I totally panicked today, and called a cab and left work! I forgot all that I learned (I'm just starting week 7). My primary symptom and resulting phobia is nausea and fear of vomiting. This has been going on for 3 years. I thought something was wrong with my stomach initiallly, but after many doctors and tests, I've come to realize that it is anxiety and panic. It started when I got nauseous once in car on a trip and once on a plane, and I began to feel trapped like I was going to be sick or have diarhea and not be able to get to a bathroom. Well, all turned out well except that I developed this panic and phobia thing. Anyway today it happened while I was at work, and all I could think of was "oh no this is the stomach flu, I knew I'd get it, I need to get home!" HELP! This has happened to me so many times before and I toughed it out and stayed at work and although I felt awful, I was fine. Today I just forgot everything and bolted. I am feeling fairly down right now and like I'll never get this under control. I could just sit down and cry.

Glad you had a much better day today, JMI.

M

JMI,
Don't worry about it. Having a relapse is something that you can control the next time. Having this relapse may help you move forward more and learn more about yourself and your relapse. Just remember all the positive things that you have learned and that you will be ok and you will get through this=)
I know you will get through this!

Hi All, Thanks for responding so quickly. I had a better day today. And your posts helped. Pink Pirate, you sound just like me! I spend alot of each day worrying about whether my stomach will get upset even when I feel fine. Also, wonder if it's anxiety or flu. I have been using the imagaginary stop sign when I realize I'm thinking of it. It's become such a habit!

I too get relapses and have to give myself a pep talk by usually saying to myself; "Hey, it happened today but i will be fine tomorrow" and then try to look at the positives like how long has it been since I had a relapse. I love my husband but sometimes he just doesn't know how to be supportive so I usually call a good friend or my mom and they make me feel better. Plus, now you have us too for your support! Just like you and others supported me for my "monthly" and IBS/anxiety. I just wish my office was as understanding. They don't care!

Hi JMI

Don't beat yourself up the important thing is to move forward. I too have a phobia of nausea and vomiting. Every time someone I know has that stomach flu I get so anxious and with a 5 year old it comes to our house a lot. I have gotten to the point now where I try to say to myself, "So what is a vomit, I will live and it will pass." I do still carry phenragen (sp?) where ever I go though. I guess the biggest problem for me is whether it is actually the stomach bug or just anxiety making me sick.

Keep plugging along!!

Hey a JMI,
Treat yourself good, don't read into a little relapse more than it is. It's just simply a relapse to old behaviors. Part of the process of recovery from any thing. lots of times we get more growth coming back from a relapse, than if we never fell backwards. So though you don't beleive it now, I promise you if you get up again and move forward soon as possible you'll get great growth from the expeirence. You haven't failed at anything, the only way you get to accept failure is if you don't try again. I find when I fall, and I fall alot, I'm already on the ground might as well kneel and ask God gor some help. He always answers. "what is impossible for men is possible with God"