Rabies OCD

Last Sunday, I was sitting on my patio and started opening my patio umbrella for shade. As I raised it, a silver-colored bug fell out along with what looked like a small red flying insect. Both briefly brushed against my wrist, and the red one immediately flew away. The entire thing happened so quickly that I couldn't get a good look at it. Ever since then, I've been worried that it may have been a bat rather than an insect, even though at the time I thought it looked like a small red bug. I have not found any puncture marks, scratches, bleeding, bruising, or obvious wounds. Later I noticed a small bump on my hand, but I'm honestly not sure whether it was already there before the incident. It did not itch or burn unless I pressed on it. The next day I scheduled a virtual visit with my doctor because I was so worried. She looked at my hand and told me not to worry, especially since I did not actually see a bat. That should have reassured me, but it didn't. I continued obsessing over the possibility that I had somehow been exposed to a bat. A few days later I went to urgent care in person for a second opinion as the nearest ER is 1 hour away. The doctor thoroughly examined my hand and again told me not to worry, stating that if I didn't actually see a bat, there was no reason to think this was a bat exposure. But after googling again it appears that reddit says not to go to urgent care for these types of things Despite receiving reassurance from two doctors, I am still extremely anxious. Earlier today I went back outside and attempted to move the patio umbrella to the garage , this time using a stick because I was afraid i liftrf the umbrella to see if anything was u der there While doing so, I saw either a bird or a bat leave from underneath it fly away in the distance. Since then I've been second-guessing everything and wondering if I've missed something important. One additional detail that may be relevant: for the two weeks before this incident, I was convinced that I might have been bitten by a rat, and now my fear has shifted to being bitten by a bat. I just needed somewhere to vent because I am spiraling

Anonymous

Date posted: 18h

I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with so much anxiety! My advice would be to stop googling. I know it's hard but don't do it. It will only increase your anxiety. You've got this! I'm sure you're going to be fine!

Kaybib34

Date posted: 18h

Thank you I will try to calm myself and focus on something else that is productive ✨️ I really appreciate these words of encouragement

Anonymous

Date posted: 18h

First, I want to say that I’m really sorry you’re experiencing this.. OCD is exhausting especially when our brain tells us that our thoughts are logical. Take a breath. Close your eyes. And relax just for a few seconds. At this point, you’ve done what you can to be safe in the instance there was actual possible danger. And IF something was wrong, past 48 hours it’s too late to treat rabies. So the best thing for your brain at the moment is to wait, do not ruminate and let life take its course. Just know that you’re not alone!

Kaybib34

Date posted: 18h

Thank you for these words of encouragement it feels like no one understands me its a struggle for me to not hyperfocus on things and get worried easily. I really appreciate the support I really do🥺❤️

Anonymous

Date posted: 18h

@Kaybib34 I've actually had a similar experience recently. I was bitten by a spider and I saw it and it was brown. Then I googled the poisonous spiders in my state and none of them was brown. But then somehow I found that it could have been a young one of one of the poisonous ones. And also I was suddenly not sure anymore if it was really brown. I was so afraid that I only had a few minutes to get appropriate care that I rushed to the urgent care. The doctor told me I was fine. It did reassure me a bit but I lingered around the hospital for the next hour or so just to make sure I can go back any time if I feel worse. So I totally understand what you're dealing with and you're not alone! I know how scary this is

Kaybib34

Date posted: 17h

@Anonymous Thank you for sharing that makes me feel that what im going through is not such a isolated ordeal and not as lonely how are you? Are you better?

Anonymous

Date posted: 15h

@Kaybib34 I'm happy that you feel less lonely. Yes, after I had overcome the first few hours I was okay again. My OCD is really a shapeshifter. It has latched onto other things in the meantime...

amethyst777

Date posted: 18h

Are you wanting advice?

Kaybib34

Date posted: 18h

Im not sure what I am needing im just so exhausted and tired I haven't slept or really eaten I guess I would take advice

amethyst777

Date posted: 18h

@Kaybib34 Trust the medical professionals. Obviously you can't always but you had two people check your small bump on your hand. Think of your situation like a court case. Ocd accusing and the medical professionals have provided the evidence against. If you had been bitten by a bat regarding the bump perhaps there would have been blood and bite marks? You don't believe your ocd that it was a bat - at least not enough to say it was in your post but rather that bug could have been one. So all you have regarding in favor of it having been a bat is your what if. But if it had been a bat do you think you'd question what you saw? With how freaked out you've been by the what if I wouldn't be too surprised if had for sure saw one you would be willing to make a bet of all the money had you that you saw a bat flapping in the air at the ER and you want help ASAP. Don't focus on what ocd is saying to you. Ask yourself what would you be doing right now if you didn't have ocd? Then go do it. Drink some water and eat something and go sleep. Please. 💜

Kaybib34

Date posted: 18h

@amethyst777 Thank you so much you don't know how much this means to me I have been fighting this theme for almost 3 weeks its very tiring and lonely I really appreciate it thoroughly 💙

amethyst777

Date posted: 17h

@Kaybib34 You're welcome 👍

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond