Hello, Friends. As many of you might remember I went into treatment for anorexia and exercise compulsion at Remuda Ranch on March 7 and I came home on May 30. I was home for a one week vacation and then started in a partial hospitalization program in Tampa each day from 7am until 7pm...M-F. I am 5'7" and was admitted at 99 pounds and I left Remuda at 113 pounds...well on my way...but with still a ways to go. Much more that the actual weight that I gained though, I started the process of learning to love my body and learning to love food for all the right reasons and no longer fearing it and viewing it as something that can hurt my body. I learned about the healing power of horses and am now a horseback rider and plan to continue that on a very regular basis once i get out of partial. I have learned the therapeutic value of leisure walks with friends and of sharing a meal with friends and enjoying the company as well as the food. I have realized that I feel better when i eat...my body does not like to be deprived. While I don't yet have hunger cues back yet I do feel better when I am fueled properly. I have realized that it actually takes a lot of calories just to maintain my weight...much less gain weight...so starvation is so not necessary. Most importantly I have learned that anorexia is a disease just like diabetes is a disease and it is nothing to be embarrassed about it to hide. I am so lucky to have found you men and women on ds. I would never have had the courage to come out in the open about my struggles and victories without all of your support. I treasure each and every one of you. I will keep you up to date as I continue to fight and i will continue to follow all of your journeys for inspiration and to encourage you as well.

Much Love,
April