Re: New Member

Report post · September 19, 2008

That is sweet Don. See hon, you are becoming a great part in the membership of this group. By making others know that they can share their story with you.

Love

Janet

"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"

Frederick Faber

From: Amber Kesterson <amberkesterson@ rocketmail. com>Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] New MemberTo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Friday, September 19, 2008, 3:12 PM

Hi, My name is Amber, the mom to six children - sons 18yo, 16yo, 13, 11, a daughter 6 and an angel baby. I wor part-time as a Resource Parent for families with children with disabilities. (All mine have various disabilities) And I have my hubby Dan, we just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.

I have known I had hep c for about 20 yrs when I went to be a bone marrow donor, it was still known as non A-non B. I recently had my gall bladder removed and asked for a liver biopsy which came back questionable. Long story short, I have done blood work, sonogram, CT Scan. I am genotyped 1A. Other than that I don't know much. (scarry huh?) I had my third shot today and so far so good. I have a couple of good days and a couple real puny days.

It is a bit difficult with the kids' in the evening, I am just beat. Is this normal? I have my first follow up appt with my Dr on Monday. Is there any questions I should be asking or more I should know to follow? I am doing the weekly shot, Ribavarin, Zoloft, Ativan, Tramadol and Sam-E.

Thanks for giving me a "safe" place to come and seek out expert opinions - you who have gone through this!

Amber

Report post · September 20, 2008

Hi Amber, Don, New Members

Welcome. This is a great group and you will find a lot of support here. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am in pretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gather information. It would be impossible for any of us to give all the info you might want or need so here are some great sites for information First is www.hepcchallenge.org

Click on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all the info and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You do not have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing so you don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you. The second in www.janis7hepc.com. It also is well organized. There are others, but these are my favorites

There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine, but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support those who need support at the moment. Because we rally around those needing support, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT true. We are in different stages---and the disease does progress in stages--different for different people. Once you get your lab work AND your biopsy, then you will know where your disease is. For a very, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time to read, look at what is available and decide our course of action. Your course of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment can be very debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you consider your individual set of circumstances.

Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how you are doing.We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info on how it really is.

Hugs to all, SuziQ

Quinn

In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warbling a song. Walt Whitman

Report post · September 20, 2008

Good Morning SusiQ

I want to thank you and all the other members here who take time to hold our hands, and give us kind words of support, and advice.

I, personally, thank God for you all, for the internet so we can talk, etc.

Right now I am just confused and scared. I havent had a biopsy yet, or bloodwork because Im trying to get stabilized on head-meds, and move to Salina, get my assets in order, etc.

Soon tho I want to begin the process to find out where I stand with hep C.

Thank you for the links. I will look into them as soon as I can deal with them. I know they are important, but first things first.

love

don

kansas

Subject: Re: New MemberTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9:11 AM

Hi Amber, Don, New Members

Welcome. This is a great group and you will find a lot of support here. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am in pretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gather information. It would be impossible for any of us to give all the info you might want or need so here are some great sites for information First is www.hepcchallenge. org

Click on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all the info and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You do not have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing so you don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you. The second in www.janis7hepc. com. It also is well organized. There are others, but these are my favorites

There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine, but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support those who need support at the moment. Because we rally around those needing support, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT true. We are in different stages---and the disease does progress in stages--different for different people. Once you get your lab work AND your biopsy, then you will know where your disease is. For a very, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time to read, look at what is available and decide our course of action. Your course of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment can be very debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you consider your individual set of circumstances.

Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how you are doing.We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info on how it really is.

Hugs to all, SuziQ

Quinn

In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warbling a song. Walt Whitman

Report post · September 20, 2008

I have to agree with don. I'm learning already learning. I had a biopsy and it came back with some "fatty pockets", I also had a sonogram and a CT scan. I believe my viral load was 6 mill. I have a follow up on Monday so will go with my list of questionsOnce again, thanks for the great welcome and support.Amber Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TDate: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:38:07 -0700 (PDT)To: <Hepatitis_C_Central >Subject: Re: Re: New Member Good Morning SusiQI want to thank you and all the other members here who take time to hold our hands, and give us kind words of support, and advice.I, personally, thank God for you all, for the internet so we can talk, etc.Right now I am just confused and scared. I havent had a biopsy yet, or bloodwork because Im trying to get stabilized on head-meds, and move to Salina, get my assets in order, etc.Soon tho I want to begin the process to find out where I stand with hep C.Thank you for the links. I will look into them as soon as I can deal with them. I know they are important, but first things first.lovedonkansasSubject: Re: New MemberTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9:11 AMHi Amber, Don, New Members Welcome. This is a great group and you will find a lot of support here. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am in pretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gather information. It would be impossible for any of us to give all the info you might want or need so here are some great sites for information First is www.hepcchallenge. orgClick on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all the info and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You do not have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing so you don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you. The second in www.janis7hepc. com. It also is well organized. There are others, but these are my favorites There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine, but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support those who need support at the moment. Because we rally around those needing support, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT true. We are in different stages---and the disease does progress in stages--different for different people. Once you get your lab work AND your biopsy, then you will know where your disease is. For a very, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time to read, look at what is available and decide our course of action. Your course of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment can be very debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you consider your individual set of circumstances. Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how you are doing.We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info on how it really is. Hugs to all, SuziQ Quinn In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warbling a song. Walt Whitman

Report post · September 20, 2008

Our son hasn't had to do any extreme exposures either. Not that he

would. He put his foot down about how far he would be willing to go.

He told his therapist that somebody without OCD wouldn't wipe their

hand on a toilet then lick it, so he wasn't going to either.

I suppose for some that must work. But everybody is different. If

it's not needed, to go that extreme, why bother. The stuff he has

done has helped. So, Yay!

BJ

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> > > Thank you, BJ.

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Report post · September 20, 2008

Hi SusiQ

Don here in kansas.

ITS NOT MY FAULT!!!

I just scanned your link to www.janis7hepc., and found out many of my symptoms are not my fault.

Like my 'fogged brain', despair and depression, and short term memory loss. Many others besides that doctors have failed to address properly.

This is a great link.

I was thinking I was a 'bad man' due to extreme mood swings, anger, etc.

This link has sooooo much info its hard for me to grasp all in one sitting. It explains sooooo much about my feelings, actions, moods, etc.

I cannot list all that I learned here, but hep C has a huge impact on ones body...and mind.

Thank you again for the link. I suggest everyone check it out, and I mean EVERYONE.

love

don

kansas

Subject: Re: New MemberTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9:11 AM

Hi Amber, Don, New Members

Welcome. This is a great group and you will find a lot of support here. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am in pretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gather information. It would be impossible for any of us to give all the info you might want or need so here are some great sites for information First is www.hepcchallenge. org

Click on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all the info and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You do not have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing so you don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you. The second in www.janis7hepc. com. It also is well organized. There are others, but these are my favorites

There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine, but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support those who need support at the moment. Because we rally around those needing support, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT true. We are in different stages---and the disease does progress in stages--different for different people. Once you get your lab work AND your biopsy, then you will know where your disease is. For a very, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time to read, look at what is available and decide our course of action. Your course of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment can be very debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you consider your individual set of circumstances.

Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how you are doing.We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info on how it really is.

Hugs to all, SuziQ

Quinn

In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warbling a song. Walt Whitman

Report post · September 20, 2008

-Hi Don

I am so glad you looked at the info. NO doctor ever told me ANYTHING

about how Hep C affected me, my energy levels, my brain fog, my

moods, etc.

I, like you, felt guilty for not being more " with it " . And I felt

most guilty because (as a woman) many days, I just didn't give a damn

how the house looked. I was just too tired to care, but I was also

very embarrassed about feeling that way. Knowing that it is " not your

fault " doesn't change the symptoms, but it does change how we look at

ourselves. And how we look at ourselves changes our whole world and

affects all our attitudes. And, it is nice to know that there are

physical reasons for what is happening---that we are not just

being " bad " or " lazy " or " difficult " . You're doing great and you

will do even

better. Keep reading and STAY IN TOUCH !!

Love, SuziQ -- In Hepatitis_C_Central , Christ

wrote:

>

> Hi SusiQ

> Don here in kansas.

> ITS NOT MY FAULT!!!

> I just scanned your link to www.janis7hepc., and found out many of

my symptoms are not my fault.

> Like my 'fogged brain', despair and depression, and short term

memory loss. Many others besides that doctors have failed to address

properly.

> This is a great link.

> I was thinking I was a 'bad man' due to extreme mood swings, anger,

etc.

> This link has sooooo much info its hard for me to grasp all in one

sitting. It explains sooooo much about my feelings, actions, moods,

etc.

> I cannot list all that I learned here, but hep C has a huge impact

on ones body...and mind.

> Thank you again for the link. I suggest everyone check it out, and

I mean EVERYONE.

> love

> don

> kansas

>

> Subject: Re: New Member

> To: Hepatitis_C_Central

> Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9:11 AM

>

> Hi Amber, Don, New Members

>

> Welcome. This is a great group and you will find a lot of support

here. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am in

pretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gather

information. It would be impossible for any of us to give all the

info you might want or need so here are some great sites for

information First is www.hepcchallenge. org

> Click on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all the

info and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You do

not have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing so

you don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you.

The second in www.janis7hepc. com. It also is well organized. There

are others, but these are my favorites

>

> There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine,

but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support those

who need support at the moment. Because we rally around those

needing support, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT

true. We are in different stages---and the disease does progress in

stages--different for different people. Once you get your lab

work AND your biopsy, then you will know where your disease is. For

a very, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time to

read, look at what is available and decide our course of action.

Your course of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment

can be very debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you

consider your individual set of circumstances.

>

> Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how you

are doing.

> We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info on

how it really is.

>

> Hugs to all, SuziQ

>

> Quinn

>

> In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is

warbling a song. Walt Whitman

>

Report post · September 21, 2008

Hi SusiQ

Im not excusing my 'craziness' and various illnesses by using this link, but I do understand better now whats going on now.

I wish my ex-girlfriend [who just dumped me], and my family would read this link.

All are mad at me, wont communicate with me, leaving me all alone to face this disease in a motel room.

Im hoping next week to get moved to Salina so I can begin treatment, but the process seems to take forever, and I want to get on with it so I can begin 'living' again.

I understand that the medical process will possibly be ugli and really scarey, but I want to live a more normal life.

I quit using the 'soymilk' that I dont think is soy at all, and my runs seem to have quit. I hope.

The link also explained things like bleeding hemmeroids, COPD, congestive heart failure, etc, that the doctors here have mis-read.

I had been thinking that my body was falling apart all sorts of ways, when it seems most stuff may have been caused by my hep C.

Hopefully in salina I can find a 'smart' doctor, or at least one who will listen, not just play god with me.

Thank you also for your encouragement and kindness.

love

don

kansas> > From: Suzi Q <ancientkron@ ...>> Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] Re: New Member> To: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.com> Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9:11 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Amber, Don, New Members> > Welcome. This is a great group and you will find a lot of support here. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am in pretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gather information. It would be impossible for any of us to give all the info you might want or need so here are some great sites for information First is

www.hepcchallenge. org> Click on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all the info and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You do not have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing so you don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you. The second in www.janis7hepc. com. It also is well organized. There are others, but these are my favorites> > There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine, but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support those who need support at the moment. Because we rally around those needing support, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT true. We are in different stages---and the disease does progress in stages--different for different people. Once you get your lab work AND your biopsy, then

you will know where your disease is. For a very, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time to read, look at what is available and decide our course of action. Your course of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment can be very debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you consider your individual set of circumstances. > > Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how you are doing.> We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info on how it really is.> > Hugs to all, SuziQ> > > > > Quinn> > > In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warbling a song. Walt Whitman>

Report post · September 21, 2008

Howdy. I've been a lurker for a while now...had HepC for 20yrs. This

post from SuziQ has got to be one of the best posts I've ever seen on

any message board!

It's an incredibly sensitive post that would make any newly diagnosed

person feel " a little better " about having HepC and also explains very

accurately how these message boards work as far as seeing all of the

" bad " stuff that can come from this stupid virus.

I wish all message boards could have this post as an opening for all

newcomers to read....

Thanks SuziQ for making even a 20 yr. veteran of this virus feel a

little bit better about having HepC.

>

> Hi Amber, Don, New Members

>

> Welcome. This is a great group and you will find a lot of support

here. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am in

pretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gather

information. It would be impossible for any of us to give all the

info you might want or need so here are some great sites for

information First is www.hepcchallenge.org

> Click on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all the

info and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You do

not have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing so

you don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you.

The second in www.janis7hepc.com. It also is well organized. There

are others, but these are my favorites

>

> There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine,

but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support those

who need support at the moment. Because we rally around those needing

support, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT true. We

are in different stages---and the disease does progress in

stages--different for different people. Once you get your lab

work AND your biopsy, then you will know where your disease is. For a

very, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time to

read, look at what is available and decide our course of action. Your

course of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment can be

very debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you consider

your individual set of circumstances.

>

> Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how you

are doing.

> We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info on

how it really is.

>

> Hugs to all, SuziQ

>

> Quinn

>

> In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warbling

a song. Walt Whitman

>

Report post · September 21, 2008

thats what I say too!Jackie

Subject: Re: New MemberTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Sunday, September 21, 2008, 8:50 AM

Howdy. I've been a lurker for a while now...had HepC for 20yrs. Thispost from SuziQ has got to be one of the best posts I've ever seen onany message board!It's an incredibly sensitive post that would make any newly diagnosedperson feel "a little better" about having HepC and also explains veryaccurately how these message boards work as far as seeing all of the"bad" stuff that can come from this stupid virus.I wish all message boards could have this post as an opening for allnewcomers to read....Thanks SuziQ for making even a 20 yr. veteran of this virus feel alittle bit better about having HepC.>> Hi Amber, Don, New Members> > Welcome. This is a great group and you

will find a lot of supporthere. I am 74, had Hep C for 40+ years, did not treat and am inpretty good health. First, don't panic!!! You have time to gatherinformation. It would be impossible for any of us to give all theinfo you might want or need so here are some great sites forinformation First is www.hepcchallenge. org> Click on Choices on that site for a great book on Hep C and all theinfo and choices you might consider. It can be read ONLINE. You donot have to buy it !!! Each chapter discusses a different thing soyou don't have to dig thru tons of info to get to what interests you.The second in www.janis7hepc. com. It also is well organized. Thereare others, but these are my favorites> > There are many members here who are feeling fine and doing fine,but, as a support group, some just post when needed to support

thosewho need support at the moment. Because we rally around those needingsupport, it may appear all of us are very sick. That is NOT true. Weare in different stages---and the disease does progress instages--different for different people. Once you get your labwork AND your biopsy, then you will know where your disease is. For avery, very few, it is panic time, but for most of us it is time toread, look at what is available and decide our course of action. Yourcourse of action is YOUR choice---NOT YOUR DOCTORS. Treatment can bevery debilitating and the chioce should be made AFTER you consideryour individual set of circumstances. > > Keep posting and asking questions because we WANT to know how youare doing.> We need each other--doctors, far too often, don't have the info onhow it really

is.> > Hugs to all, SuziQ> > > > > Quinn> > > In the swamp in secluded recesses, a shy and hidden bird is warblinga song. Walt Whitman>

Report post · January 16, 2009

Oh, my -- how awful that must be for you! Contamination issues are very, very

common with OCD but to have those centered around you as his mother must make it

magnitudes worse! How old is he?

My daughter (9 yrs) has contamination issues (among other things) but her fears

are focused against other kids and toddlers. They started a couple of years ago

with one child in her first grade class . . . it peaked again last January when

we had her diagnosed. Since then she has had lots of ups and downs with the

OCD. Fortunately hers is mild and has not required medication.

Therapy for OCD is so difficult because it requires motivation and cooperation

on the part of the patient. Meds can take the " edge " off and calm the OCD but

only active participation in the proper therapy seems to make OCD significantly

better.

Beth

New Member

THis is my first post on this site. My son was diagnosed late November

with OCD. He has been in weekly therapy since the first of December

and is currently taking Anafranil/Clomperamine. The medication makes

him very tired. Has anyone else's child taken this medication? What

were your thoughts about this drug? I know this is a very slow

process, but it seems like we take one step forward in treatment and

then all kinds of new things pop up. My son is holding on strongly to

the core of his OCD issues, which relate to not touching me or anything

that I have touched. Living life in our house is very complicated. The

only safe place in our house is my son's bedroom-where I'm not allowed

to touch anything. Would appreciate any thoughts/comments/support!

Thanks, Annette

Report post · January 16, 2009

Beth-- My son is 12 years old. He also does not like younger

children touching him. At school if someone brushes up against him

or touches him - he will not wear those clothes anymore. He has alot

of issues with opening/touching doors and eating has become a big

ordeal. In the past 3 weeks he will occasionally let his father

prepare food for him---however, the food has to be just purchased by

my husband, I can not touch anything. We tried letting him buy

frozen foods/dinners-works sometimes. I have tried wearing gloves to

prepare food, however he still can not make himself eat what I have

prepared. The good news is he's making it through his school day,

some are better than others. Of course his grades are dropping, but

we are trying not to put alot pressure on him about school. It is so

hard to see your child struggle and feel guilty and ashamed. My

husband and I are pretty overwhelmed, just as my son is exhuasted by

his thoughts/anxiety. Annette

In , " Beth " wrote:

>

> Oh, my -- how awful that must be for you! Contamination issues are

very, very common with OCD but to have those centered around you as

his mother must make it magnitudes worse! How old is he?

>

> My daughter (9 yrs) has contamination issues (among other things)

but her fears are focused against other kids and toddlers. They

started a couple of years ago with one child in her first grade

class . . . it peaked again last January when we had her diagnosed.

Since then she has had lots of ups and downs with the OCD.

Fortunately hers is mild and has not required medication.

>

> Therapy for OCD is so difficult because it requires motivation and

cooperation on the part of the patient. Meds can take the " edge " off

and calm the OCD but only active participation in the proper therapy

seems to make OCD significantly better.

>

> Beth

>

> New Member

>

> THis is my first post on this site. My son was diagnosed late

November

> with OCD. He has been in weekly therapy since the first of

December

> and is currently taking Anafranil/Clomperamine. The medication

makes

> him very tired. Has anyone else's child taken this medication?

What

> were your thoughts about this drug? I know this is a very slow

> process, but it seems like we take one step forward in treatment

and

> then all kinds of new things pop up. My son is holding on

strongly to

> the core of his OCD issues, which relate to not touching me or

anything

> that I have touched. Living life in our house is very

complicated. The

> only safe place in our house is my son's bedroom-where I'm not

allowed

> to touch anything. Would appreciate any

thoughts/comments/support!

> Thanks, Annette

>

Report post · January 16, 2009

Hi Annette,

My son is 17 and is a little better now about me entering his room. I

still can't touch him, when I'm a very warm mom and love to hug and kiss

my boys. Before nobody was allowed even outside close to his room. Don't

take it personal, it's the OCD.

My son takes Luvox and Abilify, so no experience with Anafril

It takes time, but will get better.

Best

Sil

annetteberkbigler wrote:

>

> THis is my first post on this site. My son was diagnosed late November

> with OCD. He has been in weekly therapy since the first of December

> and is currently taking Anafranil/Clomperamine. The medication makes

> him very tired. Has anyone else's child taken this medication? What

> were your thoughts about this drug? I know this is a very slow

> process, but it seems like we take one step forward in treatment and

> then all kinds of new things pop up. My son is holding on strongly to

> the core of his OCD issues, which relate to not touching me or anything

> that I have touched. Living life in our house is very complicated. The

> only safe place in our house is my son's bedroom-where I'm not allowed

> to touch anything. Would appreciate any thoughts/comments/support!

> Thanks, Annette

>

Report post · January 16, 2009

Silvia--How long has your son had OCD? What kind of treatment

besides medication? How do you cope? Annette

> >

> > THis is my first post on this site. My son was diagnosed late

November

> > with OCD. He has been in weekly therapy since the first of

December

> > and is currently taking Anafranil/Clomperamine. The medication

makes

> > him very tired. Has anyone else's child taken this medication?

What

> > were your thoughts about this drug? I know this is a very slow

> > process, but it seems like we take one step forward in treatment

and

> > then all kinds of new things pop up. My son is holding on

strongly to

> > the core of his OCD issues, which relate to not touching me or

anything

> > that I have touched. Living life in our house is very

complicated. The

> > only safe place in our house is my son's bedroom-where I'm not

allowed

> > to touch anything. Would appreciate any thoughts/comments/support!

> > Thanks, Annette

> >

>

Report post · January 16, 2009

My son has had it since he was in 8th grade, back then it was hours and

hours doing homework because it had to be perfect. Placing his papers in

a certain way, symmetric, his clothes, everything. His room looked like

nobody slept there, clean and perfect order. At the time I just took him

to a counselor for therapy and he got a lot better.

He had a terrible relapse about a year ago, when he was taking 6 hour

showers. He would go in the shower at about 10:30 PM and be there

until 5:00AM. I wasn't aware of that because my room is at the other

end of the boy's bathroom. Needless to mention how his skin started

looking. He was falling asleep in class etc.

Now he does the contrary, no shower, he cleans himself with paper and

water. Still can't touch him, but I can go in his room and stand close

to him. I'd say he's better, but the big problem is he's in denial so

he's been in therapy since last April, we already switched doctors once,

but he doesn't want to engage in his therapy. I still take him every

week or every other week because he cancels appointments.

So answering your question, he's on therapy, not willing to do ERP, just

CBT which means just talking to the therapist and ERP is exposure to

what troubles him (OCD thought), and takes this medication.

He started Luvox in May and Abilify just the end of December because he

had become very aggressive and actually I had to hospitalize him for a

week. He was threatening his brother and me about everything to the

point where I was scared. He is behaving better now.

How do I cope? I guess Seeing him doing better gives me hope. Reading

the posts from people, and knowing that eventually something will come

up and he will realize he has to accept he needs more help than what he

thinks and will engage in therapy. I feel in a way I'm hoping for him to

be more mature and realize all these things.

I've been a single mother since my kids were 2 and 3 years old(I

divorced their father) and only 4 years ago I moved in with my

boyfriend. Unfortunately he doesn't understand this disorder, so as they

say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. That's how I know I have

to be strong to help my son live his life as best as he can.

Sorry, I hope I didn't sound over dramatic.....

This group really helps. It has helped me realize my son can get better

and have a good life. It has also helped me understand this disorder

more and consequently understand why he behaves the way he sometimes

does. That's why I say, don't take it personal.

Hope this helps.

Sil

annetteberkbigler wrote:

>

> Silvia--How long has your son had OCD? What kind of treatment

> besides medication? How do you cope? Annette

> > >

> > > THis is my first post on this site. My son was diagnosed late

> November

> > > with OCD. He has been in weekly therapy since the first of

> December

> > > and is currently taking Anafranil/Clomperamine. The medication

> makes

> > > him very tired. Has anyone else's child taken this medication?

> What

> > > were your thoughts about this drug? I know this is a very slow

> > > process, but it seems like we take one step forward in treatment

> and

> > > then all kinds of new things pop up. My son is holding on

> strongly to

> > > the core of his OCD issues, which relate to not touching me or

> anything

> > > that I have touched. Living life in our house is very

> complicated. The

> > > only safe place in our house is my son's bedroom-where I'm not

> allowed

> > > to touch anything. Would appreciate any thoughts/comments/support!

> > > Thanks, Annette

> > >

> >

Report post · January 17, 2009

Annette, welcome to the group; you'll find much needed support and help here; I

certainly have. My DD, 14 was diagnosed in Sep. 08. She started on Zoloft, but

could not go to higher doses due to aggressive tendencies, so we finally found a

psychiatrist who prescribed Lexapro. Her fears started with not eating ANY food

with her hands, regardless of who prepared it; she dropped 15-20 lbs in 3 weeks!

She also wouldn't touch, hug, or express affection to any member of our family

except me; they were all " dirty " . If somone other than me went into her room,

she freaked literally. I truly feared for the stability of our family; it was

so hard on her siblings.

Thanks to the Lexapro and ongoing therapy, she's doing much better; her issues

now are gravel (and shoes getting dirty from them), and still won't allow anyone

in her room with shoes on. BUT, she's touching, playing with, and being

affectionate to all of us again, including her 5-year old sister. She also

doesn't mind us coming in her room and leaves her door open more now. And when

the OCD jumps to a new thing, we breath a sigh of relief and go on to the next

issue. You're right, it's very hard on a family to deal with OCD, because it's

so hard to understand.

BUT, with proper therapy and meds (at least for my DD), things can get better.

You'll get to a point where you've incorporated OCD into your life routine and

it won't be so overwhelming as it seems now. I wish you and your son the best.

Debbie

http://twochinadolls.blogspot.com

____________________________________________________________

Get hooked on a great fishing trip! Click now!

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Report post · January 17, 2009

Debbie--Thanks for the encouragment and support--I know in time I'll

handle his OCD better and that things will improve

Annette

>

> Annette, welcome to the group; you'll find much needed support and

help here; I certainly have. My DD, 14 was diagnosed in Sep. 08.

She started on Zoloft, but could not go to higher doses due to

aggressive tendencies, so we finally found a psychiatrist who

prescribed Lexapro. Her fears started with not eating ANY food with

her hands, regardless of who prepared it; she dropped 15-20 lbs in 3

weeks! She also wouldn't touch, hug, or express affection to any

member of our family except me; they were all " dirty " . If somone

other than me went into her room, she freaked literally. I truly

feared for the stability of our family; it was so hard on her

siblings.

> Thanks to the Lexapro and ongoing therapy, she's doing much better;

her issues now are gravel (and shoes getting dirty from them), and

still won't allow anyone in her room with shoes on. BUT, she's

touching, playing with, and being affectionate to all of us again,

including her 5-year old sister. She also doesn't mind us coming in

her room and leaves her door open more now. And when the OCD jumps to

a new thing, we breath a sigh of relief and go on to the next issue.

You're right, it's very hard on a family to deal with OCD, because

it's so hard to understand.

> BUT, with proper therapy and meds (at least for my DD), things can

get better. You'll get to a point where you've incorporated OCD into

your life routine and it won't be so overwhelming as it seems now. I

wish you and your son the best.

>

> Debbie

> http://twochinadolls.blogspot.com

>

> ____________________________________________________________

> Get hooked on a great fishing trip! Click now!

>

http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/PnY6rx8555TcUQL3CSFkO2a

er8ZoVUybECQnQ4uhYS3NKfkNCnOMh/

>

Report post · January 17, 2009

Welcome Annette!

Report post · January 17, 2009

Welcome to the group, Annette. ) Glad you found us. There are

many here who will understand what you are going through.

Our son is on Celexa, and sees a therapist that uses CBT (cognitive

behavioral therapy)/ERP (exposure and response prevention). The

Celexa brought the anxiety down to a level that was more tolerable

(prior to that, he spent every waking moment on the sofa in the fetal

position, white faced and moaning). When he started therapy, he

started improving more and more, as he took on one ritual after

another and overcame them.

Is your therapist using CBT/ERP? We tried therapy for years, but

didn't see improvement until we found a therapist that specialized in

the treatment of OCD. It's so important to their learning how to

manage this disorder, for life.

Also I was wondering, why did the doctor choose to start with

Anafranil? Just curious. Most seem to start with the SSRIs.

The key for our son seemed to be when he was able to mentally separate

himself from the OCD. While he was buying into it, he was holding

onto it too, unwilling to fight it. But, once he started fighting it,

he started controlling it instead of it controlling him.

Our son also had a lot of contamination rituals. But with ERP, he was

able to get them under control. He, unbelievably, was even able to

put his hands in garbage, without washing them, and move on. That

kind of grossed me out (lol), but I realized it was what he needed, so

had to do a little self talk myself in order to support him through

that one. <grin> Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you that he can

get better, with the correct treatment. It can take patience and

endurance to get there, but it can happen.

And Silvia is right, I know it is hard, but try not to take it

personally. Your son is being controlled by the OCD. It is not him

who feels that way. He just doesn't know how to turn it off yet.

It's hard though, huh? (

I don't know if you read any of these, Annette, but these are some

books that helped us tremendously when we first started learning about

OCD. . .

What to do when your Child has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Aureen

Pinto Wagner Ph.D.

Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Tamar E. Chansky

Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick

Talking Back to OCD by March

The last two are workbooks that walk you through CBT and ERP