Washing my hands way to much.

Lovenotchains · Post by **Lovenotchains** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 10:00 am

I have noticed that when i get spell of stomach problems. I associate the problems with the animals I work with.

Because of this I find myself washing my hands all day long. Even after getting in a pool or something I have to re wash because I am afraid I will get another germ that will cause me to get stomach problems, trots, and other sicknesses.

I have went to the hospital and they always tell me I have no miro germ from the animals.

See I was working with abused and neglected dogs and cats. Recently I started working with sickly calves.

I have to bottle feed the calves and they have scours sometimes. I am now forever thinking I have some calf disease.

Should I go back to just working with dogs and cats? Or is thier a way to change my thinking?

I understand washing hands is a good idea but not all day long!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:01 pm

A strong immune system is actually more important than hand washing.

Homeless people never wash their hands and somehow don't pick up the kinds of diseases that the non-homeless do.

If your environment is too sterile it can be risky too.

Of course, you don't want to never wash your hands but have to find a happy medium.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 3:47 pm

I used to feel that way too. I am not sure why I am have changed like I have.

It all started when i started getting calves and cows that were abused. One had a broken leg and had been left for so long they it somehow got foot rot.

We tried and tried to nurse that cow back to health and nothing helped. Then a week later we got in a dog that had been beaten so bad that every rib had been broke.

After seeing these animals I started to get get feelings like I was sick.

Then one thing led to another and now I am washing my hands way to much.

I am going to try to stop. You are right about homeless people and amish people as well.

Maybe it is a issue with what I am seeing. I am quite new to rescuing animals and maybe I need some time to adjust.

I hope that is all it is.

Motor City Madman · Post by **Motor City Madman** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:23 pm

I think all of us started with mild stuff, I was thinking back to when my symptoms were mild and they built and built to the point of me wanting to avoid situations. It's good that you are going to nip it in the bud like that, it might be hard but keep at it, don't give up!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:01 am

Hey,

Try dish washing gloves or the non sterile type at medical supply stores.After you take them off you may rinse to get the powder off,some have no powder ,if your still washing too much after that you have a problem that needs to be tended to !

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:27 am

It may help to talk to a vet to see how often you need to hand wash. The plastic gloves are also a good idea. I am also wondering if perhaps you just need to wash your hands only when it is time for you to have a meal and allow yourself to feel the scary feelings by not washing any other time. It's a thought. Check with a professional. Then make your decision. It sounds like you are overly obsessing and because exposure to your fear is so important to your healing I highly recommend you stay with the calves and when you have a comfort there, move back to the dogs and cats.

And, how incredible that you are doing such a fabulous work with these precious beings! You are to be highly commended. It takes very special people with hearts such as yours. It does not surprise me that you have this obsession. You CAN, however, heal from this so work on it - your perseverance will pay off. Remember to feel all your feelings in regard to your work. Allow the sadness, allow the fear, allow the anger involved, allow the tears, and allow the feelings of hope and elation when these animals are helped and healed. Use your breath work and breathe into what you are feeling.

And, if you should one day feel that this kind of work is not for you, understand that this is OK, too. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Do the best you can and that is all we can ask of ourselves.

Blessings to you.