So tired of dealing with this!

[swtpeach]

Hi everyone~
I am new here (as in posting) but I have been reading for a little while. A little about me. I am 40, mother of 2 kids (13 and 10). I have dealt with what I call a "funny" stomach almost all my life. I remember complaining about nausea when I was around 7 and tests were ran. I don't recall any tramatic episodes of v*, though I do remember being deathly afraid to do so as a child (screaming and crying when I was about to v*). I suppose I have suffered with emto for many years, but it seems to have gotten worse since I had my first child. I am so tired of fearing it. I have been able to care for my sick kiddos, but then I worry incessantly that I will be next. I avoid overly crowded places, especially in the winter months. If I hear that "it" is going around, I worry. Sad part is, my 13 year old daughter has this phobia too. I truly hate that for her. It has caused many fights with my husband who does not understand and says "if you can't control, then why worry about it?"

I want to be cured, as I am sure most of want to be! I have heard there is a vaccine in the works, but it is about 4-5 years out. In addition to my phobia, I suffer from chronic nausea (at least 4-5 times a week). I wish there was a magical pill I could take or a sure fire to be fixed. I especially wish for my daughter to be cured.

[Grace47]

You've taken the first step by coming here and seeking help. Many people (me included) have also found therapy helpful. I am sorry your daughter also has emetophobia. Maybe together you can lick this.

[sadie1001]

I agree, seeking help is the first step. This phobia causes so many irrational thoughts to run through your head all the time. I hate it too, and I want to be rid of it too. I don't want to live with this fear anymore, either--ironically, many of us "fear" giving up our fear because it means giving up what we see as control over our lives and environment. I recommend therapy for sure for you and your daughter. Good luck!

[swtpeach]

I don't even know where to look for therapy. At one point I was on Cymbalta for some slight depression/anxiety and it seemed to help my emet some, but the side effects were to sucky (more nausea). I went off it and then was put back on about a year later and it did nothing to help my emet the second time (or my anxiety). I find night time to be an overly anxious time because I fear being woken up with nausea and v*ing. I don't where this stems from, except maybe I don't have control or can control the nausea like I can when I am awake. I also fear my kids will v* during the night. Cleaning it up is another fear. When my kids had the stomach virus last summer I was a complete mess. I told my husband I wanted to leave the house. My son complaining of nausea before bed and I literally lay awake listening to every movement (he slept with me). He did wake a few hours later and v*ed all over the floor, thankfully my husband cleaned it up. It is taken such control of my life. I am so desperate for help!