Welcome. Gail. I joined this group over the summer and have found great support. I'm sorry about the water heater situation. I am proud if you for rehearsing a speech! Good idea! We are here for you and would like to echo Tillue's advice to go to the daily chat thread. We are all in this together and you'll see that we are here through thick and thin--you'll find an abundance of support on your good days, bad days, and overwhelming days. I look forward to getting to know you!

Welcome Gail :)

We tend to post daily in "The Daily Chat" thread and people show up at random times in the chat room.
To find the chat room just click on the red box to the right of this page titled "ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP".
Best wishes for tomorrow! :)

Hello,

I have been a hoarder my whole life but it started getting way out of control about 2000. I started therapy in 2009 and was released (given up on) by my psychiatrist last year.

The reason I am looking for on-line support now is due to a problem that popped up last week. My water heater busted. There is no way I can replace it myself. So, tomorrow for the first time in well over 10 years, I will be letting someone in my house.

I have the areas cleared that the plumber will need to access. I have rehearsed my speech informing him of my problem. This has been a stressful time but it actually got me going. The garbage bags seemed easier but not easy to fill.

Since I am sharing my secret shame with a total stranger tomorrow, I figured why not share it with others who will understand.

I do not know what to expect from this msg board but hope to find some virtual support.

Gail