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Adult onset Anorexia, no one listening, Help?
I have lost over 60 lbs in the last 4 mos. I am a fitness instructor and p/t Intensive Care Paramedic. I teach swimming and was a paramedic in helicopters for 15yrs, you can't have two jobs that make you much more body conscious! One you spend your day in a swimsuit and the other you have to get on a scale at the begining of your shift to make sure you aren't over the aircraft weight limits. So I just quit eating. My husband finally dragged me to HIS doc because I fainted twice at home. My MD has told me to try eating small meals but when I do I end up with horrible diarhea and nausea. I've had an ultra sound to rule out gall bladder disease and now I just don't know what to do.I feel like because I'm not a 98lb waif no one takes me seriously. I currently weigh 166lb's and am 5ft 11in. My MD's nurse actually looked at me and said "You're so lucky, with your height and face you could be a model if you keep on losing this way"... What do I do?
ps: the sad part is, for the most part you have to be your own advocate. Fight the good fight. Don't allow one stunned doctor to stop you from reaching out to another. I had to go through 5 dr's before anyone took me seriously, and let me tell you, some of those experiences were horrible! But it was worth it in the end, when i finally connected with the medical team who got it.
Let me begin by saying, I am so proud of you for reaching out. I was once in your position as well, and it takes a great amount of courage and believe it or not, self love to reach out for help. It must also mean that the concern is overwhelming and you feel lost. I am 25 years old, and I have Anorexia along with EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). So please, give yourself permission to thank yourself for being so strong.
Anorexia isn't diagnosed because of a very low number on a scale. There are so many other factors that contribute. I felt that no one would take me seriously when I was a particular number on the scale. I felt I wasn't "sick enough" to be admitted to In Patient care. I was proven wrong. So wrong. The media has great influence over what we consider to be Anorexia. I also heard the model comments too. Well if you keep going this way, you'll be dead. And you can't model then can you? (that's not a mean comment ps. I hope the tone isn't taken the wrong way) For a nurse to say that! I am disgusted. But I have also been to the ER several times, and got the strangest looks from the nurses and dr's when I explained that I have Anorexia and EDNOS. They didn't understand I could have both. Which is why you must find a specialist who is educated on this and won't encourage the ED (eating disorder) thoughts.
Most people would suggest that you consider a career change, or develop skills to learn the difference between silly social concerns that have highly damaging impacts on you and your body and your thoughts.
I'm not sure where you live, or what your health coverage is. If you can, research on the internet places in your area that have support groups, IP or day programs, plus Dr's that are educated in this. I went to Homewood in Ontario, it was out of province for me, but luckily my provincial health care paid for it. I had to go twice, only because the first time, I was ready to let go of my ED. In my head, it was the only thing I could control, depend on, trust even. It's like an abusive relationship. The second time, I decided I wanted to live. I wanted to be happy. I lost everything, the man I loved, my education, even my home. It was the most rewarding experience to put 100% into me for a change.
While you are doing this, consider some reading material. Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer is incredible! In fact it was a huge part of my recovery journey. Her therapist also has some input in the book with exercises (not the physical kind!!) that you can do. She has a follow up book, GOODBYE ED, HELLO ME! To be honest, I haven't done much reading. It's a hurdle in my journey that I must overcome.
http://www.nedic.ca/ is a website that may help you with connections, resources etc.
http://www.NationalEatingDisorders.org is based out of the states, but again, provides great information. hey can also be found on Facebook.
I hope this helps a bit. Feel free to email me anytime on this site :)
Namaste
Anorexia isn't diagnosed because of a very low number on a scale. There are so many other factors that contribute. I felt that no one would take me seriously when I was a particular number on the scale. I felt I wasn't "sick enough" to be admitted to In Patient care. I was proven wrong. So wrong. The media has great influence over what we consider to be Anorexia. I also heard the model comments too. Well if you keep going this way, you'll be dead. And you can't model then can you? (that's not a mean comment ps. I hope the tone isn't taken the wrong way) For a nurse to say that! I am disgusted. But I have also been to the ER several times, and got the strangest looks from the nurses and dr's when I explained that I have Anorexia and EDNOS. They didn't understand I could have both. Which is why you must find a specialist who is educated on this and won't encourage the ED (eating disorder) thoughts.
Most people would suggest that you consider a career change, or develop skills to learn the difference between silly social concerns that have highly damaging impacts on you and your body and your thoughts.
I'm not sure where you live, or what your health coverage is. If you can, research on the internet places in your area that have support groups, IP or day programs, plus Dr's that are educated in this. I went to Homewood in Ontario, it was out of province for me, but luckily my provincial health care paid for it. I had to go twice, only because the first time, I was ready to let go of my ED. In my head, it was the only thing I could control, depend on, trust even. It's like an abusive relationship. The second time, I decided I wanted to live. I wanted to be happy. I lost everything, the man I loved, my education, even my home. It was the most rewarding experience to put 100% into me for a change.
While you are doing this, consider some reading material. Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer is incredible! In fact it was a huge part of my recovery journey. Her therapist also has some input in the book with exercises (not the physical kind!!) that you can do. She has a follow up book, GOODBYE ED, HELLO ME! To be honest, I haven't done much reading. It's a hurdle in my journey that I must overcome.
http://www.nedic.ca/ is a website that may help you with connections, resources etc.
http://www.NationalEatingDisorders.org is based out of the states, but again, provides great information. hey can also be found on Facebook.
I hope this helps a bit. Feel free to email me anytime on this site :)
Namaste
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