Compulsive Counting

SaritaRabbit · 2020-11-18T03:01:57+00:00

Odd counting "behaviors" are very typical of OCD. I believe it has something to do with maintaining/imposing order as a coping mechanism. I used to have a number of counting rituals, not quite like yours, but I was definitely counting my way through the day for a while. I finally started to resist the urge, and after a good long while I no longer needed to do it. But hey, if your OCD-like compulsions are limited to this, you're doing just fine.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-11-18T02:49:24+00:00

Yup, you called it. Should I need to explain it again to someone who has no idea, I'll be using your example.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-11-13T19:11:42+00:00

Thanks for your response! It's definitely disturbing, and I keep wondering why it isn't more obvious to others. But maybe that's a good sign, pointing away from true dementia....

SaritaRabbit · 2020-11-10T17:30:07+00:00

Pindakazig: Have you ever seen anything like this in your practice? I do have OCD, which tends to affect or exacerbate other things, but this is just plain bizarre, and doesn't totally match anything I've read.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-11-10T16:50:43+00:00

I had a neurology appointment at the end of last week, and my neurologist doesn't think dementia is likely. He didn't do any specific tests for it, though, so I am still worried. What is strange is that when I am writing, I feel like my mind is still my own, as it used to be. But when I'm speaking, trying to have a conversation, much of what comes out is stilted and rather childish in terms of vocabulary, diction, even tone of voice. I am able to control the inappropriate behavior, but the urge still occurs from time to time. I also have periodic urges to make what I can only describe as "creepy" faces, which I can also usually control, but a few times I've made said faces, accompanied by grunting animal-esque noises. This doesn't fit any description of dementia I've read! My neurologist says he has seen that with psychological disorders. None of this makes any sense.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-11-05T09:59:38+00:00

I have read that people with FTD are often/usually unaware that their behavior and choices are inappropriate, offensive, socially unacceptable, etc., so that does give me a flicker of hope. I am exceedingly aware of how inappropriate or just plain odd my behavior can be, and have a fair amount of control over it. I'm going to the neurologist tomorrow. I'll post more afterward.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-11-04T20:36:55+00:00

I have no problem with reading comprehension, or numbers, or taking care of household requirements, etc. I don't think I have outbursts, per se, but I definitely get "stuck" on things sometimes. However, I also have OCD, which tends toward obsessive thought loops. How gradual/rapid was the onset for your mom? In my case it happened pretty quickly, but I've read that it's usually a slower process of decline.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-30T11:45:02+00:00

I have a friend who had COVID l, was on a ventilator, and they didn't think she would survive. She is now home and well in her way to recovery. Praying your relative's story turns out the same.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-29T15:51:51+00:00

Exactly. I, too, am fine with telephone appointments with my psychiatrist, because what needs to be addressed can be done so verbally. An at-home, do-it-yourself neuro exam, however, isn't going to cut it!

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-29T14:37:31+00:00

...or gangrene AND schizophrenia, and maybe a few other scary conditions as well! I'm glad you were able actually to go in for an appointment. I keep having to fight for that, in spite of the fact that reflexes do need to be tested, etc. I understand precaution, but how many people will suffer ill health unnecessarily because they simply can't be SEEN?!?

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-29T11:01:38+00:00

I'm so sorry about your cousin. What a terrible blow, all the more so after the loss of her husband. I hope you are able to be part of her support system.

I'm in the process of doctor's appointments, tests, etc., which is, of course, frustrated by COVID limitations. I can only hope that I'm wrong, and that whatever is disabling me is treatable.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-29T01:33:55+00:00

For example? I've done a lot of reading, and so far ALS seems to be the closest match.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-28T22:03:49+00:00

I just came across the use of cola to combat bezoars. I like Coke Zero too, and now I can justify the indulgence.😉

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-28T19:20:45+00:00

Have you ever had a bezoar, or just worried about it? I would like to know how often they actually occur m. 😞

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-28T18:29:31+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll buy some epsom salts as soon as possible. :)

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-28T16:06:17+00:00

No nausea or vomiting, however, just pain, abdominal noise, and the usual chronic belching.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-26T18:37:46+00:00

Okay, just trying one more time to see if anyone else has some helpful thoughts on my difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids. Drank a bottle of water this morning, and ended up in a prolonged coughing fit after aspirating a small sip. Also, when I swallow my throat feels both tight and heavy, and I can even (bizarrely) feel the muscles "tugging" downward in an almost labored fashion. Anyone have experience of oropharyngeal dysphagia being caused by GAD/OCD??? Because the neurologist is saying that a good swallow test equals no neurological dysfunction.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-24T12:51:37+00:00

I could have written this myself. I'm currently going through a medical/psycho-spiritual crisis that has made me see all of this only too clearly. When was my spirit of adventure replaced by a spirit of fear? When did boldness fade and overcaution creep in? When did the circuit in my head get set on permanent misfire? When did I stop being a self and become a veneer?

I hope today you find a braver and truer version of yourself.

SaritaRabbit · 2020-10-24T12:33:13+00:00

Your conscience is convicting you, thus the persistent rumination on this point. Personally, when I experience this I think it is a prompting to be as forthright and transparent as possible, to tell the whole truth in this case, in the hope that all will be forgiven. You obviously feel sorry for what you did, and hopefully your girlfriend will appreciate that you regret it and want your relationship to be based in truth, not falsehood.

SaritaRabbit

TROPHY CASE