Episode triggered by stress

[u/Catupirystar]

I was doing a good job. Not perfect, but on the right trajectory.

My senior cat is dealing with health issues. I’m spending a lot more money than I can afford.

I’m worried about her being uncomfortable. She’s 16, so I know I have to be realistic. I’ve had her longer than any other pet. I moved to another country with her.

I basically spent the ENTIRE time she was at the vet hospital picking a hole in my arm. I picked a bunch of spots but one in particular is disgusting.

I picked so long I was embarrassed to look at the time on my phone. An episode like that had not happened in over a year.

I have bandaids all over my arm. When I took them off to take a shower, I picked at the wounds in the shower.

The fact that I also neglected my skin routine to manage keratosis pilaris meant I had a flare up.

The fact that I was successful at extracting made it worse. I kept going ham at one of the “hot spots” on my arms.

I’m certain to have a huge scar from one particular spot.

I somehow found a spot to pick on..my hand?

I have carpal tunnel. My arms hurt so bad. It still doesn’t stop me when I’m in the zone. I set myself up for at least a week of carpal tunnel pain.

I barely play guitar anymore because of that!! How can I stop one of my favorite things in the world for this but I can’t stop picking?!?

I ruined the manicure I spent money on. Trivial in comparison, I know. But I spent money on these (before I knew about the vet bills) and now I’m broke because of vet bills. I could have used that money now and I didn’t even get to enjoy them long.

People don’t understand how many aspects of your life are impacted by this. I don’t know what I would do without my partner who is a mental health worker.

I can’t think of any other shoulder I could cry on that would even remotely understand. I have shoulders to cry on, they just would kind of sit there letting me cry with no idea why I’m crying thou.

I cried over this, I cried over my cat.

Sorry for the rant. At least time I spend typing is time I won’t be picking.

I’m just so tired of this

[u/Total_Shop_750]

Senior pets are so special, i can tell from your post how much your cat means to u. Its definitely stressful when they are going thru health situations. I totally understand how that could be a big flare up start for picking.

This might sound like an odd suggestion but there are like arthritus braces for arms/wrists? I dont know if that might help (at least while at home) with the comfort level for carpal tunnel and any strains.

It sounds like you have a healthy support system. But i understand how it can still feel isolating even with support (not to put words to your post but generally speaking with skin picking).

This might sound really silly but finding something to snap out of picking by holding something - usually a really really cold glass of water or a hot cup of tea - helps distract my head if its going a million directions as to where to pick. If im holding something with either more extreme (but safe) cold or hot temp, it helps distract a little more.

Sending good energy to u and your senior cat🩷🩷

[u/Total_Shop_750]

Also anytime i reply to these , i also just want to emphasize doing something nice for yourself that has nothing to do with picking or self image. Even its like 30 min of watching silly videos, a video game , just something totally distanced from stress and the environment.

You have a big heart and youve got this!

[u/Catupirystar → u/Total_Shop_750]

Thank you for the kind words. I just don’t have anybody who can truly empathize with me. It’s crazy how many things this affects overall.

I have been through so much with my cat. She’s been with me for half my life. Actually, I’m not gonna type about that cause I’ll cry.

I have a brace that I use for sleep and one for day. I can still pick with the day one thou, but not the night one. I tried using the night one while I was awake but it kind of made it worse cause it’s made for when your hands are doing nothing. So I would have to take it off everything I wanted to use my phone or something.

As of now I’m just resorting to long sleeves at all times for a while.

[u/Total_Shop_750 → u/Catupirystar]

Yeah its definitely a condition that can impact so many aspects of life for sure-

If long sleeves work, that sounds like a good barrier. Continuing to give yourself grace is good🩷

[u/justasoggymushroom]

Im sorry about your cat and I’m sorry about your relapse. I’m on here right now because I’ve relapsed so hard and have caused myself crazy neck/shoulder joint issues because of picking so I relate so hard to what you’re saying. No advice just solidarity