success mstimc: hello from an SRI vet

[mstimc]

Hi @Vonnegutjunky.  I'm so glad my story could help!  The thing I've come to accept about my OCD is that it may never go away, as in fully disappear, just as many chronic conditions don't fade away.  But OCD can be managed and kept in its proper place, way in the background of my thoughts and actions.  I used ERP as well, plus some great CBT tools, along with a stellar therapist who taught me how to use them.  The thing about meds is they can mask the symptoms and physical aspects of depression and anxiety, but they can't change our thinking habits.  Accepting OCD as just thoughts with no more power than we give them sounds so simple, but its hard to put into practice.  Be patient and forgiving with yourself and healing will come.

 

One book I recommend is "Everyday Mindfulness for OCD" by Hirschfield and Nicely.  You can find it on Amazon.  It integrates mindfulness habits with ERP.  And the writing is very approachable--not too much theory and its not quite as grim as some other self-help books I've read.

 

You really can do this! 

[almuPA]

Hello @mstimc,

 

After reading your wise words in many threads around this website, I've read yours.

 

What a fantastic story! You have really come far and are an example and hope for many of us. I relate a lot with the health anxiety,I suffer it, too, and I am trying to learn to live with it. It is tough and some days I still have this inner panic that doesnt allow me to do anything else but to think about it. Like I will die in the spot. Honestly, the current situation in the world doesnt help, but I think that I am making steps little by little to manage it. 

 

I hope your move back to the US was smooth. I really want to move to Portugal when I retire, it is my favourite place in the world😄

 

I send you a hug.

 

 

[mstimc]

Thank you for your kind words, @almuPA.  Health anxiety can be overwhelming but it can be managed.  One thing I've found to be very helpful is to avoid doing my own "research" on the Internet if I think I'm having symptoms of something serious.  Usually, the initial search will result in the worst possible disease or ailment, when its almost always something far more common and simple.  I've done my share of "panic searching" for ailments and I've been wring 100% of the time.  What I've also found is when my doctor told me about the relatively harmless condition I had, I searched on that and found its a lot more common than the exotic thing I think I had.  I also try to remember serious conditions rarely manifest in one or two symptoms--if you're seriously ill, a lot of things are going wrong all at once.  I've found doing some reality checking is the best way to manage health anxiety.

 

Thank you again and take care!

[SandCastle]

@mstimc I find your post to be very encouraging. Being a “cyberchondriac” is part of what got me into this mess in the first place and I also have been 100% wrong every single time about what I thought I had based on what google said. I have cut myself off from all research when it comes to symptoms. If something persists long enough, I will bring it up with the doctor and trust their findings, which I know is really hard especially in withdrawal. Symptoms are appearing, disappearing and reappearing constantly, and it can really put me on edge. Even though I hate seeing someone else go through it, it’s nice to know I’m not alone.

[mstimc]

@SandCastle, anxiety can cause a whole host of problems by itself and make existing ones worse. I have a totally unscientific theory that anxiety finds your weakest point and exploits it.  Several years ago, I broke my 11th rib on my right side.  When I'm stressed, my right side hurts.  Of curse, any abdominal pain is an anxiety trigger.  I did have it checked and confirmed there's nothing seriously wrong.  When I went for my annual physical a few weeks ago, my doctor said that particular rib is infamous for causing pain after a fracture, even if it heals properly. You are so right--once you confirm its not serious, let it go, and it seems to magically fade away on its own!

[Erell]

@mstimc, I have missed the boat  and I just realized that you are back on the other side of the Atlantic!

How is the return journey going? I hope everything is ok on your side.
Thanks for being a real encourager here, your advice is always so valuable!

[mstimc]

1 hour ago, Erell said:

@mstimc, I have missed the boat  and I just realized that you are back on the other side of the Atlantic!

How is the return journey going? I hope everything is ok on your side.
Thanks for being a real encourager here, your advice is always so valuable!

Thank you so much for thinking of me, Erell!  Our return to the US went very smoothly despite COVIDD.  Seeing our friends and family after more than two years was wonderful. We are busy working on our house, making repairs and getting it the way we want it to look.  It is certainly different than Portugal and Europe, but it is home.

 

How are you doing, my friend?  I think of you daily and I am sending you positive and supportive thoughts from across the sea!

[Erell]

On 1/17/2022 at 5:12 PM, mstimc said:

It is certainly different than Portugal and Europe, but it is home.

I can feel the sensation of coming back home reading you, when you put down your stuff and sit down with a sigh of ease

Being able to reunite with your family must be very sweet and good.

 

What changes, I have no doubt that changing environment and living place must require a time of readjustment.
And, if I remember correctly, you went straight from a busy trip to Europe!
 

What amazing memories you will be able to savor for a long time: I hope that our old continent will have brought you much joy and beauty !

I think I've only been to Nazaré, but since I've met you, I've added Portugal to the list of things I want to discover and feel

Thank you for making us travel with you!

 

Sending you friendly thoughts 🌼

 

[mstimc]

6 hours ago, Erell said:

What changes, I have no doubt that changing environment and living place must require a time of readjustment.
And, if I remember correctly, you went straight from a busy trip to Europe!

Yes, before returning to the States, we visited Berlin, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, London, York, Edinburgh, and Dublin.  When we returned to the US, we stayed with friends for a few days and then moved into our house in Los Angeles.  Its taking a lot of work to fix up, but its a labor of love because it belonged to a beloved cousin of mine for many years.  Restoring it is a way of honoring her.

 

It is funny, I thought there would be a long period of adjustment, but as we were driving out of the airport, I felt like I was just there, even though it had been 27 months since we left.

[Ariel]

@mstimc

Hello,

Thank you so much for your calming presence here and all your valuable contributions!

I've been enjoying your posts since I first joined. High time I stopped by to introduce myself and express my appreciation. 

Thank you <3

[mstimc]

Thank you so much, Ariel!  I do think its important to share my experiences, especially with those who are struggling and don't think they'll ever improve.  No matter how bad things are at the moment, anyone can recover.  And I admire your willingness to step in and help other members, too!

[getofflex]

Hello, @mstimcI finally came to read your thread.  Congratulations for getting off of Paxil!  That's a tough one to get off for many people.  I was on that many years ago, before I was switched to Lexapro.  Thanks for all the support you give people here. 

[Erell]

Hello @mstimc, 

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support you spread here and for your genesority when you agree to share your experience.
As you probably know, reading the words of those who has traveled before us is a great comfort, and a welcome reminder that people do recover and move on with their lives.

Yet, you still take time to share your thoughts during this new stage of your life, so thank you ❤️ 

[mstimc]

5 hours ago, Erell said:

Hello @mstimc, 

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support you spread here and for your genesority when you agree to share your experience.
As you probably know, reading the words of those who has traveled before us is a great comfort, and a welcome reminder that people do recover and move on with their lives.

Yet, you still take time to share your thoughts during this new stage of your life, so thank you ❤️ 

Bonjour mon ami

 

Thank you for thinking of me, Erell.  This is a long and difficult path for so many of us, I think its important to share our experiences.  Recovery is possible no matter how bad things may seem at any given moment, and no matter how long the journey may take.  I know, with your perseverance and positive attitude, you will recover, and serve as a beacon for others.  Take care!