Question about eating disorders

SeptSue · Jan 5, 2003

I am aware of an art therapist who works with clients in an eating disorders clinic. Would you like any further information?

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2003

I have a stepdaughter who we have custody of with an eating disorder we have been batteling for five long, painful years with no success despite three therapists and 15,000 out of pocket medical expenses.

I floated to an ED unit when I worked at the hospital. Ours was a strict one, as most are. I liked it.

What would you like to know maybe I can help?

renerian

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 5, 2003

I have a whole hell of a lot of PERSONAL experience. PM me if you wish to find out more...I will tell you what you want to know in a NON thread forum.

Heather A. · Jan 5, 2003

I was diagnosed with anorexia when I was 14 years old. I was healed of the disease (yup, I'm not joking) and I want more than anything to be able to help people that are going through the same thing I went through.

I will be starting clinicals this Fall to get my RN- and naturally I am drawn to psychiatric nursing. What I'm wondering is, what is the best route/ what can I do to help people with ED's? I'm not interested in becoming a psychologist- I want to be a nurse. This may be a stupid question, but are RN's frequently utilized on ED units? I live in a small town in GA- and we don't have an ED program that I'm aware of. I spent a lot of time in therapy- but not in hospital because there are just none around here. Do any of you know of any ED programs I could get involved with in the state of Georgia or surrounding states? I would love to volunteer or SOMETHING even before I graduate. Also- if I went to work on a psych unit, would I have a lot contact with patients with ED's?

Thanks for your patience- I'm new to this thing!

Heather

yankeecamper · Jan 6, 2003

I am an RN whose daughter has an ED. Yes, RN's are used in ED clinics and psych units where ED's are treated.

One of the best things I think you could do is find an eating disorder support group and share your success. These are usually free or are for a minimal fee. Most ED's are not sufficiently covered by health insurance, and clients pay 50% or more out of pocket. An ED support group supplements therapy and helps others know there is hope and that they are not alone. You can go online and find clinics, hosp., support groups, etc. They are usually in the bigger cities. There is a national eating dissorder association. This might be a good place to start. Good luck.

OBNURSEHEATHER · Jan 6, 2003

Heather, I have personal experience with this, so feel free to PM me if you want.

However, I will state for the record that I don't feel someone is ever "cured" or "healed" of an eating disorder. We simply learn to love ourselves a little more, and a whole h*ll of a lot of behavior modification. In my mind, an eating disorder is an addiction. I will always be an addict.

Heather

Heather A. · Jan 6, 2003

Thanks for your ideas- I appreciate your response!

Isn't it odd how several of us have had experiences in some way or another with these diseases? I guess that just goes to show that they are affecting more families and people.

Heather- you're right. Eating disorders are very much an addiction. But, as you all know, it is something that you can get past and there is hope.

If I can ever help anybody or answer any questions, feel free to PM me.

Thanks everybody- I love this board!!

Heather