For real, to most people throwing up is just part of life. It’s our bodies way of expelling shit that shouldn’t be in there.
But me? It’s much worse than that, to me it’s the worst possible thing that could happen. I FEAR it. From December to April (prime norovirus / stomach bug ) season I am on HIGH ALERT, I wont like go out and get a hotel so my family fends for themselves but I’m definitely isolating myself from everyone.
I’m talking full blown panic attacks, full on body shakes, nausea and a billion false alarms.
At the same time I also know it (Emetophobia) is utterly ridiculous and I shouldn’t be afraid of it.
About 10 years ago, I threw up for the first time in 23 years. It was the fear of the unknown. Not recognizing the sensations so fearing every little fucking thing with my stomach. But when it does happen? The fear is resolved for a week, cured for a week because I realize it’s no big deal and then BOOM, right back to the same old shit.
So yeah….anyone got some weird shit they fear that everyone else would just shrug their shoulders at.
I know exactly how you feel.
I have OCD. During COVID, I had a horrible episode that lasted a few months where I thought I was going to die from something originating in my stomach. My mind was racing, thinking I had various life-threatening diseases. Due to my constant worrying, I went to the ER ~10 times; but every time I went, they let me go, saying there was nothing wrong with me. Those few months were some of the scariest moments I've experienced in my life, and it was all in my head...
- I couldn't sleep properly (longest I went without sleep during this time was 3 days!),
- I had clammy feet
- I was sweating profusely, due to constant worrying. My skin started to peel off which, from what I remember, was a sign my immune system was compromised from all the worrying.
- My stomach was giving me so many mixed signals, a woman would blush.
Thankfully I live in Canada, so I wasn't hit with any financial burden due to this shenanigans. I feel guilty, but I am forever grateful for our healthcare system.