (I took drugs like venlafaxina and sulpirida) and talking to the psychiatrist helped also. But I have to confess that I've never took the drugs well. I just quit therapy for many times because I thought it was not working and it was a waste of my aunt's money. But now I think it DID helped.
I was still in therapy when my OCD about STD's started. At that time, however, I did some tests and I started feeling good enough to quit therapy and keep with my life. I was wrong. The OCD turned out to rule my life. For some time i didn't even ate out because someone could have a cut while doing the salad, for example.
It is really weird how this starts. For most time of my life I could eat something that had drop on floor.
Even now I can't stop thinking of the dentist stuff. I allways have to worry about something. But your words really have helped, thank you. I'll try to trust the dentist.
A little bit about my problems: I've allways had some kind of mental problem, but the STD stuff suddenly started about two years ago (at that time I was stopping my teraphy).
Before that, I was diagnosed with depression, but I dont know if that was correct. I did therapy mainly because I had thoughts that I wasn't able to do stuff, to complete college, to build a life. My college was really hard in the begging (Computer Science) and I didn't even had a computer and wasn't accustomed to use computers. At the time I needed my family at most, because I was feeling really bad for not beeing good at college, my father gave up of me and said that I was going to end up a beggar.
After that, I could'nt keep with college, because my father wasn't supporting me anymore and my mother is poor (they are separated since I was a baby). I ended up living with my mother for some time (in a farm), feeling really bad from inside out and very depressed. Then my aunt (she is a doctor and have no children) decided that she was going to help me and put me back in college and doing therapy.
The whole college was really, really hard to complete, mainly because I couldn't get rid of thinking that I wasn't good for anything. That thoughts allways made me forget things I was talking or writing, or thinking, making me feel dumb most of time. But I didn't give up.
The therapy helped (I took drugs like venlafaxina and sulpirida) and talking to the psychiatrist helped also. But I have to confess that I've never took the drugs well. I just quit therapy for many times because I thought it was not working and it was a waste of my aunt's money. But now I think it DID helped.
I was still in therapy when my OCD about STD's started. At that time, however, I did some tests and I started feeling good enough to quit therapy and keep with my life. I was wrong. The OCD turned out to rule my life. For some time i didn't even ate out because someone could have a cut while doing the salad, for example.
It is really weird how this starts. For most time of my life I could eat something that had drop on floor.
Even now I can't stop thinking of the dentist stuff. I allways have to worry about something. But your words really have helped, thank you. I'll try to trust the dentist.
I just wanted you to know that I will post a reply tomorrow...I'm getting ready to have 30 people over to my house. So I will talk to you then.
You're beeing really nice =). I hope you have a nice party !?
I'll be looking forward your answer.
I'll be looking forward your answer.
I'm glad that you realize that therapy was actually working. I think you should contact your therapist and try again. I know you did not do well on the drugs but honestly, the ones that are out there today really work well, it is just getting to that magic 4-6 weeks of having it in your system before you REALLY see the results. And sometimes they do make you a bit more anxious in the beginning but that is something you can overcome.
The mindset you have for yourself as being dumb and good for nothing, you can change that yourself. My father said to me "why should I send you to college, you are just going to waste my money." I did the complete opposite of what you did, my OCD became so bad to the point I studied more than anybody else and I made sure I got an A always so that I could take that reportcard and put it right in his face. I loved him dearly but sometimes those things people say can actually be something that motivates you. You had an aunt that believed in you! Saw your potential! Got you into therapy!
First thing you need to do is get the OCD under control, then you can work on the rest of your life which can be great if you make it great.
The mindset you have for yourself as being dumb and good for nothing, you can change that yourself. My father said to me "why should I send you to college, you are just going to waste my money." I did the complete opposite of what you did, my OCD became so bad to the point I studied more than anybody else and I made sure I got an A always so that I could take that reportcard and put it right in his face. I loved him dearly but sometimes those things people say can actually be something that motivates you. You had an aunt that believed in you! Saw your potential! Got you into therapy!
First thing you need to do is get the OCD under control, then you can work on the rest of your life which can be great if you make it great.
Today I've talked to a therapist and I've scheduled an appointment for two days from now. OCD is too irrational. I've been trying and failing to deal with it too many times. I realize now, like you've said, that OCD is very, very hard to deal with it without help.
Thank you for your support. It helped. I'll let you know how my therapy is going =).
This is a first step. I'm still feeling awfull, but I think everyone who feels like that should go on therapy. I'll be posting here how my treatment is going.
I wish an wonderfull life for us all.
Thank you for your support. It helped. I'll let you know how my therapy is going =).
This is a first step. I'm still feeling awfull, but I think everyone who feels like that should go on therapy. I'll be posting here how my treatment is going.
I wish an wonderfull life for us all.
That is great. If you post how things are going it can motivate others to also get professional help! I'm so happy for you!!!!!
I've started taking Equilid (sulpirida) and Procimax (citalopram) and did one session of therapy as well. That's the good part...
But today I'm really crazy. I just can't work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm about to never go again to the dentist, wait some time, re-do my tests and try to move on with my life. He did mistakes!!!! How can I trust him??? I just can't trust him. OMG, I'm about to take out my braces again with the pliers, but I know that is going to mess my teeth out (from my own experience).
I can't figure out alternatives, please help!!
But today I'm really crazy. I just can't work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm about to never go again to the dentist, wait some time, re-do my tests and try to move on with my life. He did mistakes!!!! How can I trust him??? I just can't trust him. OMG, I'm about to take out my braces again with the pliers, but I know that is going to mess my teeth out (from my own experience).
I can't figure out alternatives, please help!!
Hang in there!!! Don't take out your braces because I promise you there is nothing to worry about from the dentist.
When do you see the therapist again?
The Procimax is good, it is an SSRI and it is very helpful for OCD. What dose did you get? Also, did the therapist say why they were putting you on the Equilid? It has a different mode of action than the Proximax and frankly I am not very familiar with it.
Lastly, did the therapist mention a short or long acting benzodiazepine to help you out while the celexa is building up in your system? If not, why don't you call the therapist back and just tell him/her what is going on and what do they think about adding a benzo to take the edge off your anxiety?
The Procimax can make you a bit more jittery/anxious in the beginning, not sure about the other one, and people want to throw in the towel way before they see the benefits. I know you feel like crap right now. Just to show you where I was, below is my original post to the forum.
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I was prescribed wellbutrin xl 300 mg (after taking xl150 for quite a while) when my anxiety suddenly flared up due to stress. The 150 was prescribed because I was waking up with my heart feeling like it was going to beat out of my chest in the middle of the night over different things. Right now I feel good at night but when the morning comes I am so edgy. I feel like jumping out of my skin and I can't stand that feeling. I spend a lot of time breathing. Why does it happen and does it matter if I take the dose at a different time...say in the morning versus at night? Would I then be "edgy" when I was sleeping and not notice it? I have klonopin to take but even on a half of klonopin...you feel like a zombie looking for a place to lay down so I kind of try to fight that and usually give in after a few hours and take a quarter of a mg. Helps a little. Then the other quarter about 3 hours later!
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The klonopin is the benzo that I take. I don't need it now during the day but I did back then.
You ARE NOT ALONE. You can do this and I promise you there is a rainbow at the end of it. Post again...I will always answer.
When do you see the therapist again?
The Procimax is good, it is an SSRI and it is very helpful for OCD. What dose did you get? Also, did the therapist say why they were putting you on the Equilid? It has a different mode of action than the Proximax and frankly I am not very familiar with it.
Lastly, did the therapist mention a short or long acting benzodiazepine to help you out while the celexa is building up in your system? If not, why don't you call the therapist back and just tell him/her what is going on and what do they think about adding a benzo to take the edge off your anxiety?
The Procimax can make you a bit more jittery/anxious in the beginning, not sure about the other one, and people want to throw in the towel way before they see the benefits. I know you feel like crap right now. Just to show you where I was, below is my original post to the forum.
-------------------------------
I was prescribed wellbutrin xl 300 mg (after taking xl150 for quite a while) when my anxiety suddenly flared up due to stress. The 150 was prescribed because I was waking up with my heart feeling like it was going to beat out of my chest in the middle of the night over different things. Right now I feel good at night but when the morning comes I am so edgy. I feel like jumping out of my skin and I can't stand that feeling. I spend a lot of time breathing. Why does it happen and does it matter if I take the dose at a different time...say in the morning versus at night? Would I then be "edgy" when I was sleeping and not notice it? I have klonopin to take but even on a half of klonopin...you feel like a zombie looking for a place to lay down so I kind of try to fight that and usually give in after a few hours and take a quarter of a mg. Helps a little. Then the other quarter about 3 hours later!
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The klonopin is the benzo that I take. I don't need it now during the day but I did back then.
You ARE NOT ALONE. You can do this and I promise you there is a rainbow at the end of it. Post again...I will always answer.
I still don't know when I'm going to see the therapist again (I'm talking to my aunt to help with the extra payments), but we are most likely to see every week. The therapist told me, for now, to start with 10mg/day of Procimax and Equilid 50mg/day at least until we meet again.
He did not tell anything about benzodiazepine, but I think the Equilid was prescribed for a more immediate thing.
We might meet next week. Should I call him before, maybe to tell that I'm super crazy and ask about the doses?
That's soooooooooo hard. The threpist also told me not to switch dentists, and that what I feel is much more deep, like an inability to feel that I'm worthy of beeing happy. Since I deeply feel that I'm not worthy of beeing happy, my OCD keeps controling me.
Ok, ok, calm down.... I'll keep the fight on, your support is great.
regards.
He did not tell anything about benzodiazepine, but I think the Equilid was prescribed for a more immediate thing.
We might meet next week. Should I call him before, maybe to tell that I'm super crazy and ask about the doses?
That's soooooooooo hard. The threpist also told me not to switch dentists, and that what I feel is much more deep, like an inability to feel that I'm worthy of beeing happy. Since I deeply feel that I'm not worthy of beeing happy, my OCD keeps controling me.
Ok, ok, calm down.... I'll keep the fight on, your support is great.
regards.
Since it is already Friday, I would try to make it a point to meet next week if possible. That way you can ask some questions about the medications you were given, especially the Equilid. I think it is given as an OCD medication and the Procimax works on both anxiety and depression. I'm not sure that you have anything fast acting.
So those are just some questions when you go back. Nothing to worry about but just to find out what each one is intended to do. It is always good to know for yourself. Then you can ask if there is something you can take like a benzodiazepine in the mean time until these medication build up in your system if you are really struggling.
You are very lucky in that you have an Aunt that obviously cares very much about you! Have a nice weekend...we are going to get hit by a hurricane :( followed by the earthquake earlier this week :( :(
So those are just some questions when you go back. Nothing to worry about but just to find out what each one is intended to do. It is always good to know for yourself. Then you can ask if there is something you can take like a benzodiazepine in the mean time until these medication build up in your system if you are really struggling.
You are very lucky in that you have an Aunt that obviously cares very much about you! Have a nice weekend...we are going to get hit by a hurricane :( followed by the earthquake earlier this week :( :(
I had to travel this weekend because my wife's father is hospitalized =(, so I couldn't post earlier. Fortunately he is getting better already and we believe he will be soon at home.
About my therapy, I'll try to meet the therapist this week, and among our talk ask those questions about the medications.
On wednesday I need to see the dentist. I realize now that, since I've already talked to him about my OCD, and he said he understands, I'll just ask him about everything that could make me anxious. I think this is a better approach than giving up of my treatment, since, like I've already said, I really need to correct my teeth and jaw.
Today I'm feeling a little better. There is only one thing that is still in my head. I'm afraid that my dentist could read some of posts I did in a dentist blog about those things I've talked already and relate that to me. I didn't say any name or told any lie, I was just asking questions. Is this just another irrational tought ?
By the way, where are you from? Is everything ok after the hurricane ? I saw on the news that NY is ok.
Best wishes.
About my therapy, I'll try to meet the therapist this week, and among our talk ask those questions about the medications.
On wednesday I need to see the dentist. I realize now that, since I've already talked to him about my OCD, and he said he understands, I'll just ask him about everything that could make me anxious. I think this is a better approach than giving up of my treatment, since, like I've already said, I really need to correct my teeth and jaw.
Today I'm feeling a little better. There is only one thing that is still in my head. I'm afraid that my dentist could read some of posts I did in a dentist blog about those things I've talked already and relate that to me. I didn't say any name or told any lie, I was just asking questions. Is this just another irrational tought ?
By the way, where are you from? Is everything ok after the hurricane ? I saw on the news that NY is ok.
Best wishes.
Sorry about your father-in-law...hopefully he will be healthy again soon.
About the dentist, I promise you they are not on these forums. I think you are doing the best thing. Sit down with the dentist and discuss your fears. Just come right out and say I have OCD and I worry about things that other people don't so can we please do things this way so that my anxiety stays in check. I am sure they will be sympathetic to your needs. And yes, your fears about what you posted on the dental forum are another irrational thought. Part of OCD is second guessing everything we do and this is what you are doing. It does seem that the meds are helping you some since you said "Today I'm feeling a little better."
As far as the meds go, just get some clarification about what they were prescribed to do. This is also not something to worry about but rather just a way to educate yourself as to what you are taking and why.
I am in Maryland. We had I think officially 7 inches of rain. I still have no power since Saturday and I am running on a generator that we keep constantly going. I have no running water but the generator gives me internet, tv and the fridge! So better than nothing. My boys were supposed to start the first day of school today...it was cancelled. They are happy! :) After the earthquake and now the hurricane, I'm pretty much done with the environment wreaking havoc.
About the dentist, I promise you they are not on these forums. I think you are doing the best thing. Sit down with the dentist and discuss your fears. Just come right out and say I have OCD and I worry about things that other people don't so can we please do things this way so that my anxiety stays in check. I am sure they will be sympathetic to your needs. And yes, your fears about what you posted on the dental forum are another irrational thought. Part of OCD is second guessing everything we do and this is what you are doing. It does seem that the meds are helping you some since you said "Today I'm feeling a little better."
As far as the meds go, just get some clarification about what they were prescribed to do. This is also not something to worry about but rather just a way to educate yourself as to what you are taking and why.
I am in Maryland. We had I think officially 7 inches of rain. I still have no power since Saturday and I am running on a generator that we keep constantly going. I have no running water but the generator gives me internet, tv and the fridge! So better than nothing. My boys were supposed to start the first day of school today...it was cancelled. They are happy! :) After the earthquake and now the hurricane, I'm pretty much done with the environment wreaking havoc.
That is crazy. Where I live, in south of Brazil, we never have hurricanes or earthquakes, or snow =p. Actually, we do have winter here, and there are places around that snow sometimes (because of altitude) but not where I live. I hope everything comeback to normal as soon as possible =).
And yes, I'm feeling better today. I'm beeing able to work better also. Only the posts I did are still haunting me. I've never offended anyone, I've just said that I've considered what he have done a mistake. And I wrote in portuguese in a Brazilian blog. Not sure how many ppl see that blog because my post was the first on that subject...
And yes, I'm feeling better today. I'm beeing able to work better also. Only the posts I did are still haunting me. I've never offended anyone, I've just said that I've considered what he have done a mistake. And I wrote in portuguese in a Brazilian blog. Not sure how many ppl see that blog because my post was the first on that subject...
Hang in there, I promise the posts will not be read by your doctor. He probably does not even know about MedHelp. I think it is a great place and I tell people about it, but in this case, just don't even mention it :) I hope your days get better and better.
My power just came on...I'm very, very happy...finally got a shower! Take care.
My power just came on...I'm very, very happy...finally got a shower! Take care.
I'm not worried about these posts, here in MedHelp. Actually I'm worried about other posts I did in a Brazilian blog, about dentists (on a biosecurity subject). I told there that my dentist was breaking those biosecurity rules (by touching things, like the doorknob, and not switching glooves after that). I've also told my history, my mail and my city, because at that time I was looking for another dentist, so that they could contact me. That's why I'm worried =p.
Nice your power came back =), I can't stand one single day without showering, hehe.
Nice your power came back =), I can't stand one single day without showering, hehe.
Still, try not to worry about it. It would be a very, very long shot that your particular dentist on monitoring that site. So take a deep breath and just tell him what you need and you know what, if he is not receptive to you then you can find someone else to take over your care. But I really don't think you are going to be met with hostility. It will all work out.
I've been feeling better lately, really. I've been feeling so better that I've postponed my dentist because I'm afraid that everything suddenly comeback (I know I should've gone there but I just did not want everything to comeback). I will try again going there next week.
But OCD can be very tricky. Today I woke up with one of my tooth paining and more sensible. Actually, it has been this way since I did a cavity filling in the begining of the year (sometimes better, sometimes worse). I went again to the dentist by that time and he said that I was removing the filling because I have bruxism and that was causing my tooth to pain. I've filled it again and decided to wait until my treatment with the braces finish, so that it could be corrected because my jaw would be in the correct position.
OCD is a crazy thing. I've started fantasizing that my exposed dentin could be a channel to my blood circulation and that I could be infected by eating something infected. The little pain I feel never bothers me (the pain itself only happens sometimes and it is very small) but OCD can make it so huge.
I warn everyone reading this, that also suffer from OCD, that OCD is totally irrational, but for whoever is under its effect it looks so, so real.
I'll keep my treatment. I think it is the only way to go. I've already feeling so much better and I've suggested everyone who also suffer from OCD that seek professional help as soon as possible.
Best wishes.
But OCD can be very tricky. Today I woke up with one of my tooth paining and more sensible. Actually, it has been this way since I did a cavity filling in the begining of the year (sometimes better, sometimes worse). I went again to the dentist by that time and he said that I was removing the filling because I have bruxism and that was causing my tooth to pain. I've filled it again and decided to wait until my treatment with the braces finish, so that it could be corrected because my jaw would be in the correct position.
OCD is a crazy thing. I've started fantasizing that my exposed dentin could be a channel to my blood circulation and that I could be infected by eating something infected. The little pain I feel never bothers me (the pain itself only happens sometimes and it is very small) but OCD can make it so huge.
I warn everyone reading this, that also suffer from OCD, that OCD is totally irrational, but for whoever is under its effect it looks so, so real.
I'll keep my treatment. I think it is the only way to go. I've already feeling so much better and I've suggested everyone who also suffer from OCD that seek professional help as soon as possible.
Best wishes.
And, by the way, what do you think about my english? I've never went to a country where people speak english (I've learned from classes and internet =p).
You are doing wonderful on all accounts. Unfortuantely, as you have found out, with OCD there is always some new irrational thought coming along to drive us crazy. So keep up with your medication. About 4-6 weeks later, you will be over this and back to your normal self.
Take care.
Take care.
Hey JGF25, congratulations that now you are a Community Leader, you deserve it.
Comebacking to me, I would like to say that I'm feeling ok lately. I'm not worrying that much with catching HIV, HCV, etc, and believing more on realistic/statistic facts other than just letting OCD drive me crazy.
I'm taking 20mg of Procimax per day now, and I keep with 50mg of Equilid. I'm not on therapy yet, just taking medication (I might start therapy soon).
One thing that I didn't mention here is that, since my problems with OCD started, my sleeping became awfull. I really had (and still have) a hard time when trying to sleep.
However, I've found something that helped me: stop drinking coffee. I think that coffee is bad for people who suffers from OCD. Well, at least in my case, stop drinking coffee helped sleeping better and maybe not worrying that much with OCD stuff.
It is very hard to stop drinking coffee. I work in front of a computer and I'm very used to allways have a big cup of coffee by my side. It is just like a friend that is allways there. And when you have OCD you just keep drinking and drinking, because you are compulsive.
Well, it was helpful for me. I think everyone should try.
Regards, I'll keep posting,
Comebacking to me, I would like to say that I'm feeling ok lately. I'm not worrying that much with catching HIV, HCV, etc, and believing more on realistic/statistic facts other than just letting OCD drive me crazy.
I'm taking 20mg of Procimax per day now, and I keep with 50mg of Equilid. I'm not on therapy yet, just taking medication (I might start therapy soon).
One thing that I didn't mention here is that, since my problems with OCD started, my sleeping became awfull. I really had (and still have) a hard time when trying to sleep.
However, I've found something that helped me: stop drinking coffee. I think that coffee is bad for people who suffers from OCD. Well, at least in my case, stop drinking coffee helped sleeping better and maybe not worrying that much with OCD stuff.
It is very hard to stop drinking coffee. I work in front of a computer and I'm very used to allways have a big cup of coffee by my side. It is just like a friend that is allways there. And when you have OCD you just keep drinking and drinking, because you are compulsive.
Well, it was helpful for me. I think everyone should try.
Regards, I'll keep posting,
I'm so happy for you! I'm glad the medications are making you feel better.
You are so right about the coffee. It is an OCD person's worst enemy. I too gave up caffeinated drinks after my last major OCD breakdown in May. I won't even drink diet coke or pepsi unless it is caffeine free. I do drink decaff coffee because like you, I need that mega cup in the am and then a few at work not to keep me up but just out of habit and I really missed the taste when I gave it up all together.
Looking forward to more positive posts in the future!
You are so right about the coffee. It is an OCD person's worst enemy. I too gave up caffeinated drinks after my last major OCD breakdown in May. I won't even drink diet coke or pepsi unless it is caffeine free. I do drink decaff coffee because like you, I need that mega cup in the am and then a few at work not to keep me up but just out of habit and I really missed the taste when I gave it up all together.
Looking forward to more positive posts in the future!
Hello. I really need your advice now.
On wednsday I need to go to see my dentist (ortho). I still have fears. I've been feeling better, like I told before, but I don't know why I keep fearing the dentist.
Like I've said, I've already talked to him (about 5 weeks ago) and explained my OCD problem. By that time, he said that I could ask anything that I think it was wrong about his behavior while taking care of my teeth, and also said that everything he uses is sterilized and that he is concerned about biosecurity.
However, I think that he made some mistakes while taking care of me, like touching the doorknob and then comebacking to my mouth, and that made me unable to trust him again.
He is a very good ortho (technically speaking) and my teeth are becoming really nice. On the other hand I keep fearing contracting something there.
What should I do?
On wednsday I need to go to see my dentist (ortho). I still have fears. I've been feeling better, like I told before, but I don't know why I keep fearing the dentist.
Like I've said, I've already talked to him (about 5 weeks ago) and explained my OCD problem. By that time, he said that I could ask anything that I think it was wrong about his behavior while taking care of my teeth, and also said that everything he uses is sterilized and that he is concerned about biosecurity.
However, I think that he made some mistakes while taking care of me, like touching the doorknob and then comebacking to my mouth, and that made me unable to trust him again.
He is a very good ortho (technically speaking) and my teeth are becoming really nice. On the other hand I keep fearing contracting something there.
What should I do?
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Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
First of all, you won't get an STD from the doctor not wearing gloves after he touches a doorknob. Now if the flu were going around, then maybe. But you did the right thing and asked the doctor to wear the gloves. I promise you that he will in no way do something that would intentionally harm you. This is just another irrational thought. So you don't need to switch doctors. Actually, everytime you do switch doctors, you are giving into the thought and that just makes it worse. It is kind of like adding gasoline to a fire. So just keep on communicating with your doctors about what you need for them to do.
When you were in therapy, what did it do for you? Was it just talk therapy? Did they teach you techniques to combat these irrational thoughts? Were you ever on medication? Why did you stop going to therapy?
It is very, very hard to get a handle on OCD without outside help. There are self-coaching skills you can learn, and you have to try not to avoid the situations that bother you but professional help is really the only way.
Here is a little story about me. I developed a phobia about HIV. I worried about it all the time. What I ended up doing was going and sitting in an AIDS clinic. I sat in the same chairs that the patients sat in. I picked up the same magazines that they picked up, I stayed there for an hour every other day. After this exposure therapy, I was over it. Case solved. Of course it was replaced with some other stupid irrational thought but I just dealt with that one too. For me though, I have to be on medication or I would not be able to function.