Hi there, just to let you know you're not alone... You've done so well to get this far When you have an emet crisis like this, it feels like the worst thing that could happen and it's terrifying, like life has stopped as you know it, but you know you have to get through it somehow, yet if feels overwhelmingly difficult. I completely understand the horror you're facing, and how isolating it is and presumably your family, although they may be aware you have emet - are dealing with the bug quite well emotionally themselves, particularly your husband I am guessing, just like any other minor illness (though perhaps your little 3 year old may be in distress but she will bounce back quickly, kids are remarkable like that!) - but meanwhile you're in a total state. I've been there before... the good news is you've got the people on this forum 24/7... I can quite honestly say this place has got me through the hardest points. And everytime I come out that little bit stronger - and so can you darling, I promise you.

You have done as much as you can in in terms of avoiding the bug (aside from leaving the house for a few days but that's unfeasible for several reasons and wouldn't decrease your chances of getting it at this late stage) - so, as hard as this is to hear, you have to allow nature to take it's course. I don't mean give in to getting the bug, but accept you've done what you can and now accept you can't do anymore, so sit tight and be the brave person you know you are. I personally think you won't get it, if you haven't done by now. Also I can tell you from personal experience that people with emetophobia often, because of psychological reasons, build up a tolerance to being exposed to v* germs, and even if they do get a bug, have a little bit more control over whether they v* than people without emetophobia. That's just my opinion but I think it's true - I've had emet most of my life (I'm 21) and I have v* twice since I was 9, which is a very low number compared to the average person. Also, and this is why I know what you're going through, a few months ago my boyfriend and my stepson had a sickness bug, I of course was in great distress as you have been - and yes, I did catch it - BUT I didn't v*. I felt sick and had the temperature etc, but I did not v* because I convinced myself I wasn't going to. You too have the same willpower. Do not under-estimate the power of positive thinking; besides which, the more optimistic you can trick yourself into feeling, the less anxious you will feel which in turn WILL reduce your nausea. I can guarantee you that the majority of your nausea now is anxiety, again, from personal experience. On the other hand, and I know plenty of emetophobic people will agree, the reality is is that, and I've come to accept this now, nausea is WORSE than v*. The anticipation of v* is very distressing and can go on for hours or days - but the actual act of v* is over very very very quickly, so quickly you don't have time to process it or even be upset about it. And 9 times out of 10 it DOES relieve the horrible feeling that is nausea. You probably know all of this darling but you need to tell yourself this now in this situation. When I was in hospital with a kidney infection and suffered v*, I can honestly say the nausea was more upsetting than the actual v*. I also think it's good to put a positive spin on v* too - tell yourself that your body is doing it's job properly if it v*. I know it's little consolation, but it's so much better your body is getting rid of whatever germ it has than if it didn't, because if it didn't you would be so much more ill, or, touch wood, not alive, however dramatic that sounds.

Sorry if I have come across as patronising, that's not my intention, just willing you to get through and consider the thoughts that have brought me comfort in the past - I hope that those thoughts can comfort you too.

On a practical level, one thing that always helps with nausea is sipping lukewarm water (yes it sounds crazy but my friend's doctor recommended it for morning sickness, and strangely it works better than ice cold water), and (this will sound crazy too) stick your head out the window for some good old-fashioned fresh air. At this time of year our houses get so stuffy from having the heating on. It will relieve your nausea AND fresh air will discourage the breeding of germs in your house. Motillium (over the counter drug) is brilliant - and if you feel like you can eat, Marmite, bananas, ready salted crisps, dry crackers, burnt toast or even a sip of flat diet coke or lemonade are all amazing and will give you the energy your body desperately needs.

Private message me anytime. YOU CAN DO THIS! Emily xx