Sharing progress after first treatment - moral support

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Sharing progress after first treatment - moral support

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Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 5 2012 9:03:31
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Since I've been using this site for more hours than I can count since my "problem" began last week, and I think many of us are in the same boat, I thought we could share our progress (or lack thereof, though hopefully not!) since our first treatment. For moral support, mostly, because this can feel so isolating and overwhelming. I've always thought of myself as a composed, resilient person - I work in a high-stress healthcare position, after all. But this...has just been overwhelming.

Anyways, had my first treatment Wednesday. No activity since then, until last night (Saturday), when I caught and killed 3 live bedbugs (on walls), found three dead ones on floor, and one live nymph this morning. No bites though since 1st treatment. I know this is normal, that >1 treatment is usually needed. I'm still freaked out because of the live ones. Basically, I just want confirmation that this is normal. Many thanks in advance, and I hope everyone's first treatment is producing the desired results!
i can do this

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 5 2012 10:31:36
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After my first treatment, I found three live bugs in the couch where they hadn't been previously. After my second treatment, I found a dying adult out in the middle of the living room.

Today is ten days post third treatment with no bites, no sightings and clean traps. Someday soon I hope to put away the flashlight and stop killing lint on my carpet at 2am.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 5 2012 11:05:17
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First treatment I found several live and only 1 dead one. Then I couldn't find many tho my kids were still getting bit. Second treatment and they came out the woods that same.night killed 3 on kids bunk beds killed 3 random crawlers on our bedroom wall. No activity for 2 days got my vapamore steamer the 1 st of Aug. Used it on the boys bunk beds 2 just.fell out dead later found another one wet dead. No activity dir them since that day. But last night hubby and I got bit his single bite on stomach and my single bite on calf. We are getting our 3 rd treatment on Tuesday . It's decreased incredibly. From the first time I found them on 7/13. We were getting bit up nightly 7 bites at a time for 1 month before finding them. So I believe were winning . Now the drying of our textiles poses a problem with a family of 5 its hard to get it done in one shot. Thanks for listening.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 5 2012 11:59:44
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icandothis and feelinghelplesswith3 babies - thanks for sharing, and joining my impromptu "support group"

icandothis - it is awesome to hear you're winning the war, and no sighting since your 3rd treatment. I feel like I've actually seen *more* live ones since the first treatment, but I suppose that's the result of them being driven out of their harborage areas (or so I tell myself). And "killing lint on the carpet" - hahah, so sad but true. I do the same.

feelinghelplesswith 3 babies - thanks so much for sharing your experience. It's helpful to know that it's okay to see live ones after treatment, but things are still improving. Fingers crossed for your 3rd treatment on Tuesday! My second is on Wednesday, and ugh...the waiting is so hard. We'll get through this!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 5 2012 14:58:06
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Yes we will get through it........this too shall pass right?!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 5 2012 22:03:14
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That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger!
Also, you (and your washer/dryer - but mostly you) deserve major props for taking care of the laundry for five people!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 6:07:48
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Omg! I am gonna go crazy 3 am here in los Angeles and wake up to check bunk beds and one sitting by the joint of the top bunk fresh with blood. O my my heart just sunk. Can't wait for 3 rd treatment. I know if theres one there's more hiding. will they ever disappear!?
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 8:56:31
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Wanna hear something so totally stupid?

I was just doing dishes and saw something I thought was a bb from the corner of my eye, so as usual I run for my trusty bottle of alcohol (I always keep it handy, in case) and sprayed the hell outta the presumed bb, but it WASN'T a bb, it was a sunflower seed I realized upon closer inspection, I have a parrot and he spits his seeds all over the place.

Had to tell myself, "Get a grip Sam"
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 9:11:24
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Kass, just want to tell you I'm so paranoid and probably almost certifiable to be committed to the local nut house. I know I have an irrational fear of these things and it's very hard to shake that.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 10:10:25
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Well seems like treatment for you was a one time knock out . That's good. I see bugs every where tiny ones. That are not bbs. I don't like insects as of this point. Something bit me at .230 but the bite is menescule not sure what it was. But I'm growing tired seems this is never ending. Kids go back.to school on the 14 th I don't want them stressed with their room being so empty and not normal .
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 10:26:14
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I know I can see all kinds of bugs. Even a little tiny black button looking one in my car on a roll of toilet paper. I think they are all bbs. I don't sleep. I wake up 3 times a night. My body will age if this continues. I'm loosing hope tho it has decreased dramatically finding one full of blood just doesn't make me feel ok. And now I'm getting bit. After not for 8 days. But this bite is so small and normally they never are. I don't know anymore. Sometimes I feel resilientand other days I feel defeated.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 10:30:07
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Oh feeling I know how you feel, but having said that, this whole ordeal has toughened me up as well. Its amazing but when you really need to, you can gather the strength, you will overcome this and life will be good again <___________ thats what I tell myself anyway!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 11:12:29
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Feelinghelpless and Blackheart -I totally sympathize. It's amazing what days of sleep deprivation and emotional misery will do to you! I never thought in a million years that I would be awake at 2 AM, studying every speck of dirt on the bed/carpet and spraying it with alcohol. What a life...

Feelinghelpless - I'm so sorry to hear about the bedbugs, but its seems like they're diminishing, so that's definitely progress. But please, try and get some sleep...I think you posted somewhere that you have alarms set for the middle of the night. Girl, you need to get some sleep, please! For you and your family. I find that Unisom totally knocks me out...

Blackheart - you are totally right. We will come out of this stronger, and there will be a day when our beds will be sanctuaries again and we can shake off the paranoia! Also, totally randomly, that's awesome that you have a parrot. Can you teach him how to say "die bedbugs!"
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 12:36:01
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I know I try to tell me self that as well. I know I can't have bedbugs forever since I am getting treatment for them. Right ! Thanks for the reminder
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 13:31:00
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Kass and Feeling, its all pretty mortifying, isn't it?

Oh how brutal it is to wish to go back to work! :lol

Just sprayed down my precious pillowtop with alcohol, it has become my daily procedure to do so. I want my bed back, my life back, but believe me when I tell you.... we will all be ok and life will continue as we once knew it!

Its strange, and I'm begginning to think these things happen for a reason, no clutter hear anymore and I fried my pretty tops and skirts in that fuggin hot dryer
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 14:57:45
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Be SO SO SO careful spraying down with alcohol. a spark, anything, and it's not just bed bugs, it's a fire.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 19:55:02
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Blackheart, so true. I actually try to stay *later* at work now to avoid my apartment! And I so hear you about the pretty tops/dresses/skirts being ruined in the dryer. But I guess clothes are just clothes, and this has certainly taught me to buy less and repurpose my wardrobe! To summarize what you said...

"Things I want back from the bedbugs"
1. My bed
2. My life

Really, is that too much to ask?

bugsinbrooklyn - thanks for the reminder! The last thing any of us need is a fire. I've actually switched to Eradicator (got it from Target), which is detergent-based and seems to work as well as the 91% alcohol.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 20:31:55
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Kass2010 - 31 minutes ago »
Blackheart, so true. I actually try to stay *later* at work now to avoid my apartment! And I so hear you about the pretty tops/dresses/skirts being ruined in the dryer. But I guess clothes are just clothes, and this has certainly taught me to buy less and repurpose my wardrobe! To summarize what you said...
"Things I want back from the bedbugs"
1. My bed
2. My life
Really, is that too much to ask?
bugsinbrooklyn - thanks for the reminder! The last thing any of us need is a fire. I've actually switched to Eradicator (got it from Target), which is detergent-based and seems to work as well as the 91% alcohol.

Yeah, your right, some nights lately I've been getting so buzzed on various substances, but am sensible enough not to use alcohol (at least not the kind you spray)

It's tough to keep heart and soul together, but I'm trying, I have been through so much, never thought It could be as horrible as this situation is.

Wow just read what I said and it sounds to damned serious, sorry I will try harder to get it together before I totally lose my mind.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 22:43:06
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Hah, we need to start a bedbug drinking game. One shot for each dead one you see, two for each live one.

Blackheart - remember, we're here for you! You're not alone. I think the worst part for some reason is the feeling like I'm living two separate lives - one at work and social interactions, and then the other with this terrible "secret." But we might lose our money and possessions and time, but we won't lose our minds!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 6 2012 23:38:49
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I think I've lost my mind by now I'm always seeing bugs and I think there are bugs eating my legs. Today I saw a dried dead bb in our laundry room heaven forbid that they were taken there when we didn't know we had them doing laundry glad they sprayed there as well but it left me thinking hard again. Another bummer moment............ahh ignorance is bliss.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 5:32:37
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Kass & Feelings, hope you guys are o.k. and actually got some sleep, I did, BUT I woke up with what appears to be a bite..... maybe just from phantom bugs, not sure, makes you question your sanity, how much longer must I wait for this to end.

Off to work soon, nothing there to bite me..... I hope
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 9:14:55
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Thanks Blackheart - I did manage to get some sleep, too! Woke up at 4 AM but forced myself not to reach for the flashlight. I also thought I had a bite yesterday, but in the end, I think I was over-reacting. Who ever thought we'd be doing full-body skin checks every morning? (Or at least, that's what I do!)

Feelinghelpless - I sincerely hope you got some sleep too! My heart really goes out to you with your having to deal with your father (he was hospitalized, right?) on top of all of this. But you're making progress (3rd treatment today?) and in the home stretch! Remember, we're here for you!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 10:25:36
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I try to get sleep but the feeling of unease just comes in specially for my children and to top it off my husband and I manage the property. Lots of responsibility. Yes my dad was in the mental ward for 3 weeks I found him a board and care and he's there now I guess that's what the goodness in all this is getting my father the proper care. But geesh at this expense. Yes 3 rd treatment. He said he'd be really thorough and he will switch up the chem to kill them all. We shall see. Prayers cuz my kids return to school soon AND WE NEED SOME NORMALCY. Thank you allí need this I have 2 friends who always listen to my fears and agony right now. I'm thankful for them but you guys understand what were going thru ......it makes all the difference.........
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 20:59:06
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Feelinghelpless, glad to hear that your dad is doing better...you're a tough chick to be taking care of him and your kids.

And you're so right - I also have sympathetic friends & family, but I actually find people on this forum more reassuring/comforting...because they truly understand what I'm going through. There really needs to be some type of bedbug survivor group!
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 21:34:13
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Kass2010 - 32 minutes ago »
Feelinghelpless, glad to hear that your dad is doing better...you're a tough chick to be taking care of him and your kids.
And you're so right - I also have sympathetic friends & family, but I actually find people on this forum more reassuring/comforting...because they truly understand what I'm going through. There really needs to be some type of bedbug survivor group!

I agree with you Kass2010.... I wish there was a support group for us. I praying for all of us again tonight.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 21:39:06
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Best wishes that y'all have a decent sleep tonight, and we shall live to fight another day!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 21:44:45
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Kini - maybe we need to start one after this nightmare is over for us, and be "sponsors" for others going through the same

You guys are awesome, and you'll also be in my prayers tonight!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 7 2012 22:27:42
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Yes I think there should be one like bed buggers anonymous or something. I live in los Angeles. There must be something like that .!!!! Got my third treatment left me with a can of bedlam. We shall see it was 103 here in la. I wonder will I get bit tonight. Or my boys mainly. My hubby yikes!!! Ok calm down. I'm glad for all yous out here thank you! We will live past this I promise.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 9:23:37
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Feelinghelpless - we will *definitely* live through this. Even though there aren't any official support groups (except this forum, of course), we'll get through this and have an online toast or something when it's over!

Hope everyone had a good night and got some sleep. "Good" being relative, of course, as I fear it will be for some time.

My PCO is coming back today for the second treatment - hallelujah!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 11:03:28
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Slept more but simply because I was trully exausted woke up aroun 130 am to check on boys no sign of anything . But this.morning we see 2 a 1 st instar and 3 rd in our bed room. The 1 st just was dead the 3 rd hadn't fed. But we figured out they are comiing from the crown moulding.. the pco says he sprays there as well but now it all makes sense. Why we always see them on the wall up above us........ay ay ay ayayayay.!!!!
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 18:18:10
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Hi all, home from work, and actually I'm not ever comfortable here anymore. I can't walk around like I used to, because I'm afraid of what I may see. I know its mind over matter, too bad I can't get that theory working!

Usually I watch movies or do something relaxing once here, but for now that serenity is shot to hell. I wonder if we really do get over that when these buggers are gone?

If you tell anyone that, that has not experienced this, they would never understand either.

Truly evil monsters!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 18:55:28
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Ugh, how demoralizing. Came back from work, and the PCO hadn't come in today. I suspect it's because they got tied up with other apartments in my complex (I saw his truck leaving as I was coming into the garage!), but just left a voicemail with management. I know one or two days is not a big deal in terms of spacing apart treatment - but I was so so so looking forward to having the 2nd one done today. I'm so effing afraid they won't be able to come back until next Wednesday. I think I'm on the verge of tears.

Blackheart, I totally relate. I actually dread leaving work and am not sure if I'll ever think of my home as "home" or a sanctuary anymore! And forget watching TV/movies - so afraid to sit on the couch now and "attract" them to me!

Feelinghelpless - you're making progress, and glad you got some sleep! Hang in there girl! As long as you keep seeing dead ones, that's a good sign.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 19:09:45
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Kass, I would be sooo disappointed too. I'm getting the second spray next Wednesday, I guess that
makes us emotionally feel better because maybe were closer to re-gaining our dignity and our sanity. ...
oh yeah and our homes. I can't talk to people about this problem, seems alot will judge you for it

I'm sleeping on my plastic encased couch but won't go lay on it till I'm beginning to get drowsy, after a gravol or two, it makes me kinda sleepy.

Two days would feel like a lifetime to me too!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 21:05:45
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Right. Oooh my husband is tackling my dads junk he left behind. I'm hoping there's nothing hiding in them. Although I'm not in my comfort zone in my own home anymore I'm feeling better and better about them. I talked to my.pco for the millionth time and he reassured me again. Geesh he's more like my councelor. Lol. Here we.go another night ! Let's hold hands and jump right in .
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 21:07:37
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As I was typing this there's an ad on here saying 3 herbs that beat anxiety. Lol they must know what were going through
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 8 2012 21:47:09
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feelinghelplesswith3 babies - 37 minutes ago »
Here we.go another night ! Let's hold hands and jump right in .

Hahah, this made me laugh, so thanks Feelinghelpless! I need all the humor I can get! One night at a time...aided of course with an antihistamine of choice. Maybe we need to market a bb cocktail - antihistamines + Xanax?

Blackheart, I so hear you. I've only told a select few friends & family, otherwise I think people will look at me like I'm a leper! And thanks for your much appreciated sympathy...tried to explain to the boyfriend why I was so upset. His response: "It's only one or two more days." Argh. Can you strangle someone over the phone?!
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 9 2012 12:17:34
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I'm with you guys, and wish I was on this when I was sleeping in my long sleeved shirts tucked into leggings with knee socks, vicks on my neck and wrists and tea tree lotion everywhere.

I've been sitting on my couch again, eating the PBJ and cereal I'm going to have to eat until I pay off the treatment, but for the first time in MONTHS I feel comfortable on my things.

Xanax worked wonders...and when I didn't want to be completely out, valerian root helped me sleep. Kind of.

Now, if I could stop examining every piece of lint...
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 9 2012 13:05:12
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One day ill be there as well bklyn incredibly I only woke up once to check . After the almost 2 dead ones we saw yesterday morning day after our third treatment it seems quiet. But one day in the clear means what? Lol. It's so hot here in el lay but I still sleep with long sleeves pants and socks until when I don't know. My hubby is not as serious as me and my kids well they could care less when it comes to sleeping that is. One day at a time ..............more power to us and the meds that relax us.lol
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 9 2012 13:32:08
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Not long after my last post I see my son who sleeps on the top bunk I ask if he has bites he says one then I look at the location and there's 3 in a row the one he spoke of and another. But they are not as big or welted as usual and he says they don't itch as much . Maybe it was a nymph maybe its last meal. I don't know anymore 3 rd treatment. Will they ever really go away???!!!!!! bummed in el lay
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 9 2012 14:47:53
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feelinghelplesswith3 babies - I'm really hoping this third treatment works for you! Your in my prayers.

bugsinbrooklyn13 - I'm doing the same thing with lint...one of my beach chairs had stains and I freaked out..turned out to be mildew. More Ativan for me tonight!

Kass2010 - I'm pulling for you too...I really would love to start a support group...I'm afraid to say anything to anyone.. I'm still keeping clothes and shoes in plastic containers and doing my nightly OCD checking of the bed.

Blackheart - I hope your doing well and sleeping...
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 9 2012 15:42:10
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feelinghelpless: You'll get there. It was so hot in NYC when I was doing the long sleeved crap. PTSD is the biggest side effect from bugs. I kind of just handled it in a throw money at the situation sort of way. My roommate and I each had an empty credit card, we have somewhat stable jobs, and were moving anyways, so after 7 months of hell we decided to go to war officially. And now I'll schlepping from Trader Joes for the next few months.

Kini: Everything freaks me out that remotely looks like a bug. Did I mention that the costs were $650 higher because I found bugs (grain beetles...unknown at the time) and called in another K9 and had the movers keep our stuff an extra night? UGH.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 9 2012 16:31:59
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bugsinbrooklyn - thanks for sharing! It gives me hope to hear from someone who's further along on this "journey" and is doing well! And hah, the PB&J. That will be an awesome milestone - being able to sit on the couch eating PB&J without fear!

Feelinghelpless - hang in there! Your PCO sounds great and like he knows what he's doing. You're moving in the right direction and things will get better!

Kini - isn't it amazing how OCD this makes us?! If people could see my nighttime ritual, they would think I'm certifiably crazy. Like "why is this woman staring at everything with a magnifying glass and flashlight for so long?"

Blackheart - hope you got some sleep! Speaking of people judging, I'm currently typing this in my office and when a co-worker stopped by, quickly slammed down my computer screen so he wouldn't see!

Seriously though, the lint. I almost want to get a whole bunch of lint rollers from Costco after this is over and go to town on my apartment so I can stop being freaked out every five seconds!
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 0:02:52
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Hi, all of you on this thread, to tired and frazzled to name
everyone, so forgive me for that, I have a few other issues other than bb's, but they are minor compared to my bb issue.

Took some pills tonight maybe that are questionable, and I'm feeling messed up,

I still am bb free, (or at least so it appears) no little ankle bitters that I've seen since last spray, but I'm still not myself, still afraid of spots, I wanna be me again, but tell me HOW do you do that?

My home isn't my home yet, and I wonder if it will ever be?

Just wanted to check in hoping that you all feel a little more sane than me, I feel so damaged, seriously I do
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 1:12:12
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You are not alone........2 days ago we had our 3rd treatment. And this morning my oldest has bites I can't see no traces of them no fecal or shed skin or anything since 4 days ago but he's the only one getting bit now. I just steamed the heck out of his bunk bed with my.300 dolla vapomore. I'm broke sad and gettin used to life with bed bugs..........damn ! I know I know this will pass but when ?????????
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 4:07:52
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I agree too ...your not alone...putting on my box spring encasement I found a dead one that freaked me out. I thought OMG here we go again.did I jinx myself...even though no bites, no fecal matter, no blood stains on sheets. Back to sleeping with a flash light, worried about ever little itch. I had a drink last night that I think made me more paranoid...back to taking Ativan tomorrow.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 5:01:02
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Hopefully, this crazy screwed up stuff doesn't turn us all into pill popping junkies...... just kidding, of course it won't!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 18:46:53
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Blackheart - 18 hours ago »
I'm still not myself, still afraid of spots, I wanna be me again, but tell me HOW do you do that?
My home isn't my home yet, and I wonder if it will ever be?
Just wanted to check in hoping that you all feel a little more sane than me, I feel so damaged, seriously I do

This. A thousand times! Had my second spray yesterday, found a few dead bugs today, two live nymphs. Had a bite on my arm later on in the day, but maybe from a mosquito...who knows anymore? Had to calm down, take some deep breaths. According to my PCO (and from what I've read on this forum), three treatments are usually needed, but he thinks things are quieting down.

Still...I'm so tired. Tired of living out of plastic bags. Tired of the constant paranoia and being hypervigilant. Tired of dreading each night. Tired of being tired, if that makes sense.

Okay, thanks for letting me vent. We will make it through this, one night at a time, and come out stronger. Hope you all have a good weekend and do something fun or relaxing to try and get your mind off these things!
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 19:01:32
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I understand completely! I feel like I aged 10 years with the bags under my eyes!
I finally got out last night ...the first in weeks and I plan on trying to do some of my normal routines and try not to mention the word "Bedbugs" every hour on the hour.
Like you said one night at a time........we will win this war!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 20:09:54
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Right! One night at a time. I went to the beach today with kids and a friend it feels good to get out and not think about my situation. No bites last night but not sure about tonight. They must die. My pco used phantom temprid delta dust and bedlam. So I heard good reviews about those products we shall see
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 20:27:29
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do you mind if I crash the support group? Please?

Had our third treatment yesterday by a backup tech, not the usual person. He was tired and inexperienced and he did a crappy job even though I coaxed him to properly inspect and spray. We found one live bug under my platform bed. Sprayed the whole bed frame down. Tech went away saying "that'll take care of it."

Woke up with 3 new bites today. I wore different clothing to bed last night so I know they're new bites. Two bites are on my forehead - looks like I'm growing devil horns.

I feel like I'm on a sinking ship.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 23:08:49
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Life you're not crashing anything. I understand. I feel the same way when my boy wakes up with 4 bites a day after 3 rd treatment. Discouraged. But I know that they will parish I hope 8O. I really do. Hang in there we are all here for u
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Fri Aug 10 2012 23:56:56
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Hi everyone, trying to look ahead and be optimistic, well hey it isn't easy, but I've gotta try right?

Second spray happening next Wednesday, but I'm wondering what gets rid of those ugly fecal stains from mattress?

Any ideas are so appreciated, thanks so much!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 0:59:09
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I've tried steam and it doesn't work perhaps you may need an enzymatic cleanser
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 9:59:49
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I used fantastick with Bleach, with a tooth brush on the mattress and box spring to get the stains out.

Some of my sheets which have been washed over and over the stains are fading. I was waiting to see if no activity at all then I would try bleach and a q-tip on stains again. or the enzymatic cleanser as "feelinghelplesswith3 babies" suggested.

Once I'm in the all clear I'm buying new sheets.

My PCO is coming Monday for a third time to check and spray if necessary. I'm glad I only found one dead one when putting on the box spring encasement. so far no stains on it or mattress encasement.

My little sister slept well last night 5 hours and no bites, I also had no bites...still hopefully treatment worked.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 10:15:32
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Well, another night over with! Kini and feelinghelpless, it's awesome to hear you enjoyed time away. It's so important - I had dinner/drinks last night and it was so nice to just take my mind off things.

lifekeepshappening - Welcome! You're definitely not crashing anything. We're all here to support each other and vent and cry as needed. Hang in there...none of us is going down on a sinking ship! I'm not sure what your PCO used, but mine (and I think others confirm this on various threads) said it's not unusual to see increased activity the day after treatment (as they leave their harborage areas). But it doesn't mean they're not dying...

Blackheart - my third treatment is Wednesday. Seems so far away, but we will get there. We'll try and stay optimistic together, and keep our senses of humor about this! I've actually used an oxyclean stick (the one with bleach) on my sheets, and it seems to work. Anyone have success getting them out of wood?
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 10:39:46
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Thanks Kass2010 Glad you got out too and had a great night

I'm going to try the oxyclean stick with bleach...Blackheart I forgot to mention with the fantastick with bleach I did spray it on the tooth brush with water to dilute it so it didn't make it yellow...I wonder if the oxyclean stick with bleach or enzymatic cleanser would be better on the mattress too.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 14:54:49
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Hi Kini, Kass, Feeling and other victims here!

My kids are gone for the weekend, which is kinda of a relief, cause they don't have to see mommy having a meltdown, you probably know what I mean, you know we always want to avoid scaring them....

So now I can cry, rant and scream if I want to, hey there is song in there somewhere?

Scream If I want, to, you'd scream too, if it happened to you
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 17:46:54
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Right! My kids always wake up when I'm looking for them no bites for my oldest in 2 days but again what does that mean. But we will be I promiseat this
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 18:05:48
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Well thank God kids are o.k. they don't seem to freak out like we do, thankfully.

My ex boyfriend from a few years ago is coming over for moral support, thankful someone cares at least. Sometimes (most of the time lately) life so blows, I just want things back to normal, (without the recent boyfriend that is).
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 21:40:06
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Wow. Blackheart. I hear ya .....I miss my home the contort bit it really has taught me less is better still decluttering and drying washing things. It seems ill never get there. Bagging things ......etc but I don't want bbs anymore ever. Tonight we shall see what happens. It's always so nerving.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 22:24:58
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Blackheart, glad to hear your ex-bf from years ago is coming over. This can be soooo isolating!

I'm feeling really anxious tonight, ugh. Yesterday night, I slept without the light on. But tonight, I just absolutely dread going into my bedroom, doing the crazy check, and sleeping there. I don't know why...been sleeping on that damn bed since this started (minus a few days), but tonight...

Please tell me I'm not the only one who sleeps with the light and/or TV on? Or who sees people looking so carefree while walking around on a nice summer day and sadly remembering when I used to be one of them and wondering if I'll ever be like that again?

Okay, sorry, that was depressing. Here's to surviving another night ladies!
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 22:41:19
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Nope your not allow...I sleep with the TV on and check my bed before I get in it and if I wake up in the middle of the night I re check again..I hate being so paranoid all the time...
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sat Aug 11 2012 23:29:14
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Well for a while we had the hallway lights on that lead to the boys room and I slept with the light on and tv till I fell asleep. I have not done that in a while but I do still wake up to check.my children's bunk bed. I don't know if I will ever sleep more than 5 hrs at a time before it was because of my 11 month old now its cuz of the little vampires. Geesh right here's another night I always feel since they didn't bite 2 nights in a row they will surely come the third night I am expecting that . I have not seen any action since the.treatment. my neighbor who.had them hasn't seen or been bitten in quite a while. Here's to us ladies. My friend said to.me its not the end of the world so don't worry it will all be over soon.perhaps she is right it will be over soon. .............soon. so don't worry be happy. I wish they made something we can coat our selves with. And kill them all
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 0:24:41
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Don't feel bad about the lights being on, I have slept with them on going on three weeks now, and I detest the thought of EVER sleeping in my wretched bed again.... honestly, I miss my bed so, so much but I am terrified of it at the same time.

Wow I used to think people over-reacteded over this stuff, but not so, I am now so afraid of living normally, it isn't fair, why oh why?

I sleep a few hours and wake up feeling a horrible impending doom kinda feeling, so alone here.

Damn ex, he was an ass clown and I had to blow him out the door (another nightmare) gosh, whatever did I do to deserve this BS I don't know.

In any case you guys be ok, I Feel like the only person awake at this ungodly time in my life..
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 1:05:10
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I used to have a beautiful dining room set, (about 3 weeks ago) lovely rattan chairs and table, and now I feel like I'm living the life of the trailer park boys, lawn furniture, (oh yeah, charming eh?) I get so depressed sitting here and looking around, it so isn't fair, I sleep with the fuggin lights on, I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop, it so sucks.
endless_nightmare

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 3:02:38
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Hello guys,

I thought I would just chip in and give a bit of advice to get through this, I've had bed bugs for 10 months (that's right 10 months with no break whatsoever), and I may still have them not sure yet.

Anyhoo, what has kept me sane so far is this:

You gotta eat good food, not hungry because of the stress? force yourself to eat
You have to sleep, at some point you have to stop freaking out (a bit, I never stopped completely) but not sleeping makes it more difficult, if you have never considered tranquilizers or sleeping aids, now is the time to consider them (with the permission of your doc of course)

Also, in order to keep functioning sometimes I'd have prentend days, this may sound silly to you but it worked for me, several hours in a row of pretending I don't have bed bugs and just go about doing my stuff, surfing the internet, watching TV, talking to friends on the phone (about something else), going outside for a walk

There should be an actual real support group for people in our situation and/or a hotline just for that, that you could call 24/7

A good exercise my shrink has me do is this, I picture myself completely bug free (you will all be, keep remembering that) and I think of now as the past, a nasty ugly memory

No one should go through this really, I remember when I complained about trivial stuff, god that was so ridiculous, bed bugs are really something to complain about!

we will win
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 4:09:08
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Hey Endless, you are a trooper going through Ten months of this hell, just gotta say!

There should be an award for people that endure this kinda nightmare (maybe something akin to a purple heart?)

Nice of you to share, yeah and a sense of humor goes a long way too I suppose!

I hope life gets back to normal for you, and the rest of us. In my case sooner than later cause I do feel at my wits end.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 4:34:39
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I know endless one day at a time I'm up cuz I felt one nibbling on my in three different places it tried to get me. I woke up caught it red handed a flat almost dead but not quite it was tryin to bring it self back to life but it was its last meal I crushed it. It must have been a 3 rd instar. I feel like screaming.!!!!!!!! It's not over
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 10:19:13
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kinihatesbedbugs - 11 hours ago »
Nope your not alone...I sleep with the TV on and check my bed before I get in it and if I wake up in the middle of the night I re check again..I hate being so paranoid all the time...
Boy if I can only spell.."alone" not" allow"
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 10:28:29
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feelinghelplesswith3 babies - I feel so bad...I'll find out what my PCO used too...damm things UGH! How are the kids?
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 12:22:07
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I know it seems like I will never get rid of them. My neighbor found a live one crawling by her bathroom rug last night. He's gonna have to come back and spray again. I feel. My sleep was wrecked . I don't know what else to do.
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 13:18:45
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Endless - thanks for sharing. I cannot believe you've been going through this for 10 months. Your resilience is amazing! I think the idea of a 24/7 hotline would be so awesome - I know I could sure use it for those middle of the night panic attacks.

I just want this nightmare to be over for all of us! Feelinghelpless - I killed many live ones today, which is depressing. Although I decided to just spend like 2 hours extensively looking at every single crack/crevice of my bedframe. No full-grown adults (I think) versus after my 1st treatment, so I'm taking that as a good sign.

And thanks, all, for confirming that my leaving the light on isn't crazy! Can I also ask, for moral support, how many of you (and how long) do you spend actively looking for these things in your bedframe/mattress/walls? Maybe I need to stop!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 13:38:12
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10 months of going thru that is extremely hard. I commend you endless . Yeah kass i haven't found an adult since 1 st treatment but I'm on my 3 rd . Geesh. How much.longer. I text my pco but he hasn't responded as if yet . The kids haven't been bit. In 4 days so I'm happy I did dust their bed with de. A light dusting . But wow to wake up and see one stuck on your wrist is all too much . My reaction to the bites is instant tho they do not itch any longer and are not welted which is interesting because before when I got bit the bites would scar up and itch for ever. I suppose when they are weak nymphs their bite doesn't pack a punch so how do I determine if we are being successful?
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 13:57:28
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Thanks for making me feel welcome.

Kass, I think you just need to check as often as feels reasonable to you. It's a proactive approach rather than just sitting and worrying, you're actually hunting them and bringing their numbers down. Our third treatment was last Thursday. Friday I had several bites. Yesterday I had a total of 17 new bites - rim of my ear (OUCH!), knuckles, elbows, shoulders, chin, forehead, neck. I got out the trusty flashlight and spent several sessions yesterday with my head upside down hanging over the edge of the bed looking under the platform, clear tape in hand. Found a total of 7 wedged supertight into 90 degree joints - so hard to spot them even on light color wood - none of them were adults, but all of them were full of my blood. Stuck em all down on white paper to show the pco next visit.

I take a sleep med and benadryl so I can make it through the night. I take an antidepressant so I can make it through the day. Didn't find any more last night and I'll be waiting until later today to see if any new bites come up - the benadryl stops them from showing up until about 12 hours later. If I don't take benadryl, I wake up with the bites already 4 inches wide and blistering and feeling like a bee sting!

A support hotline would be a brilliant idea. It's so hard because you can't really go and tell all your friends about it, you can't really have people over, you start worrying about going to the coffee shop or work or the library or using the bus, you worry they might be in the car or moving to a new part of the house. .. I also worry that the PCO is bringing more of them in on his clothing and equipment since he's telling me I'm the 14th house he's done today and the last one was a real showcase o.O ! I've only told my immediate family and one trusted friend whose board game group I used to host (I hosted because I have a nice uncluttered clean house - but I still got bedbugs regardless!)

I have been using my aversion to the bedroom (everything is treated, bagged and stored or dumped already) as a good reason to clean the basement - down there I'm two floors down away from the bed bugs and I'm dealing with bugs I can actually SEE and deal with using a long handled broom!

Keep fighting the good fight everyone. I know it's possible to eradicate these things. I will have no possessions or money left by the time this is over, but I intend to prevail. It certainly puts a new perspective on what's important in life!!
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 14:08:13
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Keep on keeping on!

One of the reasons I'm sticking around while I go through remission (September 20th!) is exactly what you mentioned - we went through it for 7.5 months, on and off, treatments, everything bagged, my roommate and I sleeping in the same bed to draw them out, etc. We are more and more optimistic every day. Happy to offer a little hope! (Cautious hope, as we patiently count down)
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 14:53:47
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Thank you bklyn. I'm not sure if I'm beating them. But I suppose I am since they are sparcely appearing. I still can't gauge cuz one is too many to have. It only takes one. That's very stressful to realize. But keeping hope alive
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 15:08:05
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"It's a proactive approach rather than just sitting and worrying, you're actually hunting them and bringing their numbers down."

Thanks lifekeepshappening - this was exactly what I needed to hear to calm me down. "Bedbug hunters" - sounds like it should be made into a TV series! But the 14th house?! That's TMI from your PCO in my opinion! And sorry about the bites, ouch! And you're definitely right about this putting things into perspective. I used to be somewhat of a shopaholic before this all started...now I've lost a lot of my clothes (on purpose, or from the dryer). Never ever will I let myself buy that many again.

Bugsinbrooklyn - thank you SO much for sticking around. After a while, it gets depressing reading about desperate people whose threads then suddenly go silent...not sure if that's a good or bad sign, so you give us hope!

Okay, ladies - off to go to the mall. I know, only window shopping for me, but need to get out and socialize. I hope you all are hanging in there, and we will get through this. I'm sure we've all been through a lot of sh^$t in our lives, and we've made it. You know the saying - "when you're going through hell, just keep on going."
BedBugly

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 15:20:04
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YAH! F these F'ers! I dunno about you guys, but I'm on the point of anger already (at the BB's, not you guys of course, I love you all!), think I may have passed the fear stage a few days ago, or maybe it comes and goes. I sleep on the infested bed and DARE them to come bite me. And honestly am somewhat disappointed if they don't or if I don't see one that day because I KNOW they are there! Maybe they know I know and now I know that they know I know and are playing mind games on me now, lolol! RRROOOOAAAAAR, this is war and I am now a BB COMANDO! They will NOT beat us! Dieeeee, suckers!
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 19:34:23
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Oh it's totally a war. My roommate and I went to dinner the night we got our new apartment, and the landlord gave us the keys two weeks early...we wrote down our plan of attack. Battle tactics.

While packing, we unbagged our lives that were bagged for months. Happily loaded them into the cardboard boxes. I wanted the bugs to crawl into my boxes, so they could die from the gas. The night the vikane happened, I slept in the bathtub of the old place, because we had an entire strategy to leave the final day-with the smallest margin of error. I slept in my bathtub, I'm a 30 year old with a great job and a masters degree, and I slept in the bathtub of my infested apartment.

When we left the infested apartment for the final time, we sang nah nah nah nahh, nah nah nah nahhh, hey hey hey, goodbye. Washed the cats, took them cats ninja style and ran out of the place. Changed our shoes outside into new ziplocked shoes. And left a sign that said "This apartment (and floor) has bed bugs. You are going on the registry. BYE!" (Childish, possibly, but I SLEPT IN MY BATHTUB.)

It's totally a war. And it makes us CRAZY. I finally started talking about it to my friends, and guess what? A ridiculous number of them had them, or knew someone else who had them.

But this forum has saved my sanity-the little bit was left. And taught me to live simple, with less stuff. My room is pretty basic. I've trimming my clothes down to what I actually wear. My bed is away from the wall, none of my bedding drags on the ground. Got a long way to go, but every day gets better. We can do this!!!!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 19:40:05
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Yeay!! Bklyn . Soo happy for you
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 19:51:53
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rotf Bugly, yes, that's kinda how I am now. Anything that makes me look like a leper so that the only time I want to go out in public is for groceries is worth my most focused and diligent annihilation efforts.

Grocery store lighting with welts all over face, ears, neck, and arms is just depressing. I can't even go and get my hair cut until this is over - I need the bangs to cover my forehead bites and I also don't need the entire hair salon staff spending a couple of hours eyeing my welty skin.

The slightly optimistic news is that my kids' rooms, which were worse than mine (and we only qualify as a "light" infestation) are supposedly now clear. Mmhmm, yeah... I told them we would bide our time before declaring anything clear.

I don't appear to have been bitten again last night, YAY, so I'm just dealing with the 17 existing bites that have ALL turned into 4 inch bright red swellings with blisters. I am the definition of Itchy and I look like a leper. Super.

I will win. I am bigger and I have more money than the bed bugs... lol. I just don't think I'm smarter than them yet.
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 19:56:36
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On September 20th, you will all hear me YEAH!

Now I'm just cautiously optimistic. This little support group helps.
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 19:58:18
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life - I'm not all about voodoo creams and such, but tea tree lotion and vicks helped me not get face/forehead bites. I went to a cosmetic shop and bought tea tree lotion..and then did vicks on my wrists and neck.
**There is no proof this worked. I just didn't get bites on my face and neck when I started this. Still on my legs when one snuck in my clothes I think..**
bugly

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 21:56:02
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Feel so much better after reading all your posts, guys. Especially the ones about thinking every speck on the carpet and every tickle on your skin is a bed bug. I know that the real bugs are watching and laughing at us. (Although the guy treating my flat assures me they don't have a sense of humour...).

I'm post-second treatment, but with no signs of things abating yet. I got bed bugs from my neighbours in the flat below – huge family who's overpopulated their flat. (In every respect, I guess!) Not only did they not report the problem for months they used DIY sprays, which spread them to my flat. I've got London's best company treating both our flats, and my landlord (who owns building) is being amazing – BUT it's just that the whole thing feels extra awful because I know it's not my fault.

Even after second treatment I'm seeing bugs, getting the same amount of bites, and like 'feelinghelplesswith3babies' said: "Sometimes I feel resilient and other days I feel defeated."

At the moment I'm feeling like hiring my exterminator to help me safely pack my stuff and move out... so it's good to know that some of you have had to wait till three treatments to see results. Does it ever end? And how DO you grit your mind to cope with sleeping with these insatiable fiends while the poison works? You tell yourself it's like being bitten a mosquito but bigger... but it's just not, is it?
bugly

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 22:02:42
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P.S. When I said "not my fault" I meant rather that it's entirely out of my control, because there's a huge infestation below me downstairs, perpetuating my own. I know it's rarely any of our 'faults' that we get 'em!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 22:31:35
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Bedbugly - your post was effing hilarious. Thanks for the laugh! Some nights, I feel exactly the same when I lie down in my bed to act as bait so they'll cross the poison and die. Like...Bring. It. On.

Bugsinbrooklyn - hahah, your parting note. That's awesome. I totally hear you about some bad apple landlords in NY. After living there for 3 years recently, I considered myself SO lucky to never have had bedbugs. Oh, if only I had known...

Lifekeepshappening - ouch, about your face! Does cortisone or some low-dose steroid cream help at all? Too bad you can't leave a sign for them, like please bite here (legs/arms), not here (face).

Bugly - welcome to our support group! I'm also still seeing bugs after my 2nd treatment, although I've been a lot more aggressive about looking for them (was in some denial before). And for the getting to sleep...for many of us, I think some of it is pure exhaustion, an antihistamine (like Unisom for me), and leaving the light and/or TV on. And I so hear you - I think a big step for me was letting go of the "how." I still have no freaking idea how I got them, though I've brainstormed many ideas.

Feelinghelpess - you said it best. Some days you feel resilient, others defeated. Perhaps that should be our motto, but with a "but with each day, the resilient days are outweighing the defeated ones" tacked on.

Okay ladies (I think you're all women here, sorry if I've mis-identified!), drinking a glass of wine tonight. Feel I deserve it after I spent 3+ hours doing my version of bedbug apocalypse now on my bedframe. Hope you all have as restful a night as possible, and remember...this too will pass!
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 0:27:35
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Wishing everyone a peaceful night sleep...

I haven't seen a bed bug since I found a dead on Thursday...no bites, no sightings... PCO comes in tomorrow for the third time to inspect my apartment. Debating on taking my ativan to sleep.
Still sleeping with the TV on and my flashlight. I get nervous thinking how many years it's going to take to get over this....
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 1:39:14
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Yes wishing you all a good night. I bedlammed the heck out of my bed this evening.
bugly

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 8:35:16
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Thanks Kass2010! You're right, I think most of us on this thread are ladies, and I'm glad I gave you a laugh. You're right, it is usually exhaustion that gets us 'live baits' to sleep (makes it easier to ignore those 'phantom'/ real itches and tickles, or as you say, glass of wine or a stiff drink. At least then you can sort of doze off from there and know they're walking to their deaths.

Kinihatesbugs... I know exactly what you mean about wondering how you'll get over this, whenever this finally does abate (it's been the longest two months of my life!) I don't think I'll ever feel the same about moving to new houses / flats, hotels or plane or train seats – or things moving in the corner of my eye at night – ever again!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 12:18:01
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No bites for the babies. But while I was still laundering drying all of our stuff. I still have a couple of bags left I got bit right on my neck. I was not sitting still or laying anywhere I was on a constant move. I don't know what bit me. I never know anymore. But we found a mosquito which bit my hubby the night I found that one nibbling on me. So his bites were from that. I'm just happy kids haven't been bit in 5 days the longest time so far knock on wood!!!. Have a wonderful day. Guys
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 12:24:37
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Feelinghelplesswith3 babies - So glad no bites for the babies. yea!

At the shore apartment Day 3 for my little sister no bites and me Day 7 no bites..took my ativan tonight. Only sad news my cat who was at my house ( not affected by BB) was put down this morning because of kidney and liver failure....8-(
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 12:31:09
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Just popping in to say "Hi"..... I'm at work on my lunch but the computers here only have ie6. So the view of posts (even my own) doesn't totally show. So will have to post at home. Just wanted to check in as some of you are probably wondering if I finally lost my mind and have been locked up somewhere

Hoping you are all coping well. I've been sleeping (however not peacefully, visions of bb's on mind damaged mind).

Hang in everyone!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 12:46:51
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Feelinghelpless and kini - yaaayy! So glad to hear things are improving and no bites!
And oh, kini - so so sorry to hear about your cat. Pets are like family members (at least, to me), and I was devastated when I had to put my dog to sleep a couple of years ago.

Blackheart - yes, I was concerned when you didn't post yesterday. Wondering if you had gone postal on the bedbugs! Two more days for us until the PCO comes back, right?

For me, the good news: only found one live bedbug today!
The bad news: it was when I woke up and saw it on my sheets. I screamed like a 12 year old at a Justin Bieber concert.
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 15:16:58
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Kini, I'm so very sorry about your kitty. Losing a beloved pet is hard enough without it happening in the midst of another crisis. I hope you were able to say your goodbyes and have lots of memories to cherish.

Thank you Brooklyn for the tea tree oil and vicks hints. I'll figure out where to buy tea tree oil. I have really sensitive skin so I can't wear makeup to cover over the bites , and of course the bites are outrageously huge because I have sensitive skin. I loved your story about moving out of the infested place, especially washing the cats and whisking them outa there, and leaving the note.

I can definitely see how frustrating it would be in an apartment or a shared accommodation where you know someone else is either perpetuating the problem, such as neighbors not following protocols, or a landlord who isn't doing enough to help. In some ways, although it is proving to be horribly expensive, I'm glad that I live in a single family home and that I am in "control" (hahahahahahaha) of the situation.

I had another night with no bites. I am far from optimistic, but oh so glad that I did all those bed frame inspections and dusted DE on the frame and bed perimeter. Come and get me you suckers, I'm waiting for ya with the tape. There will be no quick death by squishing. I will grab you with the tape and you can wear yourselves out waving those tiny legs around for hours between the tape and white paper. And I will watch you suffer. HA! I used to be such a compassionate person...
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 18:41:07
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lifekeepshappening - Thanks so much for your support. Losing Kitkat was like losing a friend.

PCO (3rd visit) stated everything was clear today no issues and gave us a 30 day guarantee. Friends who recommended the PCO said they had a 98% success rate...were still living out of containers for just a few more weeks just to be sure and they told me to check once a week and continue washing bedding as usual ( at least every two weeks). They told me the minute I find a live bug to call ASAP.

I can't thank you enough everyone for all your support and helpful advice. Of course I will still be here daily and once I get a job I want to get a group together to get grants for individuals who can't afford treatments.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 18:46:56
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That's great kini I wish I could say the same but I don't feel we're in the clear just yet even after the 3 rd treatment but its progressing. Ihope all stays well with you. Glad tour pco is good. Mine came with similar recommedations but not sure yet ..........glad for you tho .
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 18:52:11
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Kass2010 - 6 hours ago »
Feelinghelpless and kini - yaaayy! So glad to hear things are improving and no bites!
And oh, kini - so so sorry to hear about your cat. Pets are like family members (at least, to me), and I was devastated when I had to put my dog to sleep a couple of years ago.
Blackheart - yes, I was concerned when you didn't post yesterday. Wondering if you had gone postal on the bedbugs! Two more days for us until the PCO comes back, right?
For me, the good news: only found one live bedbug today!
The bad news: it was when I woke up and saw it on my sheets. I screamed like a 12 year old at a Justin Bieber concert.

For me, the good news: only found one live bedbug today!
The bad news: it was when I woke up and saw it on my sheets. I screamed like a 12 year old at a Justin Bieber concert.

Kass, I had a good laugh at this comment, your priceless, you sense of humour is great

Kini, sorry about your cat, I would die if my bird did (although sometimes when he screams i've felt like wringing his little neck) although it's just a fantasy when I'm annoyed with him

Haven't seen anything live lately, but I'm afraid that by saying this, they might be reading what I'm typing...... wow serious paranoia here eh?
theyareoutthere

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 19:49:51
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Kini-sorry about your cat..it's hard (kidney and liver failure, very tough but no choice about putting down).

Hope everyone's situation is getting better (can Kass2010 get a voice activiated taperecorder for our listening pleasure?)
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 20:01:26
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Thats funny, It reminded me of something that happened a week or so ago here, I was walking carefully (now a day I notice every speck on the floor) and my big toe touched something that whizzed along the floor, and yeah I let out a blood curdling scream as well, well upon close inspection i realized it was a bead from a bracelet my daughter had broken the week before.....

Embarassing, but at least no one was home, I had to laugh at myself, but goes to show you how it messes with your mind right?
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 20:22:53
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theyareoutthere - 24 minutes ago »
Hope everyone's situation is getting better (can Kass2010 get a voice activiated taperecorder for our listening pleasure?)

theyareoutthere - I can guarantee there would be a lot of high-pitched screaming, profanities, and "diediediedie"'s in there

Blackheart - we should make a list of the funniest things (besides lint, cause that's a constant) people have mistaken for bedbugs (and screamed about)!

kini - I'm soooo happy for you!!! So glad to hear your place has been cleared! Don't leave our sisterhood though, please! :lol:And what an awesome and compassionate idea about getting a grant together for those unable to afford treatment...seriously, once I get rid of my problem, I'd love to help.

Okay, ladies, off to the laundry center again. Seriously, I'm sure everyone on my floor is like, what does this woman do that she needs to use the washer/dryer so much?!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 20:25:03
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Oops, my post got cut off (I'm working with only half a brain right now!)

lifekeepshappening - I totally LOL'ed at your comment - will you also be laughing maniacally as you listen to the tiny bedbug screams?
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 20:29:45
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Yeah Kass, The Bedbug Blooper Show, would be a hair raising show for sure!

Well just wanna to say to all the Ladies here (and of course male suffers as well) have a good night, and know this will pass, DAMMIT!

Someday it will be over ...... honestly!

Till tomorrow, best to all!
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 22:06:15
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Wishing everyone a tranquil night. Thanks everyone for the kind words today...lots of crying today....You guys are the best
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 22:27:05
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Talking of mistaken identity and squealing... the other morning I woke up with my ear rim in agony from a bite. I have several piercings along that ear and have gauged acrylic studs with o-rings holding them in -just small gauge, nothing huge.

So, I turn over and look at my pillow, still very drowsy but fiddling with my ear and I see a bed bug sized black thing on the pillow under my head. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was a black o-ring from one of my earrings. In my sleep I had been touching my painful ear, trying to remove the earrings so my ear would feel better!!

Sleep tight everyone. We will get there.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 22:31:00
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I know kini I realize that this bite on my neck that happened in broad daylight during a time where I was not still for a long period of time was one of them. Ugh!!! Talked to my pco said it was normal to have activity but to give it 2 weeks if I see continued activity he will come treat yet again..........no bites at night but daytime its odd. But they're getting desperate I suppose . Hope the bite on babys face last night wasn't one of them. I don't know anymore.
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 23:44:25
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kini-I'm so sorry about your cat. =( we have two and freak out even when they throw up too much. Thoughts are with you, but I'm so glad you were cleared! YIPEE!

Kass-BWAHAAHAHA Justin B. Amazing!

feelinghelpless-Hang in there! They are freaking out they are getting killed and desperate!

lifekeeps-I have super sensitive skin too, get contact dermatitis alll the time. I used this: http://www.drugstore.com/natures-gate-tea-tree-moisturizing-lotion/qxp168594
Tea tree oil is actually really bad for you straight, but this lotion (or the vicks. Or the fact I smelled awful) helped. My roommate always told me how funky I smelled between the lavender oil/rosemary oil spray I made and vicks and tea tree lotion. Bleich.

+ everyone else....hang in there! We can totally do this!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 11:52:26
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Hope you're all hanging in there today!
I'm ashamed to admit I had a breakdown today. Two, specifically. After keeping it together relatively well for the past week, well...
1. I got catcalled this morning/recipient of an inappropriate comment by some random guy on the street. This is in no way a "humblebrag" about how I look - I was in a sketchy area, and if you have two X chromosomes, you will most likely get harassed. I'm normally a calm person, but I totally lost it and went off on a rant to this guy, about how I'm going through s&%t right now and that's the last thing I need. Amazingly, he actually apologized.
2. Just spoke to my sister on the phone and went off on a major crying fit. Sigh...please tell me I'm not the only one to have had one of these.
Anyways, things will get better. Even if it happens slowly and day by day, they will!
Keep hanging in there everyone! You're all in my thoughts/prayers!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 12:27:17
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one day at a time kass. today was my childrens first day of school. happy to have some normalcy in my un normal situation. this weekend we washed bleached all their legos and other toys and put them back in their toy bins trying to bring some normalcy into their bedroom. no bites again last night for them i did wake up to check its getting harder and harder to wake up to check cuz im exausted. this cant go on forever i know. i know. we are taking measures to continue the erradication. i dusted my bed last night with de. my cpo is very ositive that we are getting rid of them. anyways kass i hope you have a better day. and dont let jerks get to you. also as someone reminded me today ..... it could be worse. there are people in the world that have it far worse than us. dealing with bed bugs is quite humbling and makes you crazy but there are others out there that are in far worse situations than us. keep that in mind lets count our blessings and be thankful we found eachother even if it is on this forum. much love to you siSTARS!!!!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 12:27:55
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one day at a time kass. today was my childrens first day of school. happy to have some normalcy in my un normal situation. this weekend we washed bleached all their legos and other toys and put them back in their toy bins trying to bring some normalcy into their bedroom. no bites again last night for them i did wake up to check its getting harder and harder to wake up to check cuz im exausted. this cant go on forever i know. i know. we are taking measures to continue the erradication. i dusted my bed last night with de. my cpo is very ositive that we are getting rid of them. anyways kass i hope you have a better day. and dont let jerks get to you. also as someone reminded me today ..... it could be worse. there are people in the world that have it far worse than us. dealing with bed bugs is quite humbling and makes you crazy but there are others out there that are in far worse situations than us. keep that in mind lets count our blessings and be thankful we found eachother even if it is on this forum. much love to you siSTARS!!!!
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 13:02:05
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Kass-Definitely NOT the only one with crying fits. All the time when we were treating. And my roommate was unreactive to bites, so it made things worse. I was so jealous of him and felt like he wasn't taking things seriously, etc. You can get through this!!

And good job ripping the guy. I have no patience for that stuff.
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 13:14:03
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Brooklyn13 - thank you!! I'll order some. I had major back surgery this year so walking around local shops to find something takes longer than ordering online.

Kass - hugs to you honey. I'm so glad I'm taking a new antidepressant/antianxiety med, because I was at the end of the line before the bedbugs ever happened. It's an overwhelming situation and the lack of being able to relax and sleep causes the anxiety to ramp up very quickly.

3babies - washing legos... what a job!

I woke up again with no bites, no sightings. It's early days yet. I still can't understand why the pco said we had a "light" infestation when we have bugs in beds in all three bedrooms and we have found two live bugs crossing the bathroom between bedrooms.
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 14:30:04
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Kass2010 - I'm right there with you..cried all day yesterday between my cat and the bug situation. I felt better but ended up with a huge headache and swollen eyes...Glad you gave that guy a piece of your mind.

bugsinbrooklyn13 - Your so right " we can get through this!!"

lifekeepshappening & feelinghelplesswith3 babies - Glad you had no bites last night

bugly , theyareoutthere & Blackheart - I hope your doing well!

I drove back to my house today, I still worry if they hopped a ride in my car prior to me knowing I had them. I steam cleaned my car last weekend and I'll probably do it again. Re checked my bed at home..no issues. Only bite was a darn mosquito this afternoon..Now walking around with dryer sheets in my socks....between that and looking at every piece of lint...I look like I'm ready for the looney bin!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 21:30:56
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You guys are the best. Seriously. As feelinghelpless said, even though we had to meet on this forum, our bedbug warrior sisterhood has meant the world to me. I don't know how I'd get through all this without all of you!

Lifekeepshappening - so sorry to hear this bedbug mess had to come at such a bad time for you, but glad to hear you and your doc have found a med that works for you. I've actually thought about starting an as needed antianxiety med with all of this going on. I may have to, soon!

Bugsinbrooklyn - thanks for your support sister! I think the guy was like, crap, I chose the crazy lady to harass today, just move away slowly!

Kini - lol, the image of dryer sheets in your socks. Hope you're doing better and having time to rest and recover and continue healing!

Feelinghelpless - best wishes for your kids being back in school! You are so right, and thanks for putting things into perspective. In the end, bedbugs are NOT the end of the world, and we won't let them be.

Blackheart - I think I might literally hug my PCO and declare my love for him tomorrow. You?

Ladies, wishing you a restful, quiet night. One day at a time!
MNbugger

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 22:06:37
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Well I'm a new member of the bed bug club
We just moved into a new house and apparently some of the boxes I obtained had the little buggers in them. Imagine my horror when last Tuesday I went to get the baby when she woke up at 3am to find what I thought were beetles crawling on her. I had a sinking feeling that they were bb so I scoured the internet while I fed her looking for pictures. Immediately went to check the rest of the pack and play that she sleeps in and they were everywhere. (Much to my horror I remember stacking some of said boxes in her crib when I first brought them home) I immediately freaked and carried the crib out on the deck, washed it off and dug into researching the little buggers. That led to me going through boxes until I found my hand held steamer and steamed the daylights out of the crib....three times. PCO confirmed bb the next day but on inspecting her room found no other evidence and was hopeful it was very early and isolated. I still encased our mattresses, washed and dried all our bedding, vaccuumed like crazy, and sprinkled DE around all the beds. Unfortunately he was wrong. The little buggers have had a feeding frenzy on my older daughter. I have found a few skins and one dead and one live one in the bathroom of all places. None anywhere else. No signs of fecal droppings. No one else is getting bit so far. PCO is coming tomorrow to take a closer look and probably spray. I have a list of questions to ask before I commit to him all thanks to this forum. I also have Orkin scheduled for friday just in case. I've become neurotic about this. I hate our carpet because it has dark flecks in it. Every bit of dirt on the floor I have to check out...just in case. I want to scream and cry thinking of how long they had been feeding on the baby (she's 5 1/2 months old). I didn't see them because they were in the cracks and underneath the bassinet attachment. Makes me sick. Everynight when she gets up I have my flashlight in hand to check both of the girls beds.
I am thankful for this forum. It gives me hope and does help calm the nerves...to a point of course. I never had any idea how bad these little buggers are.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 22:55:31
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Mn it does make you.nutty especially when they are feasting on your babies. My.11 month.old sleeps with us and he has a metal and mesh and when I found them on my bed slats I hadn't checked the rail as I was putting the bed back together I was about to put the rail back on and then it dawned on me check it and low and behold they were just hanging on the zipper part I was disgusted and angry at them ........I know how you feel
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 8:52:48
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welcome MNbugger to our little support group. It's a bit overwhelming at first, I'm so glad you have a pco already helping you.

Woke up with a bite. Pfffffffft! Will redust DE on the bedframe and wash/dry all the bedding yet again. PCO doesn't come again for another 10 days.

Anyone know how long DE takes to shred a bug's exoskeleton?
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 9:47:20
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They say it takes like 10 days. Not sure tho
novakanye

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 9:53:05
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feel trapped in my own home. don't know what to do. when i stay in i feel like they are spreading around my home, but i don't want to go outside and spread them to other. so far i have sat on my couch doing nothing but reading sites and getting myself more paranoid. want to die.
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 10:26:49
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lifekeepshappening - I heard that you have to wait for Diatomaceous Earth to suffocate them and dry them out. This could take a few days and it all depends on how large the infestation is.. .

Did you check with your PCO to see if it's okay to use with their treatment? I was a newbie and tried DE first and then I had to shop vac it all up before they did their first treatment because it wouldn't work with the chemicals they used...

There is information on the forum -> http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/30/faqde/

"The research found that Mother Earth D brand DE “caused substantial (>90 percent) mortality of susceptible and resistant bed bugs within four days and all bed bugs were dead after 10 days.”
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 11:54:58
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Hi all, hope you are well, posting from work even though this dumb pc only has ie6 so I can't view all of most posts. Just had second spray, my son called to tell me what PC guy had to say.

He found a couple on my son's bed frame and a few "stragglers" in my room. I was a little discouraged :cry:regarding this. But now there is going to be a third spray. Good I guess.... was hoping I was closer to the end since we haven't seen anything for a couple of weeks.

Hope you are all doing well in this battle!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 12:48:21
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I know right black heart I haven't seen any activity in kids room for 6 days now last one that bit me I caught it red handed on my wrist it appeared to be almost dead anyway. And my neighbor got bit 2 nights ago yikes maybe a 4 th spraying !!!! But I did de the beds so we shall see. I keep finding out that other buildings are infested with them on my block. Yesterday my neighbor across the street told me their problem began 1 year ago and the landlord refuses to do anything just brings them raid and crap like that and tenants are too afraid to speak up cuz they are behind on rent. I guess we had been dodging a bullet for quite some time. I'm thankful for our land lord he is the best. He didn't hesitate to treat our building . Greatful !
Novakanye it will get better I felt the same when I initially began the process but I hope you get treatment and eventually they will go away. I'm not sure how long it takes as you see I may need a 4 th spray but I'm hopeful. Hang in there. We are here for you . Blackheart the stragglers kill me still trying to hang on for dear life . Like the one I found attached to my wrist it was so slow and malnutricioned hahahajahah that it got caught ! Little nymph
buggyinsyracuse

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 13:27:20
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I'm hoping I can join this group as well? My anxiety is through the roof. I have been sleeping away from my apartment for the past week, but we (my neighbor) and I are getting our first treatment either this weekend on Monday and I know I will have to return to my bed in order to know if the treatment is working.

I'm frightened to death that because I have been away for so long that these suckers are going to be HUNGRY!I think I'm going to make an appointment with my Dr. so that she can prescribe me some kind of sedative or sleeping pill, otherwise I think I'll chicken out and leave.

On a positive note, I am blessed that my landlords have been very understanding and supportive. They jumped on it as soon as I called them this past weekend to report that my apartment was infested with bbs. Sadly it looks like my downstairs neighbor has them as well, but it doesn't seem like his are as bad.

Anyhow, all of you, please know that you are not alone in this. This forum and thread has been a godsend for me.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 13:42:34
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I hope they're treating all the units Syracuse. And welcome to our support group the whole website is a support group but this thread in particular is here to give each other any moral AND emotional Support one needs. I've had 3 treatments and I still wake up through the night to check. Haven't slept in a long time. But yes you must sleep in the bed to get them to cross the poison and to see if the treatment is successful. Good luck. We are all here for u
buggyinsyracuse

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 14:02:50
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Thank you feelinghelpless. I live in a house with two apartments. They will be spraying the bedrooms and living rooms of both of the apartments, which is the only rooms there is evidence of any bbs. I asked if that would make them scatter to the kitchen and bathroom and they said that even if they did, they would come back to where the "host" is. The gentleman seemed very knowledgeable on the topic and has even done presentations at seminars on bbs, so I'm hoping he is right.

I've been reading your posts and all I can say is that I can so relate to your anxiety. It has to be worse because you have children. At least I am living alone. Hang in there. I have to believe it will get better.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 14:59:56
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yes its gotten better but you never can tell with these things .... i am learning that i am obsessing on this subject more than anyone in my family. lol but hey i need to get rid of them asap.... not sure if they are gone but its been nice not getting bit constantly
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 18:15:03
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Hi Kass and every other poor victim here, well they say there is safety in numbers so hopefully that applies here as well! And a BIG welcome Buggy!

Second treatment today like I probably already said above, and I'm sad, but we shall survive!

So I guess even after second treatment its normal for the pc guy to have seen a few? They have not found me on my plastic covered sofa so I'm hoping they won't since I've gotten this far. Its funny, (not funny really) they haven't hunted me down, although its kinda upsetting that a couple live buggers were found on my sons wood bed frame. Yeah, so a third treatment... Oh God, please shoot me (just kidding) its just wearing down so much mentally trying to keep my brains from blowing outta my ears cause I'm stressed to the max!
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 18:41:26
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Kass2010 - 21 hours ago »
You guys are the best. Seriously. As feelinghelpless said, even though we had to meet on this forum, our bedbug warrior sisterhood has meant the world to me. I don't know how I'd get through all this without all of you!
Lifekeepshappening - so sorry to hear this bedbug mess had to come at such a bad time for you, but glad to hear you and your doc have found a med that works for you. I've actually thought about starting an as needed antianxiety med with all of this going on. I may have to, soon!
Bugsinbrooklyn - thanks for your support sister! I think the guy was like, crap, I chose the crazy lady to harass today, just move away slowly!
Kini - lol, the image of dryer sheets in your socks. Hope you're doing better and having time to rest and recover and continue healing!
Feelinghelpless - best wishes for your kids being back in school! You are so right, and thanks for putting things into perspective. In the end, bedbugs are NOT the end of the world, and we won't let them be.
Blackheart - I think I might literally hug my PCO and declare my love for him tomorrow. You?
Ladies, wishing you a restful, quiet night. One day at a time!

Kass, somehow I missed this, I was off work last Friday and met the Orkin man in the Super's Office, he is very, and I mean very attractive and best of all .... knowledgeable. He made me feel better because he was very self assured. Now that I know there will be another spray I'd gladly kiss him to show him my gratitude if he can end this nightmare
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 19:38:14
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Blackheart - 39 minutes ago »
<Kass, somehow I missed this, I was off work last Friday and met the Orkin man in the Super's Office, he is very, and I mean very attractive and best of all .... knowledgeable. He made me feel better because he was very self assured. Now that I know there will be another spray I'd gladly kiss him to show him my gratitude if he can end this nightmare

Blackheart - hahahah. Thanks for the laugh! My PCO is is definitely not as attractive as yours seems to be, but I still find him attractive because he's super nice and helpful...I guess "bedbug goggles" instead of "beer goggles." And sorry about the stragglers, but sounds like the 3rd treatment will knock them all out, so hang in there!

MNbugger and buggyinSyracuse - welcome to our group! The first stage is definitely shock/horror, but we're all here for you! You'll get through this, and it's awesome you've already taken action with PCOs coming by soon. It will definitely get better, and you're not alone. As for being able to sleep in the bed, it wasn't pleasant at first, but some type of sleep med definitely helps. And most importantly, the knowledge that you're luring them to their deaths!

So, I had my third treatment today (mine have been a week apart). PCO found a few "stragglers" also, in the bedframe. I hope this is the end. He's also going to come by again on Friday with the "master tech" just to double check and inspect everything again. This is either reassuring, cause a second set of eyes never hurts, or alarming, cause why do I need a "master tech?" Supposedly, this is normal operating procedure, but oh boy...

Everyone on this thread - we're all making progress. It may be slow, but it's progress. And I'm not kidding - we all need to have an online toast/group hug at some point.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 19:42:52
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Yeah Kass, as tough as it is, we just gotta hang in, I know

Count me in for that toast when we are all able too!

I can't believe it, but I did in fact see a bb at someone's work station today, see the post I made! God what next, these little pricks are taking over my life everywhere it seems!
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 20:18:33
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well the good news is that whatever bite I woke up with this morning was defn not a new bedbug bite.

Re the DE, I'm using it in places not sprayed by the PCO. The more I read here, the more I realize my PCO completely sucks.

I hope everyone is able to get some sleep tonight.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 20:22:53
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Ohh no Blackheart !!!!! As you all know if you read my block has 2 buildings infested and landlords refuse to treat! Yikes it was bound to come to my building. But when it's all said and done lets toast!
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 20:23:07
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Life, yeah it's so discouraging eh? I sometimes wanna throw in the towel

But Onwards and Upwards, cannot let these little fuggers win!

Also wish all a restful night, so not fair to live this way.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 20:24:15
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feelinghelplesswith3 babies - 43 seconds ago »
Ohh no Blackheart !!!!! As you all know if you read my block has 2 buildings infested and landlords refuse to treat! Yikes it was bound to come to my building. But when it's all said and done lets toast!

Yeah its gotta end, and they will NOT win this fight!
buggyinsyracuse

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 20:55:12
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helpless - nobody in the tight knit of circle I've told understand my anxiety either, so I can kind of understand. Maybe you need to express your concerns to your PCO

Blackheart - my PCO told me that it's not uncommon to have to do a fourth treatment, but he did indeed seem positive that it can be done. He told me that the biggest problem they have is with people that don't follow their insturctions. So hang in there.

Kass - same as to Blackheart. Hopefully you are getting to the end.

As for me, I feel partially accomplished today. I've been vacuuming the crap out of my carpet and mattresses since I found these suckers, but today was the first step I took to get ready for the treatment. Tried two huge loads of laundry on high heat for 40 minutes at the mat, sealed them up in space bags. I have a ton more to do, and I may take Friday off from work to get it all done, but I really felt like I was at least moving forward.

I want to treat with DE, but need to wait to talk to my PCO to make sure that it won't interfere with their treatments.

Anxiety still high, simple tasks seem to take forever, but I at least I feel accomplished. Back to sleeping at apt this weekend, but hopefully with the help of a strong sleeping pill.

All - please hang in there and keep contributing to this thread. It has been a livesaver for me.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 21:24:41
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Buggy, so good to have you with us, there is strength in numbers to be sure.

Sounds to me like you are doing best what needs to be done, and its gonna be o,k, we all need to stick together, wow..... sounds so dramatic, but lately I'm truly believing, the depth of this thing is epidemic or even worse, sure as hell no one's gonna confirm that are they? And what I mean are the officials, so called politicians and others who could care less until these things are crawling over them.

Maybe that sounds crazy, but I really don't think its all that crazy, and that this is just in my head, things are really seriously bad, and getting worse with the bb situation.

And as for medication, your talking to the QUEEN of sedation,, doing it regularly, hope the bb's don't make me a candidate for a rehabilitative program, .... kidding... I think!
kinihatesbedbugs

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 21:32:38
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Wishing you all a peaceful night sleep and praying for all of us.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 21:34:27
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You too Kini, take care sweetie!
Kass2010

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 9:35:09
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Blackheart, I so agree. I feel like there needs to be more awareness and education of this whole problem. And funding.

Kini - thank you! Your continued support of us is very much appreciated!

buggyinsyracuse - just wanted to drop a note of encouragement as you prep! I had one day to prep and it was so overwhelming. At one point, I just stood there in the middle of my apartment thinking I couldn't do it. I'm not a packrat by any means, but it's amazing how much "clutter" one person (I live alone) can accumulate! Hang in there, and take it a step at a time. Each load of laundry is progress and in the end, you'll get it done, and hopefully treat yourself to a nice dinner or something equally nice at the end!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 10:01:07
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Yes kass its amazing how much you accumulate. I still have 6 bags of clean laundry to do. Jesus. I finally unpacked and steamed some of our shoes. I had 2 under the bed shoe things that I'm affraid to open. This weekend when I was doing some laundry I got bit on my neck by one of them. Maybe ?!!! My boys have not been bit nor have I seen any activity in their room for 7 days wow. For me its been 4 days so we shall see. Hang in there everyone one step at a time
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 10:34:58
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Speaking on clutter - I've actually downsized because of this. The amount of things I tossed because I either haven't worn it all year or haven't used it...felt GREAT to cleanse!

I'm going on vacation next week - just home to the midwest then out to Vegas for a weekend...and I realize how freaked I am about getting bugs from a hotel in Vegas. UGH. I miss the times I was completely ignorant to this...I'm totally, the moment I get home, isolating my luggage and all things in it, then washing EVERYTHING that comes back with me immediately. And steaming my luggage. Or keeping it isolated. AH.

Hang in there everyone!!

Jen
buggyinsyracuse

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 10:40:15
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Blackheart - I also agree that there really needs to be more awareness. Never in a million years did I think that I would ever have this problem.

Kass and Blackheart - thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Overwhelmed for sure, and I'm also not a packrat, living alone in a small apartment, but now I'm realizing that I have much more "stuff" than I ever thought I did. I'm using this as an opportunity to toss anything but essentials.

feelinghelpless - you hang in there too.

All, this reminds me of the saying "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Only in this case the bbs are the elephant and we are doing the biting!
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 10:43:15
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Have fun in Vegas you'll only be 4 hrs away from me. Yes that bedbugregistry.com tells you all the hotels that have them. I was shocked to see cesars palace. And others. But know you are aware and yes tho ignorance is bliss its better to know. Have a great day everyone
bugsinbrooklyn13

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 11:00:49
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feelinghelpless - AH! My friend was about to book caeser's palace! I just hollered and said CHECK THE REGISTRY I CAN'T DO THIS AGAIN.

I think I'm going to just treat my vacation gear as if I got bugs. And lots of gallon bags. Oh OCD.
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 11:24:36
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right we are going to seattle in 10 days and i plan to buy those plastic luggage protectors o cannot go there ever again!!!!
MNbugger

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 12:12:19
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Well, our first treatment is tomorrow. It seems I may have held them at bay in our room and the baby's room (after I steamed the daylights of of her pack and play). So far at least with all of the vaccuuming, steaming and dusting DE. No one besides my older daughter has gotten any bites so they're going to heat treat her room and dust/spray in a few other places.
I feel more comfortable with my PCO. He's been battling bb for 10 years and he guarantees he'll get rid of them no matter how long it takes. I was in sticker shock when he said how much it would cost but he reassured me by saying that includes as many treatments as is needed for her room. On average..at least 3. He's willing to work with payments and if the little buggers move rooms he said we'll work something out there as well.
I know we're probably in different states but what have treatments cost all of you?
feelinghelplesswith3 babies

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 13:00:42
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I manage the building I'm in they treated 3 times and it is a 8 unit building. It was a little ove 2 gs. He was mid price but he came highly recommended.he has a guarantee as well. I didn't have to pay the owner did. Thank God. I do hear heat is more he did spray and dusts
buggyinsyracuse

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 13:30:19
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MN, we are getting chemical treatment for my bedroom and living room, along with my neighbor's. The cost is $1,400. Heat would have been almost four times as much (well, maybe three), but I have heard rumor that it can be more effective.
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 17:41:59
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MN - we used Terminix 90 day "guarantee" which came with 3 sets of bed encasements. It was $400 per infested room (2) and $150 for one "defend" room. Altogether it was just under $1300, which left me stunned, but now that I've been battling it for several weeks I'm thinking there's no way I could've done this alone.

They come out every 10-14 days and were prepared to use cold/heat or chemicals. Our infestation was only actually in two beds (and then they moved to my bed from the two other rooms) so they didn't need to use any cold or heat to treat furniture. We don't have carpet either so there are some chemicals they can't use. I just have to remember NOT to mop the floors after residual is sprayed.

So far we've had 3 treatments and no one seems to be getting bitten this week. I paid up front and when the techs come they do ask if there is any activity in other parts of the house and will treat that under the current contract. Each time they come, they leave a list of what chemicals they've used. The techs have both been very new to bed bugs. They say it has a fast burn out rate as a job, so if you've found someone who knows what they're doing I think it's worth the price.

Good luck and I hope it's not long before you're out of bedbugdom.
lifekeepshappening

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 17:49:12
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My fiance is arriving tomorrow night. He's flying. He rents an apartment. He doesn't react to bites. Can you feel the level of anxiety rising with all these factors?

I'm going to the airport armed with bags and duct tape. We're going to heat and seal all his clothing and luggage and set up the same for the return journey in two weeks.

I have to say until this happened, I was really thrilled that he was going to take me to NY City someday. Now I'm just like "omfg no thanks" as I'm reading 50% infestation rates.
Blackheart

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Posted 9 months ago
Thu Aug 16 2012 18:27:57
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OMG Lifekeeps, you made me chuckle, no disrepect intended, it was the "omfg"

Wishing the best for you and that the outcome is good!