I finally became a member tonight! I have visited this site and read lots of stories...I'm glad to know there are so many other emets. I have been suffering with this phobia since I was 5 years old. I am now 32 and it seems to be getting worse as the years pass. It is paralyzing me socially.I won't go out with my friends andrarely eat out anymore. I recently built a new home with my boyfriend and he became ill last night with v* and d*. I wanted to quarentine him to the bedroom and he thinks I have lost my mind! He doesn't understand this illness and how terrifing it can be. He thinks I am really overreacting and he said "you are a grown woman" you need to just deal with it. It's not that easy. I have been cleaning everything with bleach and have washed my hands until they are raw. I also sleep in a seperate room and use a seperate bathroom. I recently made an appointment with a Psychiatrist, I hope he will be able to help me with this. My first appt. is FEB 13th and it can't come soon enough! Thanks for listening!! [img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]