Eating Disorders Support Group

Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.

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xBlissx 04/16/2008

When I went for my assessment yesterday I was told that once I start treatment it will be done very slowly at first as I'm at risk of developing the Re-feeding Syndrome.
From what I've found out so far...it's basically if you push things too fast, the rapid changes in your system can cause even more damage and I've also read that they can me fatal.
This really scares me! I'm terrified of going somewhere where they might not know what they're doing (especially with NHS!). What if they move things too fast? I could end up in more danger than I am now.
If anyone can give me more information on this so I can understand it better it would be greatly appreciated.

x-Bliss-x

deleted_user 04/16/2008

HI Honey, Re-feeding has to be done slowly and starts with 10cals per kg of weight for the first three days, then slowly increased with regular blood tests to see whats going on, you would be amazed at how the body repairs and refeeds as is Africa with millions suffering from enforced starvation, it makes no difference if its NHS or not as the national guidelines state clearly what is implied and they are followed rigioursly in my experience. For instance my daughter had some blood sugar issues and they monitored it closely and it rebalanced itself. You have nothing to fear, you will be fed in balance and you will be fine. email me if you are still worried xxx

xBlissx 04/16/2008

10 cals per kg! I've just worked that out...
No wonder he told me to go straight to A&E if I had a bad binge!

Thank you for that, it makes me feel better knowing how they'll do it :)

x-Bliss-x

deleted_user 04/16/2008

If they said they'll start you off slowly, they will. I was at that place, and Remuda started off with mainly liquids and very mushy food for me so it would be easier to digest. Your doctors know what they're doing, and will move slowly and monitor your progress. Don't worry, okay? /big hugs

deleted_user 04/16/2008

Fane, I'm not sure if they would really only do 10 cals per KG. When I was underweight, they gave me more than 10x that weight. Hmmmm. I think it just differs different places, but they all know what they're doing. Oh yeah, they definitely do blood tests too to monitor your levels.

deleted_user 04/16/2008

Yes I was just relating to my daughters experience 10kg per kilo for 3 days then increased by 250 cals every three days I think thats the minumum per our guidelines here.

deleted_user 04/16/2008

I've been in childrens medical inpatient hospital many times and as far as refeeding they usually started out on 1000-1200 calories the least anyone I know ever started at ( these were 10 year old kids) was 800 calories. They check blood every day and if phosphorus drop they would give supplement and check blood more than once a day. Most people did not develop anything however some (usually the ones being tube fed) would get edema in the legs. which is uncomfortable but it goes away and I don't think it's fatal.

deleted_user 04/16/2008

I think all ED clinics start slow and know what they are doing. You have to realize they are spezialized in their field and have had all kinds of people in different stages. When I went IP that was the first thing they told me that they would refeed me slowly to not overburden my body. So don't worry.

missyS 04/17/2008

i know that where i went inpatient, everyone get all liquid nutrition for the first 3 days...and i was started off on 1200 cals and slowly increased as time went on

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