Hello, Its good to be here!!!

[silver]

Hi, I am new to these discussion boards and I am very thankful that I found them. I have thought that I was alone for so many years. Its good and bad to know that I am not alone in this...Good because I don't feel so isolated, bad because knowing that other people are going through the anxiety that I have had for 12 years makes me sad.


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I came here because I have been in a constant panic for 2 weeks because so many people here where I live have had the stomach bug lately. It has literally made me a nervous wreck. I was shaking because I was so convinced that I was going to get it over the past few days. I have been unable to concentrate at work because my mind has been consumed with this. I feel like I have totally lost my mind. I have found myself angry with those around me that come to work sick because I could possibly get it...I know that its irrational and I feel like the most heartless, selfish individual on the planet.


Anyways, to make a long story short...I have been afraid of "you know what" since I got very ill with a virus when I was 12, since then I haven't v*. I have been so afraid although I remember at the time it certainly was awful, but I made it through. In short, this fear has kept me from eating lots of things especially at restaurants, quitting jobs when I was younger, avoiding people at different times, not sleeping with my husband when he is sick because I am afraid that I will get it, etc. I live in constant fear of getting a stomach bug or food poisoning. I am convinced that I have given myself IBS because of my fear.


Sorry to take up everyone's time, I will keep this short. The only people that know that I feel this way have made fun of me about it. I aman intelligent,compassionate, determined, and caring individual and I feel like I have this huge flaw that runs me. I feel like I should be able to get over this or get over my fear and I feel like I can't. Any advice for a newbie?? Anyone else here a woman in their 20's with IBS too????? Thanks, its good to be here.

[californiagirl]

We know how you feel. Just know and be comforted by the fact that the people here are great. You will find support in your time of need, or just to chat about stuff. I'm new too, and very glad that I joined---WELCOME!![img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[dord]

Hi Silver and welcome.


I haven't been a registered member very long here but I've lurked a long time and I'm 38 and have had this phobia well, for as long as I can remember. I remember being terrified and I couldn't have been more than six so that gives me 32 years of living with this phobia or curse as I'd rather call it. I know how you feel with something going around work - it's been going around here since Halloween. I try and stay grounded that I've been exposed countless times that it's gone around work and I haven't caught it. I too get angry with people coming into work, especially since I'm a government worker and we all get lots of paid sick leave so there is no excuse. I hope that you can get over feeling that it's a flaw in your personality, I certainly don't feel that way about myself. Every single person on earth has some sort of cross to bare...I believe this is mine. I consider myself to be intelligent, compassionate, fun-loving, and who knows, maybe the phobia helps me be me. One thing for certain in my book, I'm going to have it until the day I die and I've excepted that fact. You are one of the lucky ones in that you do get out and work and it hasn't kept you chained to the house. For those emets my heart breaks! Anyway you're normal - you just unfortunately have this phobia along with the rest of us. Welcome!!