[Guest]

Chloe, I was reading through some older posts and saw yours about the counselor. I just started seeing a counselor and so far feel we are clicking. Your housecleaning sounds like mine...I see it more as a control issue. I am also body obssessed and weight obssessed. I don't believe I am OC, but definately have anxiety and control issues.How is your search going? Let us know. Also if you are interested my counselor gave me the title of a book that seems quite helpful. Let me know if you are interested . A

 

[Guest]

Yes, give me the title of the book. I saw the counsellor last week and we are changing the course of our discussions - more on self-esteem, control, etc. I feel more comfortable with her now. We are just getting started.I saw my G.I. doctor today. I've been having alot of lower abdominal pain. I have all the signs of diverticulitis (infection) coming on again. I am on oral antibiotics.Lots of cramping, bloating, feeling like I need to pee and having very little output. Ialso have been bleeding. Great fun at Christmastime!Let me know what you and your counsellor are doing and how it helps you. Chloe

 

[Guest]

Dear Chloe, I'm glad things are going better with your counselor. I saw mine today and feel really good about some of the stuff we addressed. Strangely enough the cleaning issue came up and I decided it is something I am going to be working on over the next few weeks. I actually went out to lunch and really enjoyed myself with the full knowledge that at home there were giant piles of both clean and dirty laundry to be dealt with and an unmade bed. I will be trying to chill out on some of my perfection issues...gee do you think anyone else on the board has those???Anyway the book is called Thoughts and Feelings Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life. It is by Matthew McKay Ph.D Martha Davis Ph.D and Patrick Fanning. It is a large paperback that is kind of like a workbook. It deals with topics such as relaxation, worry control, stopping unwanted thoughts, controlling anger, healing your past etc. Check it out if you'd like. I found it at Barnes and Noble. Feel Good a

 

[Guest]

Well, I'm the same way. I used to be a total clean freak but I calmed that down some. I still can't leave for work in the morning unless all the beds are made, the wash is folded and put away and never, never will I ever leave dirty dishes in the sink. When I think about it, why do I stress over stupid things like this? Take care, Loretta

 

[Guest]

That's me too! I need to get all my housework done before I can go shopping or whatever. I hate to leave chores that I'll have to face later. I can't go to bed with dishes in the sink either! Also, I wash my hair everyday and wouldn't think of getting into bed before a bath. Type A!! That's me!I will put the book on my Christmas list. It sounds like a good one. Thanks! Chloe

 

[Guest]

I think the cleaning stuff is just a symptom of something else going on. For me there is a definate anxiety that occurs when things become to "messy" and then when I clean them my anxiety goes down. This week my mom was coming over and I actually had to put on a timer so I would only spend a certain amount of time straightening up. My mom could care less what my house looks like but it makes me nuts!! I am going to make a real effort to be freer with this issue. We will see how it goes on Saturday when people are coming for Hanukkah dinner. Yikes.One last thing. Do you girls also have the " must have on make-up and have hair done to go anywhere problem"? Or is that just me? Bye A

 

[Guest]

Yes Alyson, I would never even dream about leaving the house or have anyone over without my shower or hair blow dryed. I don't really wear eye make-up because I wear contacts and that irritates my eyes, so the eye make-up is only for special occasions. But I always wear face make-up and blush and I always have to be dressed appropriately. I am way too picky about my clothes. I wish I had a job that I wore a uniform, it would make my life a whole lot easier. Well, this is just us I guess. Loretta

 

[Guest]

Alyson and Lorettasun,While I don't share your needs for make-up and prepping for "going out", I must tell you that my wife, a non-IBSer, goes through the same gyrations every time I pick up the car keys to go to the store or something. I can count on the questions:, "Should I put on make-up?", or mostly, "We're not going till I put on make-up and do my hair", and also, "What are you going to wear?" so that she can be attired appropriately and matchingly.It drives me nuts, especially when I've "eliminated" just before going so that I can have an hour or so without the urge. When I have to wait for her to "get ready" (geeez, we're just going to the grocery to get a few things, what's the big deal????), I get nervous if I don't leave right after I void. God forbid that someone should see her without the make-up or hair done!I would say that this behavior (prepping to step out the door) is a "girl thing" and not an IBS thing.Of course, I've adjusted...but it still drives me nuts everytime we go through the ritual...BJ