Hi. I am in need of support. I'm having a hard time deciphering between what is really dangerous and what is OCD trying to call the shots. I am scheduled to fly across the country for my friends wedding on Tuesday and I've been overwhelmed with my health the last month after I lost my new counseling job( yes I'm an LPC/art therapist). First it was a Lyme scare, then my liver enzymes were high, then my back pulled out, then I sprained my ankle last week and now it feels like my old knee injury from last year has flared up from trying to keep weight off my sprain. I've been stuck in doors for two weeks due to the doxycycline I was on. Luckily I'm done with that med. anyways, now I'm having problems with my knee and I'm afraid it will escalate my already difficult to manage intrusive thoughts that will likely be triggered when I am back in a situation that I was in 2 years ago that will feel similar. My ERP therapist thinks I need to face my fears (this was prior to my knee issue). I've been hiding out in my parents house for 2 years, struggling to find steady work, and completely drained from my life revolving around therapy. I just want myself back. Before OCD shattered my life 2 years ago I was adventurous and enjoyed life. I can't tell if it's my rational mind telling me I shouldn't go to my friends wedding because I lost my job and now my knee is flaring up. Or if it's just OCD being clever and trying to find convincing reasons why I should continue avoiding facing my fears. Im so health concerned I'm afraid to move my body in fear of further damaging my injury. Thanks!

Sounds like a plan. I needed to hear this. Thank you! Colorado, or bust! No pun intended..

I think you can both go to the wedding and take some measures to protect your knee. Do you have a brace, cane, or even wheelchair? Do you have good pain meds? Do you think you can reasonably spend most of the time there sitting? I also think that if your therapist is recommending that you go, you should go. They didn’t know about your knee injury, sure, but they know about all of the other health issues and they still think it’s worth facing the fear. I highly doubt knee pain would change their mind much.

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the encouragement. There's a great deal of uncertainty involved that I discussed with my therapist. The wedding is on a mountain in Colorado but I will be able to be driven up. I will need to be honest with myself whether I feel I can partake in all of the activities I want to like hiking..SUP..etc. My therapist thinks I shouldn't decide right now what I can and can't do. I know my OCD likes to hold me back from things I love because "it's not safe".

I have a cane, and I'm picking up trekking poles tomorrow

I'm also supposed to be helping with the wedding but all she really needs me for is singing and videoing the ceremony which I can do sitting. Also I'm in charge of the Polaroid but I want to find a way to photograph no matter what. Just no squatting or crazy stunts to get good shots.

I think it sounds like there will be plenty of ways to accommodate your injury and it would be a shame to miss the event. See how you feel when you’re there in regards to any activities.

Hey! I would talk to your doctor about it and see what they think would be best.