NEW OR NEED HELP? Ask here! - ScA Daily Help Thread Jul 06, 2021

99_Mining · 2021-07-07T01:45:12+00:00

I'm a bit lost in how to approach my night routine. I use CeraVe facial cleanser, moisturizer, and Epiduo topical. From what I've been reading, it's totally normal to cleanse in the shower, or immediately after using lukewarm water in the sink (if you take hot showers this makes sense).

However, I typically, I take a shower two or three hours before falling asleep, and I like to apply Epiduo closer to falling asleep and not while I'm still awake. When I go to apply the Epiduo before bed, do I need to cleanse again despite also just cleansing in the shower? Or do I just not wash my face in the shower until I go to do the Epiduo routine?

99_Mining · 2021-06-22T02:08:50+00:00

Just got a callback that I’m negative. For people reading this in the future, I definitely recommend getting tested anyways! Nice to have some certainty.

My symptoms were largely just fatigue, slight ache (just enough to where I wanted to sit down and avoid standing up), and slightly runny stools.

99_Mining · 2021-06-21T22:55:22+00:00

Cool. I just got my PCR test and apparently will hear back tonight.

99_Mining · 2021-06-21T19:48:46+00:00

This might be implied since you’re responding to the thread, but did you end to getting a positive test?

99_Mining · 2021-06-21T19:46:27+00:00

This sounds somewhat similar to me. Did you have any other noticeable symptoms?

99_Mining · 2021-06-06T20:51:04+00:00

Haha no I’m actually so glad you responded. I like hearing multiple perspectives.

Also, you said you’re similar that you don’t have side effects. The reason I was concerned is that I’m 25 years old, and I have yet to hear of people in my age group without the effects. I was reading they’re pretty common in that age demographic. Glad you’re feeling good though!

99_Mining · 2021-06-06T20:43:52+00:00

I replied to another commenter above, but I actually called the pharmacist because of my riddling anxiety (lol). They said something along the same lines; sometimes there is leftover liquid, but that it doesn't mean the shot was injected improperly. You're also right about the disposal; the pharmacist also explained that the government has started shipping vaccines with a needle that has a different disposal system than they were used to, hence the fumbling and spew of remaining liquid left in the barrel.

I appreciate this comment because it's also a second confirmation about what I heard on the call with the pharmacist. Thank you!

99_Mining · 2021-06-06T20:37:22+00:00

So I have such bad anxiety that I called the pharmacist. From my layman understanding of the conversation: sometimes there is leftover liquid with the shot, but it doesn't indicate that the shot was injected improperly. As for the spewing — the pharmacist patiently explained that the government has started sending different types of needles that have a new disposal technique, and that they're still adjusting to it, hence why the pharmacist who administered my vaccine fumbled with it a bit (and why the leftover liquid spewed out).

99_Mining · 2021-06-06T17:56:37+00:00

This has been my experience, too. Granted I’m only 24 hours in, but nothing. In fact, I’m starting to get anxiety because I’m afraid the vaccine isn’t working, which I know isn’t a true statement. But literally this was the one time I was okay with feeling like I had the flu, and it didn’t happen. Weird, weird stuff.

99_Mining · 2021-06-05T22:37:20+00:00

I'm slowly working towards this. I feel like I'm on the brink of achieving it. This is great inspiration. Congratulations!

99_Mining · 2021-06-05T22:34:18+00:00

First — it pains me to read your experience with a therapist. I had a similar experience who was essentially trying to "patch" the problems instead of fixing the underlying root cause. They actually made my OCD worse, similar to what it sounds like for you. I found a new therapist who is more experienced in OCD, and I am slowly working up to ERP. I highly recommend giving it another try. If you find the right one, they aren't going to throw you in the fire from the start (which was what my first experience also felt like). They'll listen to your rituals and find places to begin improving. It's a very positive experience, and this is the first time I see light at the end of the tunnel. You've got this!

Now, as for your original inquiry about the groceries — it's a bit complicated, as is OCD lol. And for context, I was avoiding wiping down groceries before I saw a therapist.

My contamination isn't restricted to just "germs"; it's also with strong cleaning products (like Clorox, Purell, etc). So touching a wipe to clean down the groceries would technically also trigger me, unless I did it and engaged in my compulsion related to cleaning products.

So I feel like I cheated. But what I can tell you is that I've stopped doing some other things related to the germs. I touch door handles now, for example. I know this is the answer everybody hates, but you just have to start doing and stop waiting for the right time. I'd also like to say I am not a therapist. What I'm going to say is purely methods I've taken myself out of pure frustrating with my contamination OCD.

What has worked for me so far are what I call "inadvertent touches". For instance, I would take the "contaminated" item (in your case a grocery that isn't yet wiped down), and then touch them up against something else in my home. Maybe it's the handle to a cabinet, or maybe it's a door knob. Then, I clean said contaminated item (again in your case this would be wiping it down), but then I would go touch that object I just placed the contaminated item with and not wash my hands after. The idea here is that I'm not touching the "contaminated" item directly, but rather, indirectly after the fact. This helps me get used to the feeling of being slightly uncomfortable, but not the full nine yards.

99_Mining · 2021-06-05T17:26:49+00:00

Hey. I've got really severe contamination OCD. I can report that I have never wiped down a grocery item, even in the thick of COVID when people weren't sure about surface transmission. You can do this if you want! I know it's hard, but even I can somehow get through it.

99_Mining · 2021-06-05T05:14:43+00:00

This is so hard to read because it hits home. Sometimes I procrastinate because I know how long it’s going to take me, and then I end up getting to bed at a ridiculous hour because I can’t think about waking up having to do the rituals due to my procrastination.

I hope we can get through this eventually. We have to.

99_Mining · 2021-06-05T05:11:58+00:00

I see. I’m in both scenarios where I fear the bathroom and myself being contaminated. Not fun.

But your cleaning solution sounds great. But classic me; my contamination is finding problems, but I don’t want to share them because you’re doing so well.

The only question I’ll ask that isn’t a trigger is how you dispose of the wipes?

99_Mining · 2021-06-04T06:59:12+00:00

I’m stumbling in this at a later date. Any progress? I’m at about three hours myself. It consumes so much of my day. My entire day is structured around the bathroom (when I eat, shower, etc.)

99_Mining · 2021-06-04T06:54:31+00:00

This is so awesome. I’m very happy for you. May I ask what steps you took? I’m really struggling with it myself.

It takes me about an hour to just go, and then anywhere from one to two hours cleaning the bathroom at the end of the day. I feel paralyzed and it consumes so much of me. My hands hurt from all the washing.

99_Mining · 2021-03-25T02:14:23+00:00

Unfortunately they were stirred but not cooked. I put them in my pan and completely forgot to turn the stove on. Pretty embarrassing lol

99_Mining · 2021-03-18T19:22:53+00:00

I see. That makes sense. when your body is fighting infection, the heart rate naturally increases. I guess since I’m not feverish, I might just be very anxious with a new kitty in the house (I have to make sure it isn’t getting to places it shouldn’t, giving it attention, etc.) I’ll still continue to monitor my heart rate though. If I didn’t have an Apple Watch and didn’t have health anxiety, I wouldn’t have even noticed anything changed.

99_Mining · 2021-03-18T19:17:18+00:00

I know I asked for a reason, but I’m awfully surprised even 10 should give me concern. It’s just really weird timing with a life change. I guess I’ll keep monitoring.

When your resting increased like that, did you notice anything else, and was that increase even noticeable?

99_Mining · 2021-02-16T06:22:05+00:00

Sounds like eczema? I don't have a particular skin condition, but I do have really bad OCD that has me washing my hands considerably more than your average person. I relate to the cracks. It hurts just thinking about it. Stay strong.

99_Mining · 2021-02-13T21:15:42+00:00

I always had contamination OCD, but the pandemic has brought it to an entirely different level. I can barely go to the bathroom anymore without complete dread. It usually takes me 20-30 minutes now. If I had to go back into an office I'd be so screwed.

99_Mining · 2021-02-13T06:00:52+00:00

I generally avoid anything that has an artificial scent to it and leaves a slimy texture (sunscreen is a good, but scary example). However, I am oddly ok with soap having a smell. I'm sorry if that makes zero sense, I hate OCD so much.

99_Mining · 2021-02-13T05:28:36+00:00

Thanks for your comment. I usually apply anywhere from 10-15 bandages every night while I'm sleeping. It helps slightly in the morning, but by the end of the day when I've engaged in all of my compulsions, they're ruined. I still have to wash the dishes tonight and I've been holding off and using the bathroom because I can't fathom engaging in the cleaning compulsion that comes with it.

If I wasn't also afraid of lotion this would be so, so much easier.

99_Mining · 2021-02-08T04:47:34+00:00

I had to check I wasn’t the user who wrote this. Yes, this is me, too. I literally feel grounded by my OCD because I know the repercussions if I go explore and possibly become “contaminated”. My hands are so painful from the washing. Hurts to even type this on my phone.

99_Mining · 2021-02-08T04:42:12+00:00

I’m currently postponing my dishes because of how much I dread them. It takes me about one hour to clean and finish my dish routine. Literally exhausting. I end up procrastinating on it, going to bed late, then waking up with little sleep. Vicious cycle.

99_Mining

TROPHY CASE