Well, the virus is here and...

[charzysbebe]

I want to get it! Why? Because my emetophobia is pretty much gone.I want to prove to myself that I am over it. It has been 4 years since I have vomited, and I havecome a long way with my emet.


My 2 year old son vomited 6 different times this morning at 4am. I got up because I heard him cry and then cough. It wasn't a normal cough, it was one that sounded "sick". I went into his room, and without fear, I pulled his sheets off his bed, took his clothes off, and wiped him up, and brought him to bed with hubby and I. I laid some towels down under him, and I comforted him. (a year ago I would have made hubby do it)


I won't lie and say I wasn't a bit scared because after all, I had emet for as long as I can remember, and this is now the first episode where I had no choice but to expose myself to the germs. My first reaction was to panic, but I stopped that quickly. My IBS instinctively went into full swing. After realizing that I have worked so hard to "free" myself, I began to be 100% mother instead of a "runner". After I realized that there is a 99.9% chance that I will catch this thing, I have decided to use it as my "non-emet" experiment.


Anyways, my 11 year old daughter threw up many times this pastFriday night after school, and come to find out,the followingMonday, (this week)they sent 60 kids home sick all on the same day, throwing up and/or experiencing diarrhea. I found all that out Monday when my daughter came home. Also she had told me that the Friday night that she was ill, several others in her class were ill at the same time.


As some of you might know, I am writing a book on my life with emetophobia. I am through chapter 2 now and will proceed with chapter 3 soon. I had a writer's block for a couple of weeks, but once my daughter had her bug, the block disappeared since I was reminded of all of the rituals I used to go through in times of illness. So basically, I needed this virus and I see it as a "good" thing.


As for my 2 year old, he seems fine now. He has kept down his 2 cups of liquid. I am waiting for the moment where I need to vomit because really, I need to vomit to know that it is official, that I am no longer emet! Charlotte

[purpleteacher]

WOW! You have so much strength...


Hopefully they will consider closing the school down if the virus is this wide-spread. Sounds like Norwalk or something else that is possibly airborne, since so many other people have it at the same time.


Do keep us posted on how you are doing and how your family is feeling.

[babygap5]

I guess Charolotte, CONGRATS on overcoming this EMET!!!! I hope your kids feel better soon, and even though you WANT to get sick, if you should, I hope that it doesn't last that long. I commend you on your progress. I to have overcome this EMET in a few ways. I've vowed to just accept that getting sick is a fact of life and at some point, out "luck" runs out and it's ok if we get sick. Anyway, it's wonderful to here you are doing so well. I would LOVE to read your book when it's finished, please let us know the title etc.

[rileyl]

I've vowed to just accept that getting sick is a fact of life and at some point, out "luck" runs out and it's ok if we get sick.

Very well put. I am soooo not there yet, but this is what I aspire to. The hardest part for me is accepting that my kids getting sick is "a fact of life." I know kids will and do get sv's, but knowing it and accepting it are 2 different things. I hate seeing them sick and not being able to do anything about it.


At any rate, great job charzysbebe!

[purpleteacher]

I've vowed to just accept that getting sick is a fact of life and at some point, out "luck" runs out and it's ok if we get sick.

Very well put. I am soooo not there yet, but this is what I aspire to. The hardest part for me is accepting that my kids getting sick is "a fact of life." I know kids will and do get sv's, but knowing it and accepting it are 2 different things. I hate seeing them sick and not being able to do anything about it.


At any rate, great job charzysbebe!

I accept that we get sick, I just don't LIKE to accept that we get sick! I don't tolerate that we get sick with CERTAIN things though I am fine with about every illness except for the SV.

[californiagirl]

All I can say is "WOW!"


....................let us know how you are the next few days[img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img]

[curly wurly]

I think it is fantastic that you are ready to prove to yourrself that your emetophobia has almost gone. I think you are very brave wanting to catch the sv and I am impressed how you can see a sv as being positive.


I am just getting over a sv and have been a real whimp. I managed to fight off the v* for 11 hours and then became so tired and weak that it happened. It was not too bad really, the lead up was much worse. I had to be alone and in between waves of n* I read posts on this site and somehow that really gave me some comfort. Also the kind, reassuring words from others helped.


I am petrified that the rest of my family will catch the sv but I am also trying to think positvely about it. It has made me realise how much time I waste worrying about v* instead of enjoying every moment with my wonderful family. I have made a drs appointment so I can talk about my emet and hopefully get some help to teach me to cope with these situations.


Well done with coping fantastically with your sick children.

[crimgoddess]

hi Charlotte-


I am so happy for you! Not that your family is sick and feeling lousy of course- but that you are at the point where you feel confident enough to take care of them- and not worry if you catch it yourself! Just that fact alone makes me believe that even if you don't catch it and arent able to 'test' whether or not you have gotten over emet- you probably have


Wow- keep us updated about the book. I will definitely be first in line at the bookstore when it comes out.


*amber*

[donna1216]

That is very brave--and encouraging!!!

[Galadriel]

Go Charlotte!



That is great that you feel you are at that point. That is amazing that
you actually want to get sick to prove to yourself that your emet is
basically gone. Do you ever panic at all in any situacions anymore
dealing with v* or is that gone too? I've gotten to where I initially
panic some, but then when I accept the fact that I'm going to v*, I'm
okay with it. I don't do the "rituals" that I used to do either before
hand. I think you may be a bit further ahead than me, I would LOVE to
read your book when it comes out. It is going to be in english right? I
think Margaret or someone has a book they have or are getting published
about emet but it is not in english. This sounds odd, but best of luck
in catching that virus so that you can know that you are okay and emet
free!

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[2jo2]

Wow!! Look at you!!!!!! AWESOME!


I'm envious.........


Let us know what happens, how you feel, etc. It helps so much.

[purpleteacher]

How is it going? Please do keep us updated...

[crystalmom]

I just found out that the sv has hit my area. My aunt and all three of her kids had it Sun, Mon, Tues (not that long, but at different times) and I was there visiting on Saturday, kissing baby Chase b/c it was his birthday. I DO realize that I'm past the point of catching it from them, but now know that it has arrived in my area, and I am a mess. I so DO NOT want to be sick! Or my son, for that matter. Sigh


Kudos to you for overcoming this. I think I am, than, WHAM, I realize it is not even close to being over.


Good luck and keep us posted!


Crystal

[japa]

Best. Post. Ever.

[neesy]

Anyways, my 11 year old daughter threw up many times this pastFriday night after school, and come to find out,the followingMonday, (this week)they sent 60 kids home sick all on the same day, throwing up and/or experiencing diarrhea. I found all that out Monday when my daughter came home. Also she had told me that the Friday night that she was ill, several others in her class were ill at the same time.

Charlotte that is fantastic - I so wish I could be the same, I am getting there but am nowhere near where you are. The bit that scared me was the quote above about 60 kids being sent home, if my son had come home and said that I would gone into instant panic! I think you are so brave!


Let us know how it goes!


[img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[neesy]

Last Christmas (04) I went to my son's school play when he was in year 6 (aged 10), and I always panic around this time of year in the UK because you are all stuck in the hot school hall and no room to panic without showing yourself up) and I got through that evening ok although it was constantly on my mind. The next night I didnt go to the evening performance but I had to go and pick my son up. Well, whilst waiting for him I overheard one of the mums say 'this afternoon's performance about three children threw up, and tonight before the performance two or three threw up and one also threw up on the stage'. Well, I went into instant panic thankfully my son wasnt too long coming out!


That evening was completely taken over by anxiety and I just couldnt sleep and the inevitable happened at 1:00am by son woke up throwing up! I got up and sat on the stairs (because I always get up although I cant actually sit with him, but he knows this and is ok on his own just to know I am there). The strange thing is it doesnt bother me when its happening I almost feel calm because the anxiety of waiting for it is over.


Although I am like a woman possessed afterwards, dettoling everything in sight that he could have touched.


The next few days I was worrying in case my husband gets it because I just dont know how I will cope, I definitely wont be able to sleep in the same bed - he has never really seen me in full panic!


Neither of us caught the bug and when I spoke to one of the mums and few days later it sounded like virtually the whole school had had this bug! YUK!


I so hate this time of year.


Do you think there is anywhere in the world that doesnt have sickness bugs LOL! I will happily move there!

[shiva]

I am amazed! How did you find the strength to get where you are now? Did something happen or did you just decide enough is enough? I can't wait to read your book!

[madisonsmom]

You know I feel like I have also come a long way with my emet. I havent been an emet for too long, maybe 6 yrs. I know that there is a virus going around here and my first instinct is to panic and stay in my house. My kids havent been sick in awhile, since last August, but I handled that very well. I did get sick but did not v*. I have had terrible food aversions with this pregnancy and have gagged and gagged. I dont know how I will be if and when it does come here but I feel better now than what I did last year.


Good for you Charlotte. Your post really inspired me.Just keep that frame of mind and it will only keep getting stronger. Just keep telling yourself, v* is not a bad thing... Everyone gets sick.


I feel a lot like you do. I have been reading a lot on OCD and reprogramming the subconscious mind and it is helping me. I know its taken a long time for you to reach this point and I am so happy for you! I cant wait until your book is done. I will be in line with Crimgoddess!

[charzysbebe]

Thank you all so much for you inspiring words! [img]smileys/smilies_04.gif[/img]


So far my son is still ok and is back to normal. Unfortunately, I am still waiting to get sick. I figure, he picked up the germ on Monday when my daughter had it all over her (because he hugged and kissed her as she walked in the door) and it took him 60 hours to get sick; so, I assume that by tomorrow some time, vomit will be knocking at my front door...lol!


I basically want to get it over with because not getting it seems inevitable. Myhusband was kissing my son as he vomited and I was hugging all over him and he sneezed in my face, so I predict that I will get this thing. Again, yes I am nervous, but not about vomiting...I am nervous that what if I fail at succeeding? What if I do break into panic when it hits? I am pretty calm panic-wise right now, but I fear failing the most. Like I have said, I have worked hard on getting rid of this damn phobia, and I have overcome many obstacles, and I'll be damned if I let vomiting change all that!


They never did close down my daughter's school. I think it was because by Monday, 90% of the school had already been infected with the virus throughout the previous week. Good thing about this virus, is you vomit 5-6 times in a period of several hours, and it is gone; although with me, I always get the runs with that type of thing. [img]smileys/smilies_11.gif[/img](unlike the kids)


I know that people have asked how I have come this far with emet. All I can say is, I am sick of it. I was tired of letting it control my life. Whenever I fear vomit in any situation, I will do positive self talk and go on about my day; along with therapy, self help books and having psychology as my major and learning about these types of things and knowing that all emet is is a displacement of control issues.


It sounds like alot of you are on the right path to getting rid of emet for good; you're in the right frame of mind for it! [img]smileys/smilies_04.gif[/img]


Well, I need to get some stuff done while my son is taking his nap. I will definately keep you posted on me getting sick. It will almost break my heart if I don't get it! [img]smileys/smilies_12.gif[/img] Charlotte

[sheri-baby]

I'm amazed at your attitude about this virus!!! Way to go...i'm so very jealous!!!...anyway's for me, my fear is nausea, i just cannot cope when i'm nauseaus....I think asmuch as I fear throwing up that if I knew it would make me feel better I would let it happen, but what if the nausea is still there.....freaks me out......how do you cope with the nauseaus feeling???...I think that's my major problem, more than throwing up...but then again I haven't been sick in about 32 years now...but have been nauseaus a ton of times and I cannot handle it......I hope all is well for you and your family, take care.

[japa]

It would be the most ironic if you did not get it after all. It would just go to show that there is no predicting these things and how much time can be wasted worrying about an illness that is never going to happen anyway.

[crystalmom]

I totally agree with japa....how ironic if you DON'T get it. We all freak out, even hearing that it is in the same region as us, and you are literally asking for it!


I have no doubt that you will not panic. Although, don't expect to be happy about it! Not even non-emets LIKE to vomit. No matter what it is unpleasant.


Well, (I can't believe I'm saying this) Good luck catching the sv!


Crystal

[princessmel]

I hope u r doing fine and your family is doing better. How brave u are.

[charzysbebe]

Just a little update- it is now 1:30pm on Saturday. My hubby said he woke up at 5am with an upset stomach, and he still has it but hasn't vomited or had diarrhea yet. He says he knows he has the virus.


As for me, I am still waiting. *sigh* Not that I want the bug, but I want to get it over with and prove that I can do it without the panic. What the hell is taking so long? Some of you may be right...I may not catch this thing. That would be ok, but I won't feel as if I have accomplished anything, and writing aboutmy accomplishments in my book would not happen. [img]smileys/smilies_12.gif[/img]


I am sure that hubby will have to "let loose" sooner or later. My oldest daughter and I are the only ones now that haven't gotten it yet. It is going to be a long day.


I will keep you posted later....Charlotte

[purpleteacher]

How is your hubby now? Hopefully your hubby isn't really sick and it was just something he ate... but if it is the virus, at least you seem ready for it.


Do keep us updated. *hugs*

[charzysbebe]

It is about 5:40pm now.Hubby still has a sick stomach but no vomit/diarreah yet. He even ate a bagel a couple of hours ago. As for me, I haven't had an appetite since I got up and my gas (sorry) smells bad; in fact, it smells like hubby's...LOL!


Needless to say, I have no idea where we are going with this, but I will definately keep you posted.I am more bored waiting around for this thing, than anything!


Thanks for the kind words! [img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img]


[img]smileys/smilies_05.gif[/img] Charlotte

[princessmel]

Even if u don't get it, u did accomplish (sp?) something. U totally exposed yourself to the virus and u were comforting your son. Like u said. That's something u wouldn't have done a year ago. That's a great accomplishment. Great job This does sound weird, but I heard that some people are only carriers of the virus and hardly ever get it while others tend to get it more meaning they aren't carriers.

[madisonsmom]

Dont concentrate on the "what if's". That is what is going to make you panic. Just go with the flow and try to think of other things (I know its hard!). You havent gotten it yet...thats good!

[purpleteacher]

I hate stinky farts... hopefully it was just something you ate. Stinky farts always make me parinoid.

[charzysbebe]

LOL about the stinky farts!!


Well, here's the scoop- my husband has had the diarreah 3 times and he threw up once so far. As far as my son that had it a couple of days ago, he has had a weird relapse not long ago.He threw up massively all over the couch several times within the last hour, and then after drinking his cup, he did it all over the couch again. Weird.


As for me, no illness yet. I am pretty confident that I will catch this thing; it is very potent.


I will keep you all posted, and thanks again for the support!! [img]smileys/smilies_04.gif[/img] Charlotte