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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ann54 10/26/2015

I saw my eating disorder clinical nutrition doctor today and it wasn't very good. during the past 5 months I have lost significant weight that I couldn't afford to, I knew I had dropped a few but not that much. 2 of my blood tests came back low, meaning lack of nutrients in my body and all the protein I am consuming is going to make my body function not what the protein should be for. I in all my years of suffering this awful disease have I gotten a bad blood test. my hair is coming out in the shower, not tons but it didn't before. I have all these signs and symptoms, tired, get dizzy sometimes, legs leaden after a long wal and when she told me flat out that I have to choose to get off the slippery slope I am on or the next visit may find me going IP. even hearing all this I was still indescive, afraid and simply didn't kn ow what I want. I know I want to live and be happy, why cant I just eat what I eat and not lose weight an those ed thoughts just go away. I cant afford to go to counseling, there are no support groups here and I live along and was never a good eater nutrition wise no matter what size I was. does anyone know of any online help I can get for free, I just cant seem to do it without more help. I am scared.

forestfreek 10/26/2015

I'm sorry things are so desperate for you, ann.
I have nothing to recommend, as I'm not from the same country as you and I'm at a loss in my own neck of the woods at times - sorry about that.
I'm really surprised your ED nutrition doctor couldn't suggest anything, especially in light of how serious things are. Surely he/she must have tons of resources to access?
HUGS

kathywonders 10/27/2015

Im sorry about the bad news Ann.I agree with Forestfreek that your ED doctors advice wasnt particularly helpful - it was more of a threat than an offer of help. I would have thought an ED specialist doctor would know that EDs are not a matter of making choices.

You do however already make choices to eat breakfast even though you dont feel like it. You can continue. Does it help to imagine how it would feel to be more energetic and to have healthy hair?

I would love for you to get into some programme that inspires and guides but unfortunately I dont know of anything for free.

ann54 10/27/2015

she did suggest a nutrionist but again the money and I am not sure if I would follow it, I may call anyways and check it out. she only wants me to eat 500 more calories but "real" food and I have no idea how many calories I eat to begin with, I have never counted. that is a good way to think about breakfast, I do have more energy when I eat it. she is useless in the way of resources though and it is maddening, one would think she woud know of free places or clinics in the area. I ate a little more last night felt gross but also good, I hope this will last though I don't like as you say to make a choice, it doesn't work that way at all. hugs and thanks

dizzynini 10/27/2015

You can google and look up calorie counters that way you can add the extra calories you need to your diet.

danita107 10/27/2015

It sounds like it's really tough for you right. I'm sorry :( I don't know of anything for free. You always have this support group though and there are usually great suggestions. I've been told to journal, meditate and reach out. I think it's amazing that you went to your doc!

red47640 10/27/2015

hi Ann, I am also sorry to hear of your situation and know firsthand what that is like. It can be so hard to will ourselves to make healthy choices, even when we know our lives depend on it. That ED voice in our minds is so powerful and instills such fear in us. I know how frightening the prospect of gaining weight is, trust me... but if your life is at stake, just ask yourself which is more important, being a size 0 or 4 or whatever, or living? Being skinny or living to enjoy friends and family and being able to accomplish everything you want to achieve. It is hard and it is scary, but it's about priorities and obtaining the quality of life that you want and deserve. Again, I feel for you, and I hope you know that we are all here for you on DS!

ann54 10/28/2015

I do so appreciate and am so glad you all are here and so supportive and good advice. I know it is my choice to make, I am eating breakfast today. I have tons of loose skin so when I look at myself I don't see the thinness I see fat though it isn't. I am not a calorie counter but guess I will have to. I am so afraid and truthfully don't know what I want to do. life hasn't really been joyfull and I still have yet to love myself, which I think needs to come first. many hugss

kathywonders 10/28/2015

To be honest Im a bit sceptical about the benefits of calorie counting. It can become an obsession in itself and does it do anyone any good. Sometimes weight gains and losses dont seem to have anything to do with calories consumed. However it your doctor suggests 500 calories more it may be worth checking out meals and snack that contain about 500 calories that you feel you can cope with. Liquids (protein/milk or yogurt based smoothies) might be easier at first than solid foods. Hope you can do it for you health and well-being. ((( )))

ann54 10/30/2015

I agree Kathy, I have never counted calories per say, in really bad times I would think did I burn off the food, but I haven't counted yet and I don't want to. prt of the reason I don't want a nutrionist. I did good last night ate chicken and broccoli with my son and had a bit more later on. he was so happy.

kathywonders 10/30/2015

Chicken and broccoli - sounds like a tasty and nutritious meal! Well done Ann!

ann54 11/01/2015

thanks Kathy, it was yummy too. the best part was not eating alone

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