Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Yikes! Can those be OCD, too? My 8-year-old daughter would pull hairs out one-at-a-time very meticulously. Sometimes she'd play with them, sometimes not. And she picks at her finger and toe nails constantly -- bites them if she can. She has had eczema since she was an infant so I can't say about the skin picking. She has dry spots she picks at/scratches but that is probably just eczema. All except the nail biting have largely disappeared along with her " OCD spells " this week. I'm SO relieved! Beth ***************** Things like pulling out hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin fron " picking " ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Yikes! Can those be OCD, too? My 8-year-old daughter would pull hairs out one-at-a-time very meticulously. Sometimes she'd play with them, sometimes not. And she picks at her finger and toe nails constantly -- bites them if she can. She has had eczema since she was an infant so I can't say about the skin picking. She has dry spots she picks at/scratches but that is probably just eczema. All except the nail biting have largely disappeared along with her " OCD spells " this week. I'm SO relieved! Beth ***************** Things like pulling out hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin fron " picking " ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Thank you for the welcome! It makes me have hope hearing that your son has improved so much. The thoughts? OMG, that is the big one! It sounds like you have a good therapist. We recently changed to a new one but he really only seems to annoy her more. Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire and being stabbed. She is on ALOT of medication including narcoltics, but they only help minimaly. She is in a wheelchair most of the time and is not able to attend school, the teacher comes to the house once a week. I too have FMS, as well as 2 autoimmune diseases, and know what you are going through in the daily stuggle just to keep going. But I know no matter how badly I feel, she feels worse, that helps keep me going...to care for my sweet baby girl. Good luck with your son! It sound like he is on a roll in the right direction! > > > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has had OCD > > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and attends CBT. > > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand her > > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also disabled > > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > > weakness. Between the two illnesses she feels horrible most of the > > time. We feel helpless and often hopeless. > > > > Does anyone have a child that harms themselves because of the OCD? > > That is something I do not do that she does. Things like pulling out > > hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin fron " picking " ? > > If so, what are some of the suggestions you have to help her lessen the > > compultion to do these things? Nothing the therapists have suggested > > have worked yet, although ir has gotten much better since switching to > > Luvox. > > > > I have tried to find a support group for HER to attend so she can > > see that she is not as " wierd " or " alone " as she may feel. Maybe she > > could learn from other's expieriences and see maybe what works for > > them. I haven't been able to find one that is for the child to help > > support them. Does anyone know of one? > > > > Thank you for any suggestions you may have! > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Thank you for the welcome! It makes me have hope hearing that your son has improved so much. The thoughts? OMG, that is the big one! It sounds like you have a good therapist. We recently changed to a new one but he really only seems to annoy her more. Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire and being stabbed. She is on ALOT of medication including narcoltics, but they only help minimaly. She is in a wheelchair most of the time and is not able to attend school, the teacher comes to the house once a week. I too have FMS, as well as 2 autoimmune diseases, and know what you are going through in the daily stuggle just to keep going. But I know no matter how badly I feel, she feels worse, that helps keep me going...to care for my sweet baby girl. Good luck with your son! It sound like he is on a roll in the right direction! > > > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has had OCD > > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and attends CBT. > > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand her > > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also disabled > > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > > weakness. Between the two illnesses she feels horrible most of the > > time. We feel helpless and often hopeless. > > > > Does anyone have a child that harms themselves because of the OCD? > > That is something I do not do that she does. Things like pulling out > > hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin fron " picking " ? > > If so, what are some of the suggestions you have to help her lessen the > > compultion to do these things? Nothing the therapists have suggested > > have worked yet, although ir has gotten much better since switching to > > Luvox. > > > > I have tried to find a support group for HER to attend so she can > > see that she is not as " wierd " or " alone " as she may feel. Maybe she > > could learn from other's expieriences and see maybe what works for > > them. I haven't been able to find one that is for the child to help > > support them. Does anyone know of one? > > > > Thank you for any suggestions you may have! > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Yes, they are a part of OCD. She not only has to pull out HER hairs, but mine and daddy's too (sometimes she goes after the dogs!). Nail biting is where she started. Fingers and toes! It is hard to see her toes and fingers all red with yellow and green gunk leaking out. She does it to arms, legs, face, back and head. I don't know how she reaches her back.... I think maybe I should grow my own antibiotics with how often she needs them. > > Yikes! Can those be OCD, too? My 8-year-old daughter would pull hairs out one-at-a-time very meticulously. Sometimes she'd play with them, sometimes not. And she picks at her finger and toe nails constantly -- bites them if she can. She has had eczema since she was an infant so I can't say about the skin picking. She has dry spots she picks at/scratches but that is probably just eczema. > > All except the nail biting have largely disappeared along with her " OCD spells " this week. I'm SO relieved! > > Beth > > > ***************** > Things like pulling out > hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin fron " picking " ? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Yes, they are a part of OCD. She not only has to pull out HER hairs, but mine and daddy's too (sometimes she goes after the dogs!). Nail biting is where she started. Fingers and toes! It is hard to see her toes and fingers all red with yellow and green gunk leaking out. She does it to arms, legs, face, back and head. I don't know how she reaches her back.... I think maybe I should grow my own antibiotics with how often she needs them. > > Yikes! Can those be OCD, too? My 8-year-old daughter would pull hairs out one-at-a-time very meticulously. Sometimes she'd play with them, sometimes not. And she picks at her finger and toe nails constantly -- bites them if she can. She has had eczema since she was an infant so I can't say about the skin picking. She has dry spots she picks at/scratches but that is probably just eczema. > > All except the nail biting have largely disappeared along with her " OCD spells " this week. I'm SO relieved! > > Beth > > > ***************** > Things like pulling out > hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin fron " picking " ? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Hi ! We've had some parents here who have had children doing skin-picking or pulling out hair (trich), etc. As to toe/fingernails, I've read that before but can't recall if a parent here has dealt with that. My OCD son is now 19, I joined this group years ago when he was in 6th grade, so have read quite a lot from parents here over the years. I'm sure you/she have tried lots of things regarding her picking, but trying to think of some things now - first comes to mind this article: http://westsuffolkpsych.homestead.com/SkinPicking.html which gives some info. I think I've read where some parents have tried doing things like having a rubber band around the wrist for them to mess with/snap instead. And it seems like I've read of some using glue; whether they put it on fingertips and let dry or just some part of body, and then pick at that. Or stress balls or something in the hand to fiddle with instead. Bandaids on fingertips...just some things it seems I've read somewhere. She could try making herself wait 5 minutes before picking, try to hold out on the urge; maybe get up and try to exercise in some way when the urge hits or she catches herself doing it (I imagine she may not notice it sometimes, like when people are nailbiters). Though you said she has pain & weakness so maybe just some deep breathing to do a few minutes to try to hold off picking. And hopeully over time she could hold out for longer, etc. As you'll read in that article above, inositol powder helps some with the urge to pick or pull hair. Since she's on an SSRI also, you'd want to work with the doctor if you want her to try inositol too. Just some quick thoughts. Don't feel hopeless! > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has had OCD > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and attends CBT. > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand her > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also disabled > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > weakness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Hi ! We've had some parents here who have had children doing skin-picking or pulling out hair (trich), etc. As to toe/fingernails, I've read that before but can't recall if a parent here has dealt with that. My OCD son is now 19, I joined this group years ago when he was in 6th grade, so have read quite a lot from parents here over the years. I'm sure you/she have tried lots of things regarding her picking, but trying to think of some things now - first comes to mind this article: http://westsuffolkpsych.homestead.com/SkinPicking.html which gives some info. I think I've read where some parents have tried doing things like having a rubber band around the wrist for them to mess with/snap instead. And it seems like I've read of some using glue; whether they put it on fingertips and let dry or just some part of body, and then pick at that. Or stress balls or something in the hand to fiddle with instead. Bandaids on fingertips...just some things it seems I've read somewhere. She could try making herself wait 5 minutes before picking, try to hold out on the urge; maybe get up and try to exercise in some way when the urge hits or she catches herself doing it (I imagine she may not notice it sometimes, like when people are nailbiters). Though you said she has pain & weakness so maybe just some deep breathing to do a few minutes to try to hold off picking. And hopeully over time she could hold out for longer, etc. As you'll read in that article above, inositol powder helps some with the urge to pick or pull hair. Since she's on an SSRI also, you'd want to work with the doctor if you want her to try inositol too. Just some quick thoughts. Don't feel hopeless! > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has had OCD > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and attends CBT. > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand her > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also disabled > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > weakness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire and being stabbed. Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is the condition she has?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire and being stabbed. Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is the condition she has?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Awwww, , it sure sounds like you've got your hands full. <:o/ That must be so awful for her to have her arms and legs feel that way. I had a stroke many years ago and my left arm and leg feel that way every so often, but rarely. I know how uncomfortable I find it. Your poor daughter. To have that all the time must be so hard to bear. I can understand why sometimes it must feel hopeless, with so many things going on. Is your FMS bad? Exercising helps me a lot with the pain and exhaustion that goes with FMS. I don't tolerate meds well, so I try other things to help. I have good days and bad, which I think is typical. I see a physical therapist that helps me a lot too. If you are trying to find a different therapist you can try the OCfoundation.org website. They have listings for people in your state. Make sure to interview them first though. We found some on the list didn't really understand how to treat OCD, but some did. Anxiety clinics and OCD support groups are other sources that can be helpful when looking for a therapist. It can't be easy for her to go to someone who annoys her. It took us about 3 months, asking for recommendations and following leads, until we found our son's doc. They are a great match. They have similar personalities (very intellectual) so they get along great. And our son really listens to him. He has a way of talking our son into trying exposures, without seeming like he is. Francesca is lucky to have such a great, caring Mom. BJ > > > > > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has > had OCD > > > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and > attends CBT. > > > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand > her > > > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also > disabled > > > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > > > weakness. Between the two illnesses she feels horrible most of > the > > > time. We feel helpless and often hopeless. > > > > > > Does anyone have a child that harms themselves because of the > OCD? > > > That is something I do not do that she does. Things like pulling > out > > > hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin > fron " picking " ? > > > If so, what are some of the suggestions you have to help her > lessen the > > > compultion to do these things? Nothing the therapists have > suggested > > > have worked yet, although ir has gotten much better since > switching to > > > Luvox. > > > > > > I have tried to find a support group for HER to attend so she > can > > > see that she is not as " wierd " or " alone " as she may feel. Maybe > she > > > could learn from other's expieriences and see maybe what works > for > > > them. I haven't been able to find one that is for the child to > help > > > support them. Does anyone know of one? > > > > > > Thank you for any suggestions you may have! > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 To me, the description sounded like restless legs syndrome, Chris. Is that what you were thinking of? BJ Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire > and being stabbed. > > Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is > the condition she has?? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 To me, the description sounded like restless legs syndrome, Chris. Is that what you were thinking of? BJ Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire > and being stabbed. > > Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is > the condition she has?? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Hi , You have come to the right place! Welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's physical pain. That must be so difficult! I have OCD also. I have three kids, two with diagnosed OCD. My 11 yr old daughter picks her skin, so I know where you are coming from in that area.I counted thirty-something sores on her body that she had picked open a few months ago. She also bites her toenails, which , I find so disgusting. The only thing I found to work temporarily for this was to make sure she had something in her hands to squeeze or rub anytime she does an activity like watching tv, where her hands are not occupied. My daughter always calls herself " weird " and " different " . It is so heartbreaking! Well, I gotta get going here! (((((((((Welcome and Hugs))))))) Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Hi , You have come to the right place! Welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's physical pain. That must be so difficult! I have OCD also. I have three kids, two with diagnosed OCD. My 11 yr old daughter picks her skin, so I know where you are coming from in that area.I counted thirty-something sores on her body that she had picked open a few months ago. She also bites her toenails, which , I find so disgusting. The only thing I found to work temporarily for this was to make sure she had something in her hands to squeeze or rub anytime she does an activity like watching tv, where her hands are not occupied. My daughter always calls herself " weird " and " different " . It is so heartbreaking! Well, I gotta get going here! (((((((((Welcome and Hugs))))))) Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 It has been 9 yrs and she still does not have a major diagnosis. , OK Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire > and being stabbed. > > Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is > the condition she has?? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 It has been 9 yrs and she still does not have a major diagnosis. , OK Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire > and being stabbed. > > Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is > the condition she has?? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Thank you so much for the article! We have tried " tricks " you mentioned, the rubberband sure didn't work...she didn't like the pain so even though she knew to do it she wouldn't. go figure! sarah, OK > > > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has had > OCD > > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and attends > CBT. > > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand her > > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also > disabled > > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > > weakness. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Thank you BJ for your kind words of encouragement! I did look at the OCFOUNDATION website, I was disappointed to find no listing of support groups in Oklahoma. I was pleased though to see the listings for therapists only 2 hours away. I will call on Monday to get more information. It is certainly worth the drive if they know how to help my baby. I just want her to know how great she is and that all the " specialness " is just that ...special. Thanks for your support. , OK > > > > > > > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has > > had OCD > > > > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and > > attends CBT. > > > > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand > > her > > > > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also > > disabled > > > > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > > > > weakness. Between the two illnesses she feels horrible most of > > the > > > > time. We feel helpless and often hopeless. > > > > > > > > Does anyone have a child that harms themselves because of the > > OCD? > > > > That is something I do not do that she does. Things like pulling > > out > > > > hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin > > fron " picking " ? > > > > If so, what are some of the suggestions you have to help her > > lessen the > > > > compultion to do these things? Nothing the therapists have > > suggested > > > > have worked yet, although ir has gotten much better since > > switching to > > > > Luvox. > > > > > > > > I have tried to find a support group for HER to attend so she > > can > > > > see that she is not as " wierd " or " alone " as she may feel. Maybe > > she > > > > could learn from other's expieriences and see maybe what works > > for > > > > them. I haven't been able to find one that is for the child to > > help > > > > support them. Does anyone know of one? > > > > > > > > Thank you for any suggestions you may have! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Thank you BJ for your kind words of encouragement! I did look at the OCFOUNDATION website, I was disappointed to find no listing of support groups in Oklahoma. I was pleased though to see the listings for therapists only 2 hours away. I will call on Monday to get more information. It is certainly worth the drive if they know how to help my baby. I just want her to know how great she is and that all the " specialness " is just that ...special. Thanks for your support. , OK > > > > > > > > Hello, my name is , I have a 13 yr old daughter who has > > had OCD > > > > since she was 4. We live in Oklahoma. She takes meds and > > attends CBT. > > > > I have read many of the postings and can relate. I understand > > her > > > > because, I too, have OCD(amoung other illnesses). She is also > > disabled > > > > due to a neurologic condition which causes dibilitating pain and > > > > weakness. Between the two illnesses she feels horrible most of > > the > > > > time. We feel helpless and often hopeless. > > > > > > > > Does anyone have a child that harms themselves because of the > > OCD? > > > > That is something I do not do that she does. Things like pulling > > out > > > > hair, finger and toe nails, making sores on the skin > > fron " picking " ? > > > > If so, what are some of the suggestions you have to help her > > lessen the > > > > compultion to do these things? Nothing the therapists have > > suggested > > > > have worked yet, although ir has gotten much better since > > switching to > > > > Luvox. > > > > > > > > I have tried to find a support group for HER to attend so she > > can > > > > see that she is not as " wierd " or " alone " as she may feel. Maybe > > she > > > > could learn from other's expieriences and see maybe what works > > for > > > > them. I haven't been able to find one that is for the child to > > help > > > > support them. Does anyone know of one? > > > > > > > > Thank you for any suggestions you may have! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire > > and being stabbed. > > > > Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is > > the condition she has?? > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire > > and being stabbed. > > > > Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is > > the condition she has?? > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 > Judy, I can not tell you how relieved I feel to hear someone else knows the pain of seeing your baby do that to themselves. She hates doing it but is driven and has no choice. I taught my daughter to bead weave so she can occupy her hands while watching TV, the only problem...she likes to use the needles to pick! She is very " resourcefull " She LOVES tweezers! She wanted a gold pair for Christmas....and odd request I know. I am sorry you go through this as well but it does feel better to know that we are no alone. THANK YOU! , OK > Hi , > You have come to the right place! Welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's physical pain. That must be so difficult! > > I have OCD also. > I have three kids, two with diagnosed OCD. My 11 yr old daughter picks her skin, so I know where you are coming from in that area.I counted thirty-something sores on her body that she had picked open a few months ago. She also bites her toenails, which , I find so disgusting. The only thing I found to work temporarily for this was to make sure she had something in her hands to squeeze or rub anytime she does an activity like watching tv, where her hands are not occupied. My daughter always calls herself " weird " and " different " . It is so heartbreaking! > Well, I gotta get going here! > (((((((((Welcome and Hugs))))))) > Judy > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Wow, Dina, I read the wikipedia article. That sounds awful. BJ > > > > I can't remember who it was, but someone on the list described that it > was how they felt when they had Tardive akathisia from an antipsychotic > they were on. I remember that because it's exactly the way my dad > described feeling when on Seroquel. The pins and needles and burning > feeling in his arms. He also had extreme restlessness. Maybe that's > what you were remembering? > > Dina > _ <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akathisia>_ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 That can be so frustrating. I know I've been through that some with ongoing health issues. So has my Mom, my Dad and a brother-in-law, who had a brain tumor. <sigh> You struggle to find someone who hopefully can figure things out and help you, as you go from doctor to doctor trying to find help. We call it the " doctor dance " in our family. You run into some docs that can't be bothered to help, yet you still have to pay them. That type usually has a revolving door. Then there are the ones who actually try and still they can't figure it out. At some point, I think we've all come to the conclusion that doctor's just don't know everything. You sort of assume they do, until you need real help. Obviously your daughter has real health concerns. I hope someday SOON you will get the answers you need. BJ Francesca constantly feels like her arms and legs are on fire > > and being stabbed. > > > > Hi - for some reason that description sounds familiar. What is > > the condition she has?? > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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