Words of Reassurance

[hippybamagirl]

Hello everyone -


I have been browsing this site for several weeks and just registered tonight. I have been dealing with this phobia since I was almost 10 years old (that's 16 years of being an emet!). It has gotten worse as I've gotten older, but I have found ways of dealing with it that I thought I would share. First, like many people here have already said, I never touch my face without washing my hands. Also, at work, I wipe down my computer, phone, light switch and door knob once or twice a day with chlorox bleach wipes. I think thishas REALLY helped. A flu (not stomach) was going around my office and I did not catch it and my assistanthad the stomach flu and I did not catch it either. I think just being really careful is the most important thing. I also avoid salad bars and eating meat at any restaurant that does not have a trained chef. It may be silly, but at the very least, it makes me feel better. Also, studies show that emets RARELY V* - my roommate had a stomach flu and I was NOT careful with germ control and I got it but NEVER V'd - just felt rotten and didn't eat anything and had a fever for 24 hours (still not fun, but better than V-ing).


I also have issues with any time my stomach feels like ANYTHING, I think I am going to v* - and I never do. Does anyone else do this? I would think if there are others like me, it would be helpful to keep track of various stomach issues (heartburn, feeling full, acid reflux) and what each feels like so we can calm ourselves down (for example, I always think I am going to V* after I eat a big meal but never do - it is just that super full feeling you get when waiting for your food to digest).


Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all - you don't know me, but just the fact that there are fellow emets who share their fears and feelings make me feel a hundred times better. Thank you so much for making me realize that I am not alone and that I am not a freak. And just the fact that we are on this website sharing our experiences is the first step towards conquering this phobia and taking control of it!

[mitch4133]

Hi Hippy, my name is Michele, and welcome to the site. I also have issues anytime my stomach feels something. I always almost immediately wonder if I will v*, but I never do (knock on wood). I also can not eat a big meal, because I often confuse fullness with nausea. I usually eat a couple small meals through out the day, because then I don't have to confuse fullness or hunger with nausea. I have lost tons of weight due to my emet, but since I have been coming to this site, and really talking about my fears, I have gained 3lbs recently. I look foward to getting to know you, and again welcome.


Michele

[2jo2]

Welcome to the site! I do the stomach evaluation thing too. I am keenly aware of every feeling inside my guts, whereas a "normal" person would probably never notice them or they'd not even think about it.


You're right about coming here being one of the first steps toward gaining control. I would never even think of talking about my phobia before I came here. I thought I would jinx myself if I even typed in the word vomit or flu in a search engine. This site has helped immensely to calm down those types of irrational things.


I hope you find a lot of great support here, welcome!!

[jesskali]

Welcome to the site! I feel the same way with my stomach. If it aches even the slightest bit, I start to worry. I try not to eat large meals either. I don't eat a lot anyway, but at Christmas, I kind of splurged and ate more than what I should have and I, of course, felt very sick afterwards.

I know that I was so relieved to find this site and so many others who suffer from this phobia like I do. I honestly thought I was the only one in the world who felt like this!

Jess

[mak79007]

Hello, I would first like to say you sound exactly like me. The whole workplace flu/stomach flu, and the not eating salad bars ormeat. I dont eat out much anyway[img]smileys/smilies_06.gif[/img]but I try to make myself because I do enjoy it as long as I dont let myself freak out afterwords. I dont touch my face etc...


I also agree with you in regards to freaking out anytime I feel weird, or my stomach does something funny, it sets me right off. Its so goofy. I feel realy tired I even think "oh no that means I am going to v*. I try to think rationaly and it helps when I do. I have been getting better in that respect. Your phobia started at the same age as mine did, and I am 26 as well.

[alliecat]

Welcome!! I'm Allie. Yes, I believe each one of us deals with your same dilemmas that you do on one level or another. You're not alone!


xoxo


Allie