Returning to the group...

[tcsarah]

Hi. I used to post on the IES forum a year or two ago, but have had a break from the group for a while.


I have suffered from emetophobia for as long as I can remember, and have been through sheer hell in the past because of it. I used to think I was alone in feeling this way, so went for21 years trying to keep it a secret as I thought people would think me utterly crazy being terrified of something that is, in essence, a natural bodily function. I remember the first time I heard of another sufferer (via a problem page in a magazine), I felt enormous relief that I wasn't the only one who felt like this. As I then realised (after joining a UK support group called 'Gut Reaction') that there werehundreds ofpeople who had the same phobia, I slowly stopped feeling ashamed and embarassed of my bizarre reaction to v* and started to admit to friends and family how I felt. This was a turning point for me. Being open about having a phobia of v* has helped a great deal. And groups such as this are a great support.


Things are tough at the moment. My grandma is seriously ill in hospital and one of my friends haswidespread cancer. I've been going to the hospital withmy friendfor things like blood transfusions andvarious teststo support him as he doesn't have a partner. I had a crisis the other week when my friend asked me to accompany him for chemotherapy (and we all know what the main side effect of this can be) - I had tried telling him I probably would not be the best person to support him in this situation, and that his sisters or other friends could perhaps help out on this occasion, but he still asked me anyway... [img]smileys/smilies_03.gif[/img]). Well, I couldn't refuse him, but when I got home I panicked like hellas I envisaged people being ill left right and centre from the chemo. I felt so awful panicking about something like this when he is there suffering from something as serious as he is. I felt guilty for even thinking about it, I just couldn't help it though. I was a nervous wreck during his treatment and kept checking the room for any signs of you know what. The doctor didn't help before we went in by saying, "Some people, although very rarely, do v* during treatment". That day was a real test! As it happens my friend has been virtually side-effect free after his sessions. I'm just hoping and praying the treatment helps him.


Anyway, I'll shut up for now [img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[bexcelica]

welcome back. i wasnt on here when you first joined, but its good to have new/old people on here

[wing]

Welcome back, Heh, I wasn't here before so yea. Anyway, I really hope your grandmother gets better.. (Mine passed away this morning.. u_u) And I wish your friends the best recovery. =I

[Hale]

Hi. Welcome back. I remember you. I am really sorry that you are having a tough time at the moment. It sounds like you are being an amzing support to your friend. I really hope you feel proud of yourself because you are being really brave. I really hope things get better very soon and don't forget we are here for you.

Wing - I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother.

[tcsarah]

Thank you so much for the warm welcomes and words of support, it is much appreciated.


Wing, I'm so sorry you have lost your Grandmother. I don't think mine will be with us much longer, she gets frailer everytime I see her. I try and take comfort from the fact she's had a long (she's 88) and happy life.