Hey guys, Mike here from NY. I’m not going to post anything tonight, it’s late and I’m going to try and sleep soon, but I just wanted everyone to know that I’m here to help as much as I’m here for help. I’m basically an OCD encyclopedia. I’m 36 and was born with it. My severe episodes started as far back as I can remember at 7 years old. Back when it was super scary and I didn’t know what it was. No one did. I thought I was going crazy. My parents helped solidify that belief. As the years went on, it got worse or stayed just as severe, but information about OCD and therapy/medications began To pop up with the arrival of the Internet and with much more information being accessible, it was easier for more people to start to research it and understand what it was and that it was an actual condition. I’ve been on just about every medication you can name and it took over 15 years to get the right combination that works best for me. It’s still far from perfect and OCD is still a large part of my existence and consumes most of my life but over the years I have done so much research on it and have been through so much therapy that I’ve learned so much and that does help. I’ve learned techniques and things like that to help but the main thing that helps is knowing that you’re not the only one. It’s a condition that is actually common and many people out there are going through the same thing even though it feels like that’s not possible. A lot of information is available on it now And just in that you should find comfort. Science and technology has come a long way. So if there’s anything you want to ask me any questions or concerns about OCD and any advice you may be seeking and how to deal with certain situations feel free to ask. I’ll be checking in!

I’ve found others have had the same seemingly weird and strange themes as I did. And some were even in books I’ve read. But even if your theme is unique to you it doesn’t mean that it’s just you or that it’s something else. It’s still OCD. It’s pure OCD it’s like mental obsessions/rituals and intrusive and repulsive thoughts that you don’t want. I’ve found CBT works well. ERP is part of CBT and eventually will help your brain automatically switch gears to bypass the ocd but at first it’s very triggering which is the point. Good luck!

Oh no! Is it celexa? I read that celexa can sometimes cause qt prolongation. Hoping the cardiologist can help fix that for you!

If it helps there are quite a few drugs that can cause it, so if switching is not an option then I’m sure they have other therapies they could supplement with your meds.

Thanks Mike! I’ve been living with OCD off and on since forever, but diagnosed when I was in the 6th grade. I’ve had relapses and never actually tried erp. What’s been the most helpful strategy for you? The hardest part for me is the ever changing themes. It seems like I will get over one theme, and then another, more complex theme (albeit related) will show up. My compulsions are to check if anyone has ever had those exact same themes and if not then I think I’m truly my thoughts. Thank you so much for your help.

Yes. These days things are a lot better. There are some years or months I will have a setback but I recover and for the most part it’s always getting better, not worse. And it took almost 20 years to make that turn. I got some other bad news today though that my EKG came back bad with a very high QTC which could be a result of the medicine I take for ocd that helps the most so that could suck. I have to see a cardiologist in June.

Later in June

They may put me on a beta blocker. I’m seeing him June 22nd

My heart rate (which usually is always high especially at the hospital) was 138 bom and qtC was 455 then they did it again and it was like 555

bpm*