I've suffered with emetophobia for years. It got to the point where even if somebody sneezed or coughed, I would run out of the room and freak out. I even went through my pregnancy with really bad morning sickness but I stayed in bed for most of my first 14 weeks with every single nausea remedy/cure going (lemons, toothpaste, mints.. omg you name it, I had it!). It has affected my social life (I have anxiety) and also made me agoraphobic for a long time. I hadn't been sick since 2009 which was a really bad experience. Emetophobia has taken over my life.

Yesterday, I got the norovirus bug. I avoided it at all costs but my daughter brought it home from nursery. It started at 4am.. I just knew I was going to v*. I lay in bed just wanting to get up but unable to move because if I moved, I would v*. I eventually told myself that if I did v*, then it would come out and it would make me feel better. I decided to move because I knew that I'd have to move sometime. I lay upright, 20 seconds later.. I v*. Wow.. I couldn't believe I did it. I was shaken with fear but it made me feel so much better. It went on for about 5 hours.. I'd lay down, get cramps.. and run to the toilet. As the hours (or minutes) passed, I got more power in myself. I kept saying to myself "I've already v*, so I CAN do this". Whenever I got the cramps, I'd get up and v*. I started projectile v*.. and having lots of really bad stools. I just didn't care anymore.. I just wanted this bug out of the way.

I've woken up today, and I am cured of norovirus. Everybody in my house now has the bug and I am NOT afraid. I have gone in and checked on everybody (I can't even believe I did that). And I'm not putting my fingers in my ears whenever I hear them v*. I've been cured of emetophobia.

What I want to say to everyone is.. that you NEED TO BE EXPOSED TO IT. AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Don't fear the norovirus bug. I've avoided it every year at all costs.. just keep saying to yourself that it WILL be over. My v* only lasted for 5 hours! And if you do get it, keep drinking LOTS of water.. it'll flush it out of your system more quickly.

xx