An OCD Life - Paperback

Fred Mletzko graduated from his class at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and received his diploma from the President of the United States. He won numerous military awards as an Officer in the Coast Guard. He also taught High School and was honored as Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year. He has dealt with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for most of his life and has been able to accomplish numerous goals and have many positive experiences despite his disability.

Book Extract

It should have been the best day of my life. It was a beautiful afternoon. Sunny, a few clouds, temperatures in the 70's, and a slight breeze. I had worked obsessively for six years for this day. "The Captain" as I would be referred to from that day on. The day I take command of a Coast Guard Cutter, one of the toughest, most responsible and stressful jobs that exist. It's 1992. We're tied up at the pier in Norfolk, VA. Unfortunately, my mind is obsessed with the fear of catching Aids. This was not a "normal" fear as I was not in a high risk group. I had taken this particular fear to extreme lengths due to what I would soon be diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disor-der). I got tested monthly and washed my hands constantly.