Information page

There is definate euphoria present when an ED patient is discussing their ED if they are not ready for recovery. I believe forcing treatment is necessary to save lives on occasion, however I feel it is rarely effective unless the patient decides to change their thought patterns.

Anorexia~ literally means "no appetite" which is deceiving, hunger is felt and denied to the emaciation. Purgatives (laxatives, vomiting, diuretics or excessive exercise) are used to meet the unrealistic ideal the anorexic has set as an ideal for her (some men are effected, Not as many though) Most are diagnosed after weeks to months of self starvation.

Symptoms: low body weight, hirsutism (fine, downy hair on the face), absence of menses, and 20% below "normal" body weight, fatigue, restrictive food choices, insomnia, cold intolerances, obsession with food content, calories or fat grams. Frequent weight checks, knows their weight to the ounce, muscle weakness and easy bruising.

Physical tolls: Severe electrolyte imbalances lead to heart dysrrythmias or death), absence of food intake can lead to paralytic ileuses, the colon will stop working and that can lead to colostomies. Muscle wasting can lead to severe kidney damage and chronic renal failure.Chronic lethagy and dizziness lead to inability to tolerate physical exertion. Cold intolerances lead to wearing heavier clothing than temperature dictates. Dehydration causes headaches and sunken in appearance of eye sockets. Teeth will become loose in theri sockets.

Bulimia~ persons with Bulimia will consume food (at times large quantities) and then purge. Oftentimes they will binge-purge repeatedly resulting in major health risks. Secrecy leads to anxiety and fear of disclosure. Most are near normal body weight and may go undiagnosed for several years, by which time serious behavioral modification programs are needed.

Symptoms: binge/purge cycles, use of diuretics or laxatives for weight control.

Physical tolls: Esophageal rupture, stomach ulcers and electrolyte imbalances that lead to cardiac complications or death.Broken vessels from vomiting cause blood shot eyes, petechiae around eyes and cheeks (petechiae is like a faint rash that is not raised), chronic vomiting causes sore throats and hoarse voice. Eroision of tooth enamel resulting in more cavities and foul breath.

Bulimarexia~ persons with Bulimarexia have a combination of Anorexic and Bulimic behaviors. Studies are showing a drastic rise in this disorder. Many are on the "thin" side however do not look emaciated and may not be diagnosed until behaviors are ingrained.

Symptoms: They will vacillate between anorexic and bulimic behaviors with periods of remission between regressions.

Physical tolls: Same as for the above disorders, ultimately death.

Women who experiment with eating disorders for even a short time can have increased risks for miscarriages, osteoporosis and cause permenant damage to liver, kidneys and heart.

Who is at risk for eating disorders?

Eating disorders do not discriminate, the occur most frequently in women, however men tend to have a higher fatality rate. Socioeconomic lines are crossed although anorexia affects a larger amount of those in the middle to upper class levels. Young pre-pubescent girls are the typical patient. Low self esteem, media bias toward unhealthy weight goals and various stressors in a young persons life can precipitate ED's. Some common similarities in stressors are abusive home life, incest, perfectionistic parents, over critical mothers, absent or unapproachable father figures, feeling out of control of their lives. Desire to please all adult figures, desire to look like the supermodels and movie/TV personalities. Take the following poll to see if you may be affected:

Answer YES or NO to the questions below.

Do you feel out of control when you eat?

Do you feel in control when you don't eat?

Do you feel you do not deserve to eat?

Do you have an intense fear of gaining weight?

Do you believe you are fat even though others tell you different?

Do you use diet pills or laxatives to control your weight?

Do you feel guilty after eating?

After eating, do you use purgatives or self induce vomiting?

Do you binge if you are feeling sad, mad, bored, lonely etc?

Do you feel food and weight are the only things that you can control?

Do you tell yourself that you are ugly, fat, worthless etc.?

Do you avoid social gatherings or meals because of food?

Are you ashamed of your eating habits?

Do you think about food constantly?

Do you exercise excessively to lose weight?

Do you believe you will be happier if you lose weight?

Do you get angry with people if they ask you about your eating habits or weight loss?

Are you secretive about what you eat or do not eat?

Do you have a need to be perfect?

Do you lie about your weight loss and make efforts to hide it from others?

Do you constantly think about food, calories and recipes?

Do you weigh yourself daily?

Have youever lost more thtan 10 pounds in a month and considered it a good thing?

Are you unable to enjoy a food item if you do not know the calorie or fat content?

Do you think that you may have an Eating Disorder?

If you have answered YES to four or more of the following questions you may have an Eating Disorder or one may be starting. I would strongly urge you to discussing matters with your health care provider, therapist or someone who specializes in eating disorders. Also consider talking to a close friend or family member who may help lead you in the right direction to get help.

If you or someone you know is struggling there is hope and help. Eating Disorders are not only about body image; they are about control. Many patients started life out with major stresses that led to their disorder. Some stresses are incest, abuse, feeling inferior, perfectionist tendencies, being called 'chubby', having a mother or father that is critical of their own weight. Your typical Anorexic, for example will be an excellent student, respectful of adults, outgoing personality and all around great kid. The Bulimics fall into the stereotype of less than perfect school performance, addictive lifestyle choices such as promiscuity, alcohol/drug issues and less respect for authority. The Bulimarexic patient will fall somewhere in between the other two disorders. We know far less about this disorder due to the newer onset.

In order to deal with the eating issues, we must deal with the preexisting issues. That can take time, the patient may not even be aware of why they started this behavior. It took me years to finally understand the trigger that started my journey. If you think this issue is affecting a loved one, get professional help. We are unable to treat those we love, however we can work in conjunction with others to be a vital part of the behavior management team!

Eating Disorders are not like alcoholism or drug addiction, we have to eat to survive! With other addicting behaviors the patient can safely stay away from the offending behavior forever. Alcoholics take one drink and they are "off the wagon" We cannot stay away from food, which is our offending behavior focus! We have to eat and learn to eat in a healthy style. This makes it extra difficult to combat the diseases!

My hope:

I have found strength and balance through spiritual growth. I have learned that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". It is not easy, In fact, just when it seems the disorder is "gone" I realize I let my guard down and am once again battling.

I am one of the lucky ones, I found a husband who loves me no matter what size I am. I found a church body that loves me and prays for me whenever I need it. I have been able to have four children and stay healthy despite the kidney disease that this disorder brought to me.

There is so much more to tell you about!! I am going to need a bigger website!

Caution: Do not try to talk a patient out of the disorder! Make NO comments about the patient's weight ESPECIALLY when they start to gain it back! I was doing great until an innocent comment was made about how "great" I looked after having my fourth child. My silly brain triggered the feeling of "well, if this looks great 10 pounds less be will even better". Comments of "You are too thin" lead to thoughts of "they are just jealous" they want me to be fat. Offering food is not recommended, nor is making comments about eating! This is why you need professional direction to help patients with eating disorders!

I realize this is sketchy at best, that is why I added the links page! If you know of a great link for helping those with eating disorders, or of a fantastic support-board, add it on this site (they may be edited for appropriateness. If you have questions submit them by email. They do not show up here, it is completely confidential! I will respond by e-mail with "Kimberley here" in the subject line. (((hugs))) and +prayers+ to you for reading this far down, Kimberley/rn2foster