i dont think you need to fit into a specific category for it to be ED. To me ED is a problem if it is effecting my day to day life. If it is interfering with my job, friends, or me. Even if it seems insignificant, like being concerned with my body looks, I take it seriously. ED is such a sneaky thing that can take over my life if I let the little things slip.

I guess my advice is if something doesnt feel right, or is concerning you a label does not matter. Its your life and you deserve to be as happy as you can. Speak up. Try to find out what is behind the symptoms.

I think you are right on with your maybe suspicion and you should ask your doctor who sounds like a total moron to give you a referral to a therapist and nutritionist. Sounds like you are coming out of denial which is brave. Good luck.

It might be useful to see another doctor, either another primary care doctor for a second opinion or a GI or endocrine specialist. It may be ED, but I'd get other questions cleared up.

You're decreased appetite is not because you're afraid of weight gain and you're cold and fatigued. These may be somewhat vague symptoms, but should NOT be ignored. Did your doc do any tests? Does she plan to follow up with you soon?

Thanks Squiishy, Karrin, and Lynn,

I feel like I am telling people there is a problem (like family, BF, friends, Doc) and all I get is a "Yea...so?" Like my problem is insignificant. I guess because I have other Mental Illness they don't take me very seriously. Like everything I do is acting out. So when I say "Hey I can't eat!" they just say that i am picky and shake their heads. Looking for a new Doc for sure! I just don't want to let it get out of control. I have had a lot of issues with food in the past....very different from now, but it is affecting my life in a negative way.

Thanks again....this is a struggle and I need some validation

You deserve respect and to be listened to. Having a mental illness does not mean you don't know that there's something going on with your body. Trust your instincts on this.

Maybe even print out what you posted above to take to your new doctor. I think you're very clear abotut what's different from your past ED symptoms.

And, I definitely validate what you're saying. Would it trigger you to track your symptoms for a few days? Basic things like how much/when you sleep, level of fatigue, level of feeling cold, what you eat and your body's response? It might help you and the new doc put things together. BUT, if it's triggering, don't do it!

Thankyou so much Lynn!

I have been keeping track of that stuff. My insurance changed to kaiser and I have found them very cold and unconcerned with my treatment. I know that I need to take care of myself and advocate for my own well-being. Unfortunately that is not completely possible so I am trying to assemble a treatment plan that includes a psychiatrist that isn't inept, a therapist, and a good primary. But I need help and so I reach out, only to be yet again disregarded and left feeling totally invalidated. My BF is worried but all he can really do is comfort me. It is so frustrating when I go above and beyond to help myself and all I get are brick walls.

Anyway thanks again... sometimes I feel like the only sane person I know! :P

All thus fails say ED NOS, thats what I technically have dealt with.

Are you still on meds? Because some meds can kill your appetite, others can upset your stomach. There's a particular med that I took that zapped my appetite. The ones that I take now upset my stomach, so much so that sometimes I have to take another med to get rid of the nausea.

The first thing that should be done before jumping to relapse is to rule out anything else. So maybe it's the meds, but it could also be a medical condition. Get a different doctor, one who listens. A natural body will feel hungry and will digest food, not make you sick. Losing 20lbs is alot, and should be taken seriously especially if you're not trying to lose weight. The being cold and tired comes from the lack of food/nutrients.

Also...just had this thought...some psychitric conditions cause loss of appetite and even physical sickness. Depression is a major one, anxiety is right beside it.

So there's lots of things that could be in the mix. First place to start is with a complete phyiscal work-up. So, go get that new doctor and see how everything unfolds from there.

Good luck.

I have anemia so i get realy cold hands and alot of fatigue during the day. so you might have that. if you dont eat alot then because you dont like food then your malnurished. and you need valuable vitamins and nutriance that your missing. so if your missing iron than you might have anemia..

I am still not sure what is going on. Have yet to see a doctor. I am still kinda worried though...

I am.certain I am malnurished at this point. I am bruising really easy. Just started a.vitamin supplement so perhaps that will help. While I know its a composite of issues... I have BPD and so already I have the makings for.disorderly thinking... I think ED is stepping out and taking the spotlight. Sorry :(

labeling your problem isn't nearly as important as recognizing you have one. so congrts on that.

as far as EDNOS is concerned, its very definition is "eating disorder not otherwise specified". what you have described sounds like it would definitely fit the EDNOS catagory. but to be sure, get diagnosed by a doctor or therapist specializing in ED's. if you're doctor is not taking you seriously, please don't hesitate to go to someone else. EDNOS is not widely recognized as its own illness yet, and it certainly doesn't have the presence in the media and pop culture that anorexia and bulemia do. nevertheless, it IS an ED. it can and will kill you- just like the other ED's can-if you do not get help. so keep asking. keep asking for help and reaching out till someone listens.