I am a Recovering Anorexic

[TX_ICU_RN]

I have been in solid recovery for six months now and recently went back to work. The transition from staying at home with my kids to going back to work has made recovery more difficult on its own...but I am also finding somethings at work that are triggering.

I work night shift in a GREAT ICU and love it. It is the best job I have ever had as a RN and I feel so incredibly blessed to be working there. However, this is the first time that I have been working while also giving 110% to recovery. I was not expecting so many triggers surrounding work and I am having trouble not going back to my ED.

Any advise on what to do when:

1. You find out there are others you work with who also stuggle with anorexia or other ED's. It makes it easier to relapse when there is someone else who looks healthly and is successful...and also does not really eat at work.
   
2. Running is a HUGE downfall of mine. There are several people on my unit who run together and I really want to start doing it with them.
   
3. Your nights and days start getting jumbled and it makes it easier to convince yourself that you met your calorie requirements when you really didn't.
   
4. A 12-hour shift can be non-stop. Although I know it only takes a minute to grab something...it is easy to justify that I am too busy.
   

I don't want to get back into my ED. Any suggestions?

[Journey_On, BSN, RN]

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the ICU! It takes great courage to share your struggles with people. I had an ED when I was in high school, and while I recovered for the most part, I still have some days where I struggle with the thoughts and also making sure I exercise regularly.

I have to make sure I eat 3 meals a day. I am personally too afraid of skipping meals and making my metabolism slow down.

My instructors have always encouraged us to take our breaks and lunch breaks. I hear it is often easy to go without taking them, but you do need those breaks after running around and being on your feet all day. You would not want your blood sugar going low. When I go without food for a long time, I get impatient and jittery, and that is not good for my patients. I believe I will do myself and my patients a favor when I get the nourishment and energy I need to provide the best care for my patients. When I am impatient, it makes me careless and do stuff quickly - potential to make mistakes. That would be my rationales for making sure I take my lunch break, but that is just me, though.

I wish you the best! Feel free to PM me anytime.

[Altered]

recovering foodie, here :hngon:

i'm actually starting my first semester of nursing this fall. i'm definitely worried about this pitfall. although, i do forsee it being a problem, as i run to my eating disorder amdist stress, but we should do what we can to side step it (whether it's being more honest with coworkers or taking time off to recover, etc.), eh?