Pregnant (4+2) with severe emetophobia and terrified. Looking for positive stories!
Hi everyone 💖
I’m 4+2 weeks pregnant (it was planned!), but I am absolutely terrified. I’ve suffered from severe emetophobia my whole life—to the point of skipping meals, excessively washing my hands, and avoiding anyone with an upset stomach. Every time I feel a slight stomachache or diarrhea, I have panic attacks and my whole body shakes.
I haven't thrown up in 13 years. Four years ago, my partner and I caught a stomach bug. He threw up multiple times, but I held it in as best as I could and went to the ER. They gave me an antiemetic, and thank God I didn't end up vomiting. It was one of the worst days of my life.
A few months ago, all the stress caused by my emetophobia led to phagophobia—I reached a point where I couldn't even swallow water. It wasn't a fear of choking; my throat just wouldn't react when I tried to swallow. After seeing multiple doctors, they confirmed it was severe anxiety and prescribed me mirtazapine and paroxetine. Thank God I'm doing much better now, though I still struggle to swallow occasionally.
Since I’ve read that mirtazapine is sometimes prescribed for nausea, and I was already taking it, I plan to stay on it. I’ve also already bought Bonjesta just in case.
Is anyone else going through something similar, or has anyone been through this and can share some positive stories? Thank you so much, everyone! 💖