Posted by Racer on October 7, 2005, at 17:16:02
In reply to Re: Uh Oh » Racer, posted by Sonya on October 7, 2005, at 15:03:27
We're not the same plenty nine, though... I'm in my 40s, she's 30s, as I recall. We're both grown ups, though, if that's what you're concerned about. Maxime can tell you her story, but I've had this problem since the late 70s, and only started treatment for it this year. Over the years, I've tried to talk to doctors, but none of them ever quite got it -- one telling me that I didn't *look* too thin to her, another saying that anorexics don't have enough insight to recognize that they have a problem, etc. Last year, though, I managed to tell my pdoc. It was wonderful, finally to have it out there -- such a relief!
When you see a nutritionist, try to make sure it's someone with experience in eating disorders, not just a general dietitian. And you want to make sure you see an RD -- Registered Dietitian. Mine has been great, even though I've spent most of my time resisting her suggestions, and crying my eyes out in her office because I've gained weight. I feel very fortunate to have found such a good one first try. Just like a T, though, if your N isn't the right fit for you, you can find one who is.
And find a T, too. It's not just about the food, but about your body image and self image. And it's not at all unusual to have an eating disorder into your middle years. A lot of us fall through the cracks because we don't "look" anorexic. In my case, even my husband missed just how thin I was for a long, long time. Our marriage counselor saw a picture he had taken of me in my underwear, taken for a variety of reasons, and was shocked -- she hadn't realized that I was that far gone. (Of course, when she spent so long looking at it, I was ashamed -- sure that she was staring at my fat belly.) With my clothes on, I didn't necessarily look all that thin.
Anyway, congratulations on telling your P. I know how hard it was for me, so imagine it must have been that hard for you, too.
For what it's worth, the literature I've read says that many anorexics LOSE weight quite soon after starting a 1200 calorie per day diet. At that point, they may have to go up as high as 4000 calories per day to put on ANY weight. I certainly don't think you should try anything like that on your own, but your N should be able to help you minimize your distress with eating more. And if you don't trust your N enough to work with her, find another...
Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:563685
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/eating/20050314/msgs/564185.html