I hate cutting my nails because my hands feel "bad" for the next 2-3 days. When my hands feel bad, that means that I am extra sensitive to textural things. Everything feels too rough/dry and just plain uncomfortable.

My Mom (I'm home for a bit) asked if I was cutting them too short and I agreed that was probably an issue. I cannot use an emery board, so in an effort to even up my nails they end up too short. Tonight my Mom asked me if I wanted her to file my nails for me. I agreed, since they were kind of uneven after trying not to cut them too short. As soon as I agreed, my stomach filled with dread.

I closed my eyes, pressed my other hand to my eyes and tried really hard not to cry. She went as fast as possible and I bit my cheeks/lips and pressed really hard into my eyes.

After it was over, I washed my hands and put on lotion. Then, I left the room and walked into the kitchen. If I had a swing, I would've been in that sucker. I needed to be regulated in the worst of ways. I walked back to my Mom. I requested a hug and she obliged, offering to be my squeeze machine (we just watched the Temple Grandin movie).

After a hard hug, I couldn't help it...I started to cry. I also flapped my hands and took some deep breaths.

It's really funny, I just commented to my Mom earlier that I was glad my SPD wasn't more severe. Hah, the universe has a funny way of making you eat your words.

I'm ok now though, I just keep flicking my fingers over my nails. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I surely wish I did. I keep my nails long for that very reason, but of course, that's not really optimal. One thing that I've noticed that is easier to deal with for me is nail scissors instead of nail clippers. Since you are cutting across, it's easier to see that it's an even cut, there's no harsh click, there's not grinding like the emery board. Other than that, I've just had to get frightening good at cutting my nails once and leaving it. (sigh of frustration)

It might help if you do some exercises to help you regulate really well before you start, too. Like, jump on the trampoline for a while. Roll around on your therapy ball. And while you're doing it (or having someone else do it), have your ear buds in your ears, playing relaxing music, or wild music with a good bass to distract you. Maybe have a relaxing weight around your shoulders, if you have something like that. If not, a rice sock is nice and heavy. Sometimes, when I know I have to do something that really bothers me, having that kind of preparation can make it easier.

Hang in there. We all have moments where we get overloaded sometimes. I'm just glad you had your mom there to support you so well. It's not an indication of how bad your SPD is or of how well you control it (except for in that moment). We all get overloaded sometimes. Even Dan. And that you were able to quickly assess it and release that tension is fantastic; it means you gave yourself the tools you needed to let go of that tension quickly. We all seek to do that now and again.

I can't stand the clip or the grind of trimming/filing nails, so I've basically stopped caring about my nails and just bite them constantly. ^^;

Thank you for the suggestions Sarah, I appreciate it! I wish I could just leave my nails long, but they collect stuff under them really easily and just look icky (TMI?). I will definitely try out using the nail scissors. A plus today is that they are not as bad as normal on day two, so either I'm better regulated right now (sleeping better!) or really trying to not cut them too short helped. I am still flicking my fingers over their edges a lot, but that's not so bad.

Sila - I am a proud non-biter (almost) for awhile now, so I am trying to steer clear of that habit


Jaimie

Good idea to try the nail scissors!

I'm okay with nail clippers (though half the time I am just picking at my nails!), but both my sons hate getting their nails trimmed. They say it hurts them, but I try to not cut too close. Their toe nails are the worst because if they get too long they start to curl in toward the skin, so I have to watch them. My older son is getting better, but with my younger son, there is usually crying involved when I trim his nails. They don't like the nail file either.

(01-05-2011, 12:20 AM)jdefyingravity Wrote: Thank you for the suggestions Sarah, I appreciate it! I wish I could just leave my nails long, but they collect stuff under them really easily and just look icky (TMI?). I will definitely try out using the nail scissors. A plus today is that they are not as bad as normal on day two, so either I'm better regulated right now (sleeping better!) or really trying to not cut them too short helped. I am still flicking my fingers over their edges a lot, but that's not so bad.

Sila - I am a proud non-biter (almost) for awhile now, so I am trying to steer clear of that habit
Jaimie

hehe, I gave up trying to not bite my nails. I'm constantly trying to get input from my mouth, and that often results in my fingers in my mouth if nothing else.

Good luck though :3 I have that problem with showers/baths mostly. My hair being washed, after it's done it feels so weird and off for the next few days. My skin feels all dry and it drives me nuts, but I can't handle the texture/smell of lotion.

Lynn, the nail file is awful!

Sila, I chew a LOT of gum as a way to get input in my mouth. It used to be fingernails and cigarettes, but I've (crossing my fingers), mostly killed both habits. I shower every other day because I also HATE how my skin feels after a shower. I'm very picky about lotions, right now Gold Bond is working for me.

My mom is also very sensitive to lotions, so for Channukah I went to Sephora and bought her Naked Body Butter (maximum moisture cream). The company that makes it is called Bliss. It is paraben free (not sure what that means, lol) and completely scent free. You might want to try it!

Jaimie

The only reason I've really been able to put up with keeping my nails trimmed is because instead of biting nails, I scratch. And if my nails are ragged, I get hurt badly. So truly, I know what you mean. I really hope the nail scissors help.

I am also sensitive to lotions, both smell and touch. I'll have to try that Naked Body Butter. I have to shower every other day or I'm constantly scratching, but when I shower, I feel dry and constantly scratch. It's a lose/lose situation, especially since lotion is problematic, as well. I have the same trouble with my teeth; if I don't brush, I'm picking at them all day, but if I do brush, I hurt.

Dude, I need an SPD break. Can we get an SPD-free zone? lol

I wish there was an SPD-free zone, wouldn't that be nice??



Jaimie

So true, so true. Too bad it's a dream. I can dream, right?