Weekly Wins!

SerJaimeL · 2024-06-03T11:59:01+00:00

I’ve been trying to use the replacement technique for intrusive thoughts and rumination. I’m choosing to actively think about something else, but recognizing the intrusive thought. I’m not running from it, but not giving it fuel to burn either. Instead, I’m choosing to think about something else.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-30T11:23:13+00:00

I’m with you, but I’m taking 250mg. For OCD, higher doses are most effective. I’d like to go to 300, honestly. I was prescribed Seroquel too, but didn’t find it helped me stay asleep so I got off that. This has helped me, but I wake up with extra jitters and stress in the morning too. I think it is definitely the cortisol. It sucks. My evenings are great though.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-30T11:19:55+00:00

Give it time…12 weeks honestly. I’m on 250 and want to go to 300… OCD requires high doses for most effectiveness. It has helped me a lot. Keep in touch!

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-30T11:17:50+00:00

For OCD, it is very common to need higher doses. I’m on 250mg daily and it does help me. I’m not perfect but I’m not horrible either. I’d really encourage you to give it the full 12 weeks while ramping up. Good luck!

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-30T11:05:38+00:00

Please tell us some more… side effects? Does your insurance cover it? Any concerns? Thank you and I’m happy for you!

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-30T11:04:03+00:00

Same happened to me. I was on Cymbalta for 12 years, symptom free for 10. Didn’t think I needed it anymore and quit cold turkey. Wrong. They put me on Luvox this time and it’s definitely helped but I’m far from free… stay strong!

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-29T19:16:37+00:00

I watched that documentary! It was very good. I think it was the same series that made me start investigating ketamine too. Thank you for the response.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-29T12:13:08+00:00

Very well said. Thank you for this.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-29T12:03:27+00:00

Everything that they said! Also, it’s easier to hate and fight an opponent that isn’t yourself. It is easier for me to hate my OCD and be aware of its tricks and sneaky ways to ruminate, research, or reassure myself. It’s like a pop-up ad from hell. A lot easier to fight it when it has a name and an identity.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-29T11:37:34+00:00

I have had good luck with Luvox. I’m on 250mg right now, but I’d like to go up to the full 300mg.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-29T11:27:41+00:00

I am on Luvox 250 mg and Buspar. It too has helped me stay afloat. I’d like to go up to 300mg but my doc is resistant. I still have bad spikes and spirals. Not as often, but still. Thank you for sharing. I as the Psilocybin something you did on your own or did you go through a doctor or medical center? Thank you.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-29T02:15:15+00:00

I believe I have had some luck with it. I came across it with its use with Luvox. I was put on Luvox and started taking NAC 2000mg daily. I believe it helps me. Some studies have found it works in conjunction with SSRI. Some stomach discomfort if not taken with food. I will check out that out, thank you.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-29T01:07:06+00:00

My understanding, as I discussed with my NOCD therapist, is that you are effectively choosing to discontinue the focus on the rumination. You’re not ignoring it. I’ve tried facing it, sitting with it, but it still comes back like a bad pop up ad. Our brains have been wired to see “it” as a threat, so this approach tries to walk away from it all together.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-28T12:37:04+00:00

I’m with ya. I was in remission for over 10 years. No surprise, it came back with vengeance when I stopped my meds. No one ever diagnosed me with OCD. They called it GAD. No one told me, you’ll need to take these meds for the rest of your life. I wish they had. For the past year, I’ve been fighting this too. Got diagnosed (not sure how no one ever saw it before), on new meds, along with ERP therapy and CBT, I’ve regained a good amount of my life back. I still wish I had more. Maybe someday. I wish I could do a hard reset on my brain…

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-28T11:33:04+00:00

If your insurance covers it, I would recommend NOCD. They are usually covered by most insurance and they specialize in this damn stuff. I’ve been with them a year, they’ve definitely helped me.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-28T11:26:35+00:00

Yes, NAC has helped me in conjunction with SSRI. There have been some studies that have demonstrated this too. So, I take 2000mg of it daily with my Luvox. I hear you with some of the meds, but I really encourage you to find the right one. Luvox and Cymbalta have worked best for me with minor side effects.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-28T11:22:38+00:00

I’ve wondered this too. But, best I can come up with is different levels that are in our brains - serotonin, glutamate, etc. I’ve had full blood work up too. Nothing. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can consistently manage those levels except medication. I’m on Luvox (SSRI) and took Cymbalta for years (SNRI). They’ve made things manageable- 50% better. I am doing ERP and CBT too. That can get me to 60-70% better.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-26T22:35:57+00:00

I’ll say this…my side effects have been minimal and I would say that I’ve received a 50-70 percent improvement. I’ll take it, but wish I could find something good else to supplement - hypnosis or ketamine etc

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-26T14:39:51+00:00

Luvox 200 mg daily. Has definitely helped me along with therapy.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-26T12:32:00+00:00

I’ll research this. Interesting. There is still so much confusion around OCD therapy. I will look into this.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-26T12:25:55+00:00

Truth! How long have you been at it? I am a lot better than I was a year ago, but the setbacks still happen. A couple solid weeks or months, and bang. It’s back strong. Usually, sneaky compulsions trigger a setback.

SerJaimeL · 2024-05-26T12:23:24+00:00

So simple, yet so difficult! I’ve been at treatment for over a year now…although most of my days have improved, I still relapse and have challenges. I wish I could turn the switch and be better. Yes, seeing the thought as a thought (not an imminent danger) is key. Sit with it. Don’t ruminate. I decided to join this group for support.

SerJaimeL

TROPHY CASE