doctors obligation

[ter_in_pa]

I have a doctor appt coming up next week just for a check up.  My question is, do they have an obligation to  MAKE you get help if you tell them you are bulimic?   Like if you tell a dr you think you are suicidal that's a trip to the hospital with no way home!!  I think I may tell them I might have an eating disorder because I have a surgery coming up in February that I'm a little scared about.  I want to make sure they do all blood tests that should be done so I don't want to run into any problems on the table.  But I want my family dr. to do some tests first to make sure everything is o.k.   Only been bulimic for about 10 months and not sure when problems set in.  I do abuse lax's too but not too extreme.  My body is not immune to them yet.  Also, don't want to tell the anesthesiologist I have an eating disorder because I want the surgery over with and guess they only do pre admission testing a couple of days before hand.  
Anyway, I don't want to go to the doctor and have them put me in a psych ward that day.  I'm not proud of my lifestyle I've been living, but this is an addiction. Please help and post comments soon as I don't have much time.  Thanks to all in advance.  

[enonomus]

It sounds like you're objective is 1) to safely have surgery, and 2) keeping your GP OUT of your eating disorder business.  I've found i have a few options when it comes to this. If you want to keep you're GP happy, you need to 1) tell him about your ED, and 2) reassure him you have everything under control.  About #1, you need to give him only generalities, and minimize the amount of syptomatic behavior you are experiencing.  Because the mere mention of an ED will provoke the tests that need to occur in order to keep you safe, it is pointless to tell him how many mujffins you threw up this morning..  

Howdo you assure him you have it under control? Verbally emphasize how hard you're working to get better (even if its not true, it will assuage his worry and inclination to intervene).  He is legally bound to keep your secrets unless you are endangering you're life.  So, to increase you're believability mention OA (Overeaters Annonomus) or ANAD (Anorexia Nervocsa & Associated Disorders) Groups you are attending, and how encouraging they are.  Emphasize how much accounatbility your groups are providing, and how it's an uphill battle, but one you are determined to climb/  DONT mention therapy b/c you're GP will ask for consent for you're (fake) therapist & him/her to exchange info.  He will ask in future visits, but there are endless stories you can tell of successes and failures that will convince him you are on an uphill track.  I've been doing this for years, and it enables me to get the healthcar I need, the tests I need, etc., but still have a measure of eating disorder autonomy.  

Good luck, and I hope you're surgery turn out well.  

[lucy1122]

What a load of ****!  Both of you should give your head a shake.  If you ever hope to find any peace in your life, it starts with the stopping all the bs.  Wow.  I am floored since I have read this.  

Get some help.  Please.  You are continuing to perpetuate your dysfunction...not find a way to deal with it.

My daughter goes on to this forum and this **** is certainly not going to help her become a well rounded, healthy human being.

[Jennifer375]

I have to agree with Lucy as both a parent and as a person. Your post has been reported because the intention of this board is not to promote self abuse.

[lucy1122]

Thank you for supporting me!  I was floored when I saw this, obviously.  My hope is that both of the above find some value in this.

[jei56]

Ya thats a great idea Lie to a Dr. who is only concerned about your health and you having a successful surgery outcome.Just because you have preop blood tests they do not tell about what state your esophogus is in from the wretching etc you could develop a post op stress ulcer because of your fragile g.i.  system, you could bleed to death and you cannot predict this by just having blood tests; you re fooling only yourself and you will never get better if you continue this manipulation .Please dont take her advice!

[Mesister]

Please take the advice given by lucy  and no way listen to ennonomous who is putting your life at risk and I am glad it has been reported.  You are typically trying to fool yourself that you are under control if you were your would not need to lie. Please be open with your doctor and do not risk your life I know from family experience what I am talking about.  
One step forward to the rest of your life take care and good luck.