Follow up to mysterious illness.......

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2004

Are you obessesed with food? Have a fear of gaining weight? There are other things that go along with anorexia nervosa beside not eating and losing weight.

I would, however, approach the counseling with an open mind to rule out a pyschogenic cause of the lack of appetite and weight loss.

Eating disorders can strike anyone at any age. Although it is primarily an adolescent disorder.

Good luck.

ferfer · Mar 7, 2004

:) I feel for you! I know what it is like to have medical issues that nobody can figure out. It is a hard thing to go through that.

As for anorexia, what do you think? Does the thought of food repulse you? When you become physically ill, describe exactly how it happens and how long after eating. Do you have diarrhea also? I know it is a gross question to ask:imbar but it might shed some light into things. How about your moods- do you have a lot of stress in your life? Depression, or severe anxiety can cause GI upset and loss of appetite. Anywho, I am not a doctor so I cannot know anything for sure. However, I have a sister than has struggled for anorexia for many years and I know a lot on the subject. So, if you want to talk about it with me, than feel free. Eating disorders have little or nothing to do with eating (or food) as much as psychological issues and issues of control, and can strike at ANY age.

I wish you the best though. Do not give up on seeking treatment and diagnosis- I know it is a frustrating time but hang in there and you will eventually be helped!

sherichance · Mar 8, 2004

I appreciate the feedback. I have had issues with depression since I was very little. I still am fighting some of my "personal demons" as I call it. My mother passed away 4 years ago this year from MS. My father and I were her caretakers and it still haunts me to this day watching her die. Just things that went along after she died too. Finding out truths in which she lied to me about. Its almost 4 years later and the whole thing brings me to tears. Yes I am under stress. Probably more than I am willing to admit. I am on Welbutrin right now and I feel generally good but I do have my moments. As far as the food issue. Yes, most of the time, atleast since this all started, food has made me feel ill. Even the thought or looking at it at times repulses me. Diarrhea yes. Quite frequently right now. I am all open for the couseling and treatment. Even as a teenager I remember being so fearful of being overweight. I never weighed over 110 pounds my whole life until I had my son 2 years ago. Having all that extra weight after he was born was depressing too. I guess I have always seen myself as "fat" but yet I am a small lady.

I am taking this diagnosis in great consideration since they cannot find anything medically wrong with my body. It just came as a shock to me when he mentioned anorexia.

I am sorry to rant on about all of this. I may still be in denial. I do want help, especially with my depression. I refuse to put my family through hard times like what I had to go through with my mothers depression.

Thanks again everyone.

leslie :-D · Mar 8, 2004

dear sherichance,

you sound like a very lovely, sweet, vulnerable lady. i believe that anorexia's etiology lends itself to regaining a control of one's life (sub-consciously) when they feel they've lost control over everything else . i have to agree with you that you are extremely depressed.....but i firmly believe the insight and sensitivity you have so clearly demonstrated, will lay the foundation for a healthy and therapeutic recovery. i truly pray that you find the acceptance and closure you so desperately need, for you have so much to offer. truly, i wish you nothing but the best.

sharann, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2004

How long have you been on Wellbutrin? I just wonder if your problems started getting worse with it. My friend is on it for giving up smoking, and she states the "taste" of cigarettes are gone(apparently they tasted good). Is the drug messing with your appetite and taste perception as well. This is only a shot in the dark. Counseling is always good when you are depressed though, so go for it.

LesJenRN · Mar 8, 2004

As far as the antidepressants go.....Wellbutrin is more on the stimulating side for some people. (it sure hasnt affected my appetite though...) There are others that actually have a high incidence of weight gain as a side effect. Something to discuss with your doc maybe. Also, Wellbutrin can be upsetting to the stomach...

If you ever want to PM me, I am always ready to listen. Your comment about your mom and not wanting to repeat her history is very familiar to me. I am glad that you are open to counseling. Did you ever have a GI workup????

sherichance · Mar 8, 2004

I guess the doctor felt no need for a GI workup. I think he is really considering the anorexia diagnosis. I will be going back shortly to see him and we will be discussing more. As far as the Wellubtrin. I have been on it for more than 6 months. I took it after my mother passed away 4 years ago and had no problems with it. I was on Prozac before this and it made me so very sick. Thats why we switched the medication.

I will admit that I am too sensitive at times. I do get upset at little things. I wish I knew the answer to all of this.

LesJenRN · Mar 8, 2004

Please dont be hard on yourself over getting upset over the little things....hopefully you will find out the underlying cause. The best we can do is take it day by day sometimes...some will be better than others. Good luck and I hope you get feeling better SOON!

Chaya, ASN, RN · Mar 8, 2004

I'd wanna be sure they'd ruled out any physical cause before I gave up on that possibility. Have they ruled out Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Some forms can present like this. How's your energy level, how are you sleeping and how do you feel in general? Have they ruled out anything septic going on? I had GI symptoms like this one time associated with a URI. My internist finally suggested I see my Gyn and I turned out to have a large ovarian cyst that had become septic.

allele, LPN · Mar 8, 2004

I don't think you should discount the anorexia angle, everyone here gave great advice. I couldn't give ANY on anorexia nervosa, I have no experience with it. But I did work with a nurse that lost a LOT of weight in a short amount of time, and could hardly eat anything without getting sick. I remember a few certain foods were okay, like yogurt. Anyway, her doctor worked her up, finally decided it was anorxia nervosa, which she didn't agree with. She kept fighting to see doctors, and know what it was? Her gallbladder. She also had adhesions. She was really miserable. Once she got her gallbladder out she was fine. See the counselor, but if you think it might me medical, don't give up! The GI workup might be a good idea--just to rule out anything physical. I wish you the best of luck!!

P.S. My friend didn't have any of the typical gallbladder pain, either. It was pretty weird! )

sherichance · Mar 9, 2004

At my last visit my doctor did rule out IBS. Today I am so very exhausted. But there is a time or two I feel somewhat ok. The past few months I could not fall asleep and stay asleep for nothing. This week though I am sleeping longer but still tired. Maybe I should go see my GYN. I never thought of that. I will have to look into that one. Thanks!!!