Anybody else struggling with anorexia and bulimia?

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jul 11, 2008

Be patient...someone will be able to relate...especially if you should share a bit more about how and what makes this a more vulnerable time for you now.

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Jul 11, 2008

Be patient...someone will be able to relate...especially if you should share a bit more about how and what makes this a more vulnerable time for you now.

I was discharged from an inpatient treatment center almost a year ago...and am actively engaging in my ed behaviors, and feel hopeless to stop.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2008

While I don't have anorexia or bulimia, I do have an eating problem of another sort: compulsive eating disorder. I have an addiction to food, and I can feel myself relapsing. I haven't been to the gym in nearly 1 month, and I have been binging on high-calorie takeout food for the past month. I worked so hard to lose this weight, and I'd be terribly disappointed to regain.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2008

What makes eating disorders so tough is the isolation and separation that it can bring...which just makes the shame and guilt worse. So, maybe, becoming a part of a support group might be very helpful to you. Keeping a journel might also become helpful in order to help process your own triggers....and then maybe bringing your insights to your support group. Either way...reduce your isolation and reduce the guilt you may have.

Big hugs.

Altered · Jul 13, 2008

I'm struggling with anorexia and I'm starting a RN program in the fall. I'm losing my mind over the contradiction.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2008

I'm struggling with anorexia and I'm starting a RN program in the fall. I'm losing my mind over the contradiction.

It would be helpful to us if you could elaborate a bit more and by what you mean.

Hugs

Altered · Jul 14, 2008

I'm not sure what I'm helping you with but the contradiction I was referring to is that of beginning my path in the medical field in the midst of struggling with a deadly disease.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

I'm not sure what I'm helping you with but the contradiction I was referring to is that of beginning my path in the medical field in the midst of struggling with a deadly disease.

Thanks for clarifying.

But really, it is only a contradiction if you are in a state of denial about the disease. You acknowledge it though...which tends to make this less so. Actually, many come into the medical/nursing field having a desire to help themselves better as they come to understand their disease more. So, in a way, it sort of makes sense. Sort of like a physician who is wheel chair dependent wanting to go into sports medicine. Or like a HIV positive person wanting to become a social worker in HIV prevention. Or a person with an eating disorder desiring to become a psychiatric nurse.

Wishing you the best

adknursie · Jul 14, 2008

I will have an eating disorder for the rest of my life. I have had my battle with anorexia and bulimia. Right now I am not in the "active phase". I have been to stressed to starve myself. I started this whole journey when I was 12, I am now 24 married with two children. I noticed that when I feel I have no control over anything that my problem flares. I think that even if you go into treatment, you will always have the disease, it's depends on if you can fight the urges to give in. I have been doing well for the last 5 months or so, but I am afraid of not passing my boards that I took on Saturday. I am sure since so much rides on these reesults that if they are bad, I will yet again jump off the train.

Good luck to you, I have over 12 years experience with this and if you need any help or anyone to talk to.... I am here!

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

I've been battling my ED for almost 16 years. I'm at a point where I feel so incredibly hopeless. I'm still in outpatient treatment, but have relapsed in spite of it. In spite of a true desire to get better. I feel like I'm one of those who just can't be treated.

pinkestar · Aug 4, 2008

I've had what I'd call "disordered eating" for as long as I can remember. The summer before nursing school started, however, this turned into full blown anorexia. My physical and mental health both greatly deteriorated throughout school although I somehow managed to get through. There were threats of not being able to complete the program, getting hospitalized, etc. I did begin outpatient treatment but it didn't do a whole lot of good. Then during my last semester of nursing school I began to gain some confidence in my ability to be a nurse--and a good nurse at that. As I felt more and more confident, I became a tiny bit less "sick" in my ED. I'm now working as a new RN on a unit I absolutely love. School and boards are behind me, things are working out perfectly thus far. Although it's a daily struggle and I'm still getting treatment and taking meds and all, I'm at an almost healthy weight and no longer quite so controlled by the awful disease of anorexia. I believe my intense anxiety and doubting myself caused what I had previously able to control, become completely out of my control. It felt like control to me and helped me to numb the unbelievably horrible anxiety that I was experiencing.

Anyway, I'm sorry this is so long and rambling. I just wanted to share my experience and what I've learned about Eds through my own struggles. Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding/draining job. We absolutely must take care of ourselves, and also find healthy outlets for the stress. Take care. If you would like to talk further, let me know.

Nicole