*Questions for Emets*

[wintergreen22]

These questions are all really simple! I just want to see how everyone else is living thier life...


Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often?


Are you in therapy? For how long?


DO you own any pets? What kind?


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?


When was the last time you v*?


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How?


Are others supportive to you?

[wintergreen22]

Since I'm asking you to answer these questions I think its only fair for me to answer them as well[img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]


I have stomach aches often, like almost everyday and sometimes a few times a day. I think I bring them on most of the time.


I'm in therapy, today is my last day (I wish it wasn't though...) I've been in therapy for 6 weeks.


I have a dog that I absolutlely love to pieces!


To avoid getting sick I pace, talk to someone over the phone, sip water, chew gum


The last time I v* was when around the age of 9 or 10.


I think I do wash my hands more than the average person, but sometimes I'm fully aware of when I just touched something full of germs and I'll still eat with my fingers. FOr example, when I'm in class and on the computer typing on the same keyboard that a whole bunch of people touched I might still eat a finger food snack like chips without getting up to wash my hands first.


Being an emet really does effect my relationships with others. My mom never wants to hear about it, doesn't understand it, and can't understand why I want to live my life like this (as if I had a choice). I also can't hang out as long as my friends can or go to the same places as them (for example theme parks because the risk of someone gettting sick is sooo high!)


My step mom is really really supportive, so is my dad. The people that I hang out the most with right now all know and understand to some extent. They understand why I leave the room and why I have mood swings, etc.


Thanks in advance for answering my questions!

[Galadriel]

These questions are all really simple! I just want to see how everyone else is living thier life...

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? Occassionally I will cause my own stomach aches to come about, but not very often anymore. It used to be a lot worse and I would get bad stomach aches at least 2-3 times a week, and less worse stomach aches almost everyday.


Are you in therapy? For how long? Nope I'm not currently in therapy, though I was for about 6 years. The previous therapy I didn't find to be much help at all, and I'm doing a lot better now than I was before.


DO you own any pets? What kind? Yep, me and my husband own 2 rabbits. They are Netherland Dwarfs, and are real cute and have little personalities of their own.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? Well, if there is someone who has gotten sick or possibly got sick in my near vicinity, I do my best to keep clear. Also I just wash my hands after using the bathroom and try to before eating too.


When was the last time you v*? Hmm, it was Feb 2003, from a stomach bug.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person? If the average person doesn't wash their hands after using the BR and when they remember to before eating, then I guess it would be more. I think though that on this I am on the average side.


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How? Well, sometimes its tough when I'm around people and not feeling good or have a stomach ache, or I'm in a new situacion with a stomach ache. That tends to be the worst. Other than that it doesn't affect things too much because my husband knows all about the emet and he understands, and around others I'm good at hiding it!


Are others supportive to you? My husband is very supportive of me (thank God!) but my dad and his fiance and kids are not at all. My aunt and uncle and gramma are sorta kinda but they don't quite understand the whole thing, but I think if they did then they would try to be as much as they could. My husband's family I think is sorta understanding, I haven't been around them enough yet to know.





Edited by: Galadriel

[ontariogirl]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? I used to cause them but I have learned not to. I used to get them everyday.



Are you in therapy? For how long? I tried the therapy and it didn't work out for me at all.


DO you own any pets? What kind? I have a budgie, his name is Horton.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? I try to stay away from people who are sick, some times that doesn't happen so i make sure my hands are washed after picking some thing up or touching a door knob. I take some anti nausea pills or some herbal stuff.


When was the last time you v*? I believe it was March 1996. I had the flu in 2003 but didn't vomit, I fought it.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?I wash my hands more than the average person when there is a stomach bug going around especially in my home or if I some where else, like at my parents place yesterday when my sister was sick.


Does being an emet affect your relationships with others? How? Being an emet affected all my relationships when I was younger.It affected my family because they didn't know what the hell was wrong with me.When I was dating a guy I would end up lying to him that I couldn't go out, the truth was I had this phobia and I can't leave my home. Later on it caused big fights. I would do the freak out and he would look at me as if I was nuts! However later on when I knew that I have a phobia I would tell people even my parents. My parents are pretty good with me and my sister is awesome. I told my eldest son about it to. I don't hide this phobia anymore.


Are others supportive to you? My love of my life is supportive, although he doesnt fully get it, my parents are great, my sister and my eldest son. My youngest has no idea and when I feel he is old enough than I will tell him. My friends know about it and even my ex. My nurse practitioner is great with me, she seen me all freaked out and she remained so calm with me and that helped. Having support can make this phobia easier, when I act like a nut they know whats wrong.

[yenn]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? yeah I think most of my stomachaches or queasy feelings are caused by anxiety


Are you in therapy? For how long? I see a counsellor at my uni once a week, he's brilliant.


DO you own any pets? What kind? We have a rabbit but he's really my siblings. He's called Jackson Jack-Rabbit ( not guilty!)


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? erm, I'm a compulsive hand washer - I was them before i touch anything that may go near my mouth, I avoid ill people wherever possible, and i do things like use antibac wipes on telephones (ie at work) and surfaces etc


When was the last time you v*? I dont want to say in case I jinx myself


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person? See above, compulsive hand washer


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How? Yes because other people find it hard to accept, and it makes it hard to get close to them or have a social life and friends


Are others supportive to you? Some people are, some people aren't. Life in general works that way sadly.

[crazy_me_84]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? Yes I often get stomach aches. I have IBS so its a part of life for me, everyday. Its horrible but I think if I learn to relax and de-stress myself, it wouldn't be so bad.


Are you in therapy? For how long? I'm been having therepy for four months now. It was mainly focused on anxiety and severe depression and now we are working on the emet. I'm starting exposure therapy next week and don't know what to think! - argh!!!


DO you own any pets? What kind? I have a budgie. Shes so sweetbut at the same time can be so viscious! she likes to bite but slowly shes learning to control her little beak! aww! I also have fish.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? I'd do anything to avoid v*. avoid many, many types of foods, constant worry about contamination, so many behaviours related to cleaning, handwashing etc.


When was the last time you v*? 3 1/2 years ago.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person? definately. I'm a compulsive handwasher! Its so frustrating.


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How? Oh yes! Friendships have weakened because I'm almost housebound.


Are others supportive to you? Nobody knows I have emet, except the people on these forums, my doctor and therapist. But these people are supportive.

[harmonygirl72]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? I am sure I cause 99.9% of them!!


Are you in therapy? For how long? No, I was for awhile, but am not now.


DO you own any pets? What kind? Nope, none.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? Anything, really! Stay away from sick people, etc..


When was the last time you v*? Dec 9, 1984!


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person? Nope!


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How? Yeah, I can't be there for people who are sick and my close friends get annoyed with my panicked phone calls sometimes.


Are others supportive to you? Mostly, yes, very much!





Mary

[jennyleigh1975]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often?

No, but I think that I worry to much about every little ache or pain or "feeling" I have in regards to my stomach.

Are you in therapy? For how long?

No.

DO you own any pets? What kind?

Yes, I have an indoor kitty, and outdoor kitty, and an outdoor dog. (well, shes my husbands)

What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?

I try to stay away from people that are or may be sick, wash my hands like crazy, use sanitizer.I always have anti-nausea meds on hand.

When was the last time you v*?

June/July 2001

Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?

YES!!!!

Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How?

Mine hasnt really affected my relationship with others. Most all of my family and close friends know about my emet. They may not understand it, but they are understanding of me.



Are others supportive to you?

Yes, most of them.

[shiva]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often?


Definitely. Weekly.


Are you in therapy? For how long?


Yes... 10 years.


DO you own any pets? What kind?


We have one cat named Lucy, she's 3.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?


Relaxation.


When was the last time you v*?


About 11 years ago.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?


Definitely. When I wash my hands it helps me to feel more relaxed.


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How?


Yes. Because they can't understand how I feel. They don't understand when I am afraid to go out. They "make fun" of my rituals.


Are others supportive to you?


Somewhat. It's hard because they really don't understand what I am going through.

[peachfeet]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often?
Actually, not normally. Surprisingly I don't get many stomach aches; I suffer from other forms of discomfort; stomach aches gradually form more periodically when I receive news that someone around me or a family member is sick. Then my mind goes full throttle.


Are you in therapy? For how long?
I am not in therapy at the moment, because no matter how wretched this phobia is, the severity of it on my part is rather minimal.


Do you own any pets? What kind?
I have a mixed breed: Chihuahua and Terrier. He's about the size of a large rabbit, short haired with black and white splotches. He's a terrific guard dog and always alerts us when a suspicious presence is nearby. He loves chasing cats, has a tail that wags so fast it could supply enough energy source to an entire city, and considering I'm an only child he has been a terrific substitute as being my brother.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?
I wash my hands obsessively, I clean anything and everything around me. I carry hand sanitizer in my pocket. I'll avoid foods that have been associated to vomit. I'll stay up all night and go through routines if I feel a slight twinge of discomfort.


When was the last time you v*?
2 years ago.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?
Definitely. At least eight times a day, sometimes more.


Does being an Emet affect your relationships with others? How?
Not whatsoever. No matter how serious this problem is, it does not stop me from having a good time. Excluding roller coasters and nauseating rides, I go out when opportunity arises and eat out with friends whenever possible.


Are others supportive to you?
Everyone knows I have Emet. It has never been a concern for me or an embarrassment to inform anyone around me of this problem. On the contrary, it has been a number one priority when I first found out. Everyone is supportive. Sometimes I get teased when I sniff my food for any unusual odor, or I get suspicious looks when I pull out a Kleenex to touch the door handle to a public restroom, but otherwise everyone is fairly patient.

[wing]

Do you sometimes cause your stomachaches? How often?
Yes, I accidentally start to panic and then my stomach starts to hurt and also when I think that I ate something bad or too much. Used to happen a lot but not so much recently, maybe only a few times a week. Used to be everyday.


Are you in therapy? For how long?
Nope, not in therapy, parents believe I’ll grow out of it.


Do you own any pets? What kind?
I used to have a parakeet but then it flew away one day because my sister’s friend walked outside with it. >=[… Now I just have some fish.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?
Not sure but if you mean when I’m feeling n* then, Pace, pray, talk to myself, stay by myself, stay still, lay down, go on the computer.


When was the last time you v*?
Last time was when I was 8 years old. *knock on wood*


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?
Yes, I carry a bottle of purell wherever I go as well.


Does being an emet affect your relationships with others? How?
Sometimes I just don’t go out and that hinders having friends but my SA does more. I cant do a lot of things, like for instance I cant do exercise that much because I think that I would get sick after eating, so sometimes I’m left out. My mom sometimes gets aggravated with me because I can’t and won’t do a lot of things in fear I would get sick.


Are others supportive to you?
I don’t really know. Sometimes they seem like they understand to a certain degree and the next their either scolding me or in my friend’s case telling me I don’t try hard enough. But I guess it does not really matter. I didn’t tell any one until last year and I was used to dealing with this for so long that I don’t want people to help me when I panic.

[angel13]

Its interesting to read everyone else's responses! Great idea! ^_^


Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? Actually...never! I, funnily enough, never get stomach aches! I've just never been prone to them, I only remember having them a few times in my life. I can cause my stomach to feel jittery and gurgly when i worry about v*, though.


Are you in therapy? For how long? Nope, not in therapy, I've never had time to consider it. I can cope without, at the moment. Luckily it has never gotten to the stage where its affecting my day to day life. Not too seriously, anyway.


DO you own any pets? What kind? Ahh, I have 3 lovely cats! Minty (who is my FAVOURITE! I can't imagine life without her) who is a grey and black tabby with white paws and a pink nose, Ginger (who is ginger, surprisingly), and Kitty, who is a pretty tortoise-shell colour, and very motherly!


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? I pace, and talk to myself. Usually sipping water calms me down a bit, and doing something that will take my mind off it, like watching something totally normal on TV, like the daily news, or soapies.


When was the last time you v*? When I was 7. It was awful. I swear, it still comes to mind almost every day.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person? I most certainly do, and sometimes I still feel like its not enough!


Does being an emet affect your relationships with others? How? I have never met my Nanna and cousins in england, because I am scared of flying on a plane to see them. I also feel like a real dampner when I refuse to go on fast rides atamusement parkswith my friends.[img]smileys/smilies_06.gif[/img]


Are others supportive to you? Actually, no one knows. I tried to tell my parents, they just thought I was being silly, though.

[samara's on tv]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? Yes and A lot I constantly feel sick but that could also be because of my acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and ulcers. I think that I make myself feel sick when I'm nervous about doing something or going somewhere. It's usually my big excuse to stay home and not do anything.


Are you in therapy? For how long? Yes I am in therapy and I have been almost my whole life. I just switched therapists and I've only been seeing this new one for a month or two.


DO you own any pets? What kind? No but I wish I had a pet. At my parent's house we have a dog and a cat, the dog's name is Smokey and the cat's name is Rupert.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? All sorts of things, I pace around, bite my lip until there's nothing left to bite. I also tend to curl up into a tight ball and watch TV and just sort of rock myself back and fourth to keep from V*ing.


When was the last time you v*? When I was like 15 or 16 I don't know why I did it I don't think it was a virus or anything.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person? No I know that I don't and I don't get sick...go figure.


Does being an emet affect your relationships with others? How? Yes because I'm always afraid to go out because I'm afraid I'll V*. I also won't eat at resturants that I haven't eaten at before so like if I am out with a friend and he wants to get something to eat, or go out to dinner or whatever I don't eat. It's weird for him to eat when I'm just sitting there.


Are others supportive to you? Yes I've got nothing but support from my parents and friends. My mom even tried to think of all the things that could have happened to me to make me an Emet. She went back and thought of everything that happened to me as a child but the only thing we could think of is the fact that I was adopted and that caused truama early on.


~Monica

[littlebebe]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches?</span> How often?</span> I suffer from
stomach aches about once a week so they aren't a huge problem for me, Couldnt say whether i bring them on myself or not




Are you in therapy?</span> For how long?</span> Have been offered therapy but am trying to work through things on my own.





Do you own any pets?</span> What kind? I have a beautiful cat called BB and a gerbil called Boudica





What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?</span> Being a passenger in car, any
form of public transport, eating high risk foods unless i have cooked
them, staying away from sick people





When was the last time you v*?</span> 2 years ago from food poisoning





Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?</span> Yes I now suffer from dermotitis from over washing my hands





Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others?</span> How? Stops
me going on trips where public transport or others driving, i wont go
out for meals at places i dont know.





Are others supportive to you? To a point, some friends are really
good, some think i am playing it up, or that it is all in my head

[woodsy]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often? yeah i think i do alot of the time without realising it!


Are you in therapy? For how long? I had councilling for3 months, think it made things worse so i stopped!


DO you own any pets? What kind? I have a dog (gold retriever) he is lush, so funny!


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*? Lie down on my bed, deep breathing, try to think on other things


When was the last time you v*? January 2004


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person? yeah everytime my hands come in contact with someone or something i class "dirty"


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How? Yeah it stops me from being as free with my social life, restricting me from going places with friends!


Are others supportive to you? There are a few people especially my auntie, she has a sort of fear, but nothing major, she gives me alot of reassurance and advice

[little_fairy24]

Yes, when I get nervous, my stomach starts to ache. This has been going on since I was in elementary school and I would get really nervous when my mom dropped me off at school.

No, I'm not. I used to see a counselor once in a while, but I haven't in a while.

Yes, I have cats and dogs. I am a big animal lover!I don't have any practices to avoid it, I just freak out and cry and say stuff like, "Oh my God, what if I throw up?!"

The last time I v*ted was in June of 2004. It was the middle of the night and I was at a party. I was drunk and luckily I made it to the toilet. It really wasn't that bad because I was intoxicated.[FONT=Arial)

I wash my hands as much as the regular person.[/FONT]

Most people probably just think I am being a drama queen when I freak out about v*. Nobody has given me a really hard time about it yet, though.

My mom is very supportive. She listens to me when I need to talk about it.

[bexcelica]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often?

yes, most of the time </font>

</font>

Are you in therapy? For how long?

yes, on and off since
ive been 9 years old - i just started with a lady who does rapid eye
movement techniquies that should eally help</span></font>

</font>

DO you own any pets? What kind?

yes a kitty i love him </font>

</font>

What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?

i think it would be easier to say, "what kinds of things dont you do to avoid v*" </span></font>

</font>

When was the last time you v*?

about a year ago</span></font>

</font>

Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?

oh yes oh yes, i have red dry hands in the winter, cracked hands</span></font>

</font>

Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How?

sometimes, most people are very supportive, but some can get fed up with it</span></font>

</font>

Are others supportive to you?

yes, VERY- my boyfriends mom actually found me my new therapist</span></font>

</font>

[gumdropper1]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often?


No, I don't have this problem.


Are you in therapy? For how long?


No.


DO you own any pets? What kind?


None.


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?


I'm very careful about what I eat and people I come in contact with.


When was the last time you v*?


Almost 30 years ago.


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?


Yes, definitely.


Does being an emet affect your relationships with others? How?


I don't think so. I have never let emet interfere with relationships. But of course people I want to have relationships with are those who are hygienic in the first place.


Are others supportive to you?


I have never told anyone I have met about my emet, but people online are generally supportive.

[norrok]

Do you sometimes cause your stomach aches? How often?


i think i do :P normaly i eat and drink stuff thats not good for the body ( IE - soda, spicy food, coffee, ect.) and not enough healthy stuff like water and veggies - and thus, i tend to get stomach pains from that - also, if anyone was ill around me, or near me, or i saw v" - ill instantly get stomach pains and feel like im going to v^ :P


Are you in therapy? For how long?


trying to get some therapy real bad :S


DO you own any pets? What kind?


i have a gray cat called george, he was an inside cat for 3 years, but since the move, i've let him go outside and explore (normaly runs out the door like a bull in a cage as soon as i go for a smoke, and 5 mins later jumps through my bed room window &gt;.&gt


What kinds of things do you do to avoid v*?


one would be - have a tea, with a glass of water at the side, while sitting at the computer with a blanket wraped around me and just read forums (this is if its at night ((aka - now &gt;.&gt - if i have any gum on me, i'd prob chew that :P - i also tend to smoke more - due to it calming my nerves and lets me relax (sure its not really helpfull :P) ... and.. finally - i tell my self i wont v"


When was the last time you v*?


must have been 3 years ago [knockwood]


Do you wash your hands more than the "average" person?


lol, far from it .. its kinda gross really - only times i really wash my hands is when i have a bath or do my hair (wax on hands for the loose)


Does bing an emet affect your relationships with others? How?


totaly, i lost my last girl friend AND droped out of college due to this phobia.. i was feeling very nuseated for about 6 days, and didnt see my girl friend person to person in that time, only chated over msn / phone - told her i had the flu, because i didnt know i had emet at the time, and couldnt explain it to her. we was going to a party in two days time, but she dumped me because her friend told her to, who said i was trying to avoid her and never spoke to her &gt;.&gt;.. i ended up droping out of college over this insidence due to my x being in the same course as me.. and i couldnt go through with it...


Are others supportive to you?


no - only once has any family member ever showed support, and that was the freak out before last (yesterday), which is when i woke up my mom, and told her what was going on - and we went to the house and did some work on it (had not moved in yet) - yet.. it wouldnt seem that went to far.. i tryed waking her up yesterday [she doesnt work tuesdays], and i got yelled at and grounded &gt;.&gt;