Eating disorder

[avgirl]

I wish to remain anonymous, but I am almost positive I have a bad eating disorder and I want to ask: if I do not have any negative consequences atm BESIDES feeling very sick, etc. (big news because we feel like crap most of the time anyway so it's not like that matters too much) this can't bring on something later in life like diabetes or anything can it? Are there long term risks? I don't gain weight from it because I purge with exercise and fasting, but it's been worse lately. Yeah I know it's bad and I don't want to have it but I really can't help it. I need something, and it's either this or tons of meds or something else that * * * * s up my life cause I can't cope, I've been a lot worse lately since my dad died. Anyway I found a way around it. I used to eat like a healthy person all day with friends/family (just normal amounts or slightly less), then every once in a while binge on junk. Now, as long as I only eat junk (ice cream) and NO FOOD or almost no food, I lose weight instead of having to purge. Before I would stay up all night doing 10-15 miles but now I don't do that at all, but it's like a trade-off because now I took the healthy food out of my diet since I had to take something out, and like I said, I can't take the binging out. I'm * * * * ing sick of ice cream too, I don't even like it. It's this stupid comfort thing. Anyway sorry to ramble. I just want some advice or someone who knows what I'm talking about please..? Anything.

[avgirl]

Edit: I've literally only eaten ice cream since he died, which was almost half a year ago now. I used to eat really healthy before that point. I still exercise, try to reember vitamins, and pick healthy ice cream like froyo, and sometimes I add something like a teaspoon of tuna (no mayo) into my day's meal of ice cream. =P I know it sounds really bad.. :/

[velvette]

you're losing weight because you're not getting the nutrients you need. you're starving your body even while you're getting enough to eat. ):
good luck overcoming this. good nutrition is really vital to health. try snacking on cereal, or other forms of convenient food? I really like ice cream, and so I've taken to freezing bananas and green grapes in the freezer. the texture/taste is similar to ice cream! and you feel a lot better too.

[sarey]

Hi.

I'm battling against both anorexia and bulimia, so you are far from alone with this.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] <<< Good site for support on this, too.

Read this, though.



"Psychosocial:

Eating disorders profoundly impact an individual's quality of life. Self-image, relationships, physical well-being and day to day living are often adversely affected. Eating disorders are also often associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Bulimia nervosa may be particularly associated with substance abuse problems. Anorexia nervosa is often associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The scope of related problems associated with eating disorders highlights the need for prompt treatment and intervention.



Medical:

The process of starvation associated with Anorexia Nervosa can affect most organ systems. Physical signs and symptoms include but are not limited to constipation, abnormally low heart rate, abdominal distress, dryness of skin, hypotension, fine body hair, lack of menstrual periods. Anorexia Nervosa causes anemia, cardiovascular problems, changes in brain structure, osteoporosis, and kidney dysfunction.

Self-induced vomiting can lead to swelling of salivary glands, electrolyte and mineral disturbances, and enamel erosion in teeth. Laxative abuse can lead to long lasting disruptions of normal bowel functioning. Complications such as tearing the esophagus, rupturing the stomach, and developing life-threatening irregularities of the heart rhythm may also result.



Medical Issues: General

Physical Dangers:

Sometimes those suffering with Anorexia and Bulimia do not appear underweight - some may be of "average" weight, some may be slightly overweight, variations can be anywhere from extremely underweight to extremely overweight. The outward appearance of a person suffering with an eating disorder does not dictate the amount of physical danger they are in, nor does is determine the severity of emotional conflict they are enduring.

Some Symptoms:

Amenorrhea - loss of menstrual cycle.

Barrett's Esophagus - associated with Cancer of the esophagus and caused by Esophageal Reflux, this is a change in the cells within the esophagus.

Blood Sugar Level Disruptions-

Low Blood Sugar- can indicate problems with the liver or kidneys and can lead to neurological and mental deterioration.

Elevated Blood Sugar- can lead to diabetes, liver and kidney shut down, circulatory and immune system problems.

Callused fingers - caused by repeated using the fingers to induce vomiting.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome -crippling fatigue related to a weakened immune system.

Cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, incontinence - increased or decreased bowel activity.

Death- caused by any of the following or any combination of the following: heart attack or heart failure; lung collapse; internal bleeding, stroke, kidney failure, liver failure; pancreatitis, gastric rupture, perforated ulcer, depression and suicide.

Dehydration - caused by lack of intake of fluids in the body.

Dental Problems- decalcification of teeth, erosion of tooth enamel, and severe decay.

Gum Disease -caused by stomach acids and enzymes from vomiting; lack of vitamin D and calcium, and hormonal imbalance.

Depression - mood swings and depression caused by physiological factors such as electrolyte imbalances, hormone and vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition and dehydration. Living with the Eating Disorder behaviors can cause depression. Depression can also lead the victim back into the cycle of the Eating Disorder (or may have initially been the problem before the onset of the ED). Stress within family, job and relationships can all be causes. There are also a percentage of people born with a pre-disposition to depression, based on family history.

Diabetes - high blood sugar as a result of low production of insulin. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, hyperglycemia or chronic pancreatitis.

Digestive Difficulties - a deficiency in digestive enzymes will lead to the body's inability to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. This can lead to mal-absorption problems, malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances.

Dry Skin and Hair, Brittle Hair and Nails, Hair Loss - caused by Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies, malnutrition and dehydration

Edema - swelling of the soft tissues as a result of excess water accumulation. Most common in the legs and feet of Compulsive Overeaters and in the abdominal area of Anorexics and/or Bulimics (can be caused by Laxative and Diuretic use).

Electrolyte Imbalances - electrolytes are essential to the production of the body's "natural electricity" that ensures healthy teeth, joints and bones, nerve and muscle impulses, kidneys and heart, blood sugar levels and the delivery of oxygen to the cells. Bad Circulation, Slowed or Irregular Heartbeat, Arrhythmias, Angina, Heart Attack - There are many factors associated with having an Eating Disorder that can lead to heart problems or a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest can cause permanent damage to the heart, or instant death. Electrolyte imbalances (especially potassium deficiency), dehydration, malnutrition, low blood pressure, extreme orthostatic hypotension, abnormally slow heart rate, electrolyte imbalances, and hormonal imbalances call all cause serious problems with the heart.

Esophageal Reflux - Acid Reflux Disorders - partially digested items in the stomach, mixed with acid and enzymes, regurgitates back into the esophagus. This can lead to damage to the esophagus, larynx and lungs and increases the chances of developing cancer of the esophagus and voice box.

Gastric Rupture - spontaneous stomach erosion, perforation or rupture.

High Blood Pressure, Hypertension - elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90. Can cause: blood vessel changes in the back of the eye creating vision impairment; abnormal thickening of the heart muscle; kidney failure; and brain damage.

Hyperactivity - manic behavior; not being able to sit still.

Impaired Neuromuscular Function - due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and malnutrition.

Infertility - the inability to have children; caused by loss of menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can also make it impossible to succeed with a full-term pregnancy, and can increase the chances significantly of a baby born with birth defects.

Insomnia - having problems falling and/or staying asleep.

Iron Deficiency, Anemia - this makes the oxygen transporting units within the blood useless and can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, increased infections, and heart palpitations.

Kidney Infection and Failure - kidneys cleanse the poisons from your body, regulate acid concentration and maintain water balance. Vitamin Deficiencies, dehydration, infection and low blood pressure increase the risks of and associated with kidney infection thus making permanent kidney damage and kidney failure more likely.

Lanugo - (soft downy hair on face, back and arms). This is caused due to a protective mechanism built-in to the body to help keep a person warm during periods of starvation and malnutrition, and the hormonal imbalances that result.

Liver Failure - the liver aids in removing waste from cells, and aids in digestion. Fasting and taking acetaminophen (drug found in over-the-counter painkillers) increases your risks for Liver damage and failure. Loss of menstruation and dehydration (putting women at risk for too much iron in their system), and chronic heart failure can lead to liver damage or failure.

Low Blood Pressure, Hypotension - caused by lowered body temperature, malnutrition and dehydration. Can cause heart arrythmias, shock or myocardial infarction.

Lowered body temperature - caused by loss of healthy insulating layer of fat and lowered blood pressure.

Malnutrition - caused by undereating or overeating. Malnutrition indicates deficiency for energy, protein and micronutrients (e.g. vitamin A, iodine and iron) either singularly or in combination. It can cause severe health risks including (but not limited to) respiratory infections, kidney failure, blindness, heart attack and death.

Mallory-Weiss tear - associated with vomiting, a tear of the gastroesophageal junction.

Muscle Atrophy - wasting away of muscle and decrease in muscle mass due to the body feeding off of itself.

Orthostatic Hypotension - sudden drop in blood pressure upon sitting up or standing. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, passing out, heart pounding and headaches.

Osteoporosis - thinning of the bones with reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein, predisposing to fractures.

Osteopenia - below normal bone mass indicating a calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency and leading to Osteoporosis. Hormone imbalance/deficiencies associated with the loss of the menstrual cycle can also increase your risks of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.

Pancreatitis - when the digestive enzymes attack the pancreas; caused by repeated stomach trauma, alcohol consumption or the excessive use of laxatives or diet pills.

Peptic Ulcers - caused by increased stomach acids, cigarette smoking, high consumption of caffeine or alcohol.

Pregnancy problems - including potential for high-risk pregnancies, miscarriage, still born babies and death or chronic illnesses from minor to severe, in children born (all due to malnutrition, dehydration, vitamin and hormone deficiencies).

Swelling - in face and cheeks (following self-induced vomiting)

Seizures - increased risk of seizures in Anorexic and Bulimic individuals may be caused by dehydration. It is also possible that lesions on the brain caused by long-term malnutrition and lack of oxygen-carrying cells to the brain may play a role.

Tearing of Esophagus - caused by self-induced vomiting

TMJ "Syndrome" - degenerative arthritis within the tempero-mandibular joint in the jaw (where the lower jaw hinges to the skull) creating pain in the joint area, headaches, and problems chewing and opening/closing the mouth. Vitamin deficiencies and teeth grinding (often related to stress) can both be causes.

Weakness and Fatigue - caused generalized poor eating habits, electrolyte imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, depression, malnutrition, heart problems."

Get help. You're losing weight, sure, but you'll also loose your health and quite possibly your life.

(also, ED's are not just about losing weight, it is a mental health disorder, you must have the mindset as well, if you just want to lose weight, I suggest you stop doing this and go see a professional about it.)

[avgirl]

Yeah I know, I'mnot saying I'm happy with losing weight (well I'd rather lose than gain but I feel horrible either way.. it's hard to describe, like if I could be heavier- the weight I'd freak out if I were right now- but ALWAYS be EXACTLY THAT weight, and NEVER EVER have to worry again about eating and weight, I'd chose that in a heartbeat over having an eating problem) and thanks for the replies. I do feel like crap all the time, and I guess it's gotten worse because my stomach never isn't bothering me anymore. Unless I take med, it's ALWAYS bothering me. Today my knees were wobbly but my stomach felt full, but I hadn't eaten ANYTHING and realized that was why I could barely walk. My hands are dark purple where people comment about it, and I haven't gotten my period in years.

[sweetharmony]

I can understand a little of what you're going through. I also have an ED for many years. It sounds as though you have turned to food, esp. the ice cream even more after the loss of your dad. i can't even imagine how painful that is. You say you hate ice cream-what is it about ice cream thatb gives you comfort. it obv. represents something to you. we tend to find comfort in those foods that gave us comfort as a child, etc.

This is a very dangerous illness and can have sever consequences if not dealt with early. dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, heart problems, esophogeal issues. Not worth it at all. It is very difficult to stop after so many years.

I am much better now-I exercise eat healthy and have much better body esteem. I don't focus on weight so much and rather have a fit healthy body. But, still struggle after 15 years.

Check out [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] is a great site for info and support with those struggling with all kinds of ED. very comprehensive site and has message boards, treatment, therapists, etc. good luck and I'm here if you want to talk.

[sweetharmony]

Originally Posted by avgirl

Yeah I know, I'mnot saying I'm happy with losing weight (well I'd rather lose than gain but I feel horrible either way.. it's hard to describe, like if I could be heavier- the weight I'd freak out if I were right now- but ALWAYS be EXACTLY THAT weight, and NEVER EVER have to worry again about eating and weight, I'd chose that in a heartbeat over having an eating problem) and thanks for the replies. I do feel like crap all the time, and I guess it's gotten worse because my stomach never isn't bothering me anymore. Unless I take med, it's ALWAYS bothering me. Today my knees were wobbly but my stomach felt full, but I hadn't eaten ANYTHING and realized that was why I could barely walk. My hands are dark purple where people comment about it, and I haven't gotten my period in years.

I hear that. I would give anything not to have this eating problem anymore. In fact I remember when i was healthy and eating healthy before this, but then got sucked into losing weight and more, etc. what I would give to be a healthy weight (which is scary) but I'd rather be that than have this anymore-if I didn;t have to worry about eating or weight. I hear you. I used to give anything to be skinny. now, i'd give anything to just be healthy and normal weight without the eating issues. good luck to you and get help now. Especially since you are still grieving over your loss.

[avgirl]

Thanks, yea ice cream is my #1 comfort food. I try to drink a lot of water so I don't think I get dehydrated at all, but I'm just feeling really crappy compared to before. I want to stop before it gets worse so I'm glad I came here, I think this helped a little to see the replies maybe put in perspective that it's a bigger deal than I thought. I'm glad you're better now thanks for the link I will look now.

[gidget1]

Eating ONLY ice cream is incredibly bad for you. There is so much sugar in there, not only is it bad for your insides, your teeth, your blood, everything, but that much sugar effects your brain.
Try and change ice cream for something healthy that tastes just as good.

[Blue Streak]

Originally Posted by avgirl

I want to stop before it gets worse so I'm glad I came here

What if you were not glad you came here? Think hard, b4 you answer, please.