Replies to 'Anorexia'

Hi, 

I can understand how you must feel concerning your weight and being underweight, but you do eat and get nutition. I don't think your weight issues are like threatening although I understand the things about weight. 

I have just joined this group but want to share something with everyone and ask if there is anyone out there with this problem, although I am 5'8' and weigh 86 pounds, I am afraid of loosing weight, I don' refuse food, I have tried everything I can think of to gain weight. There is nothing physicall wrong with me as far as all the tests I have had. I look in the mirror and see skin and bones, I know I am thin and have come across something on the internet which explains it exactly, it is under panic and stress. Under time of stress in my life, I would have difficulty swallowing and although I want to eat, I can not. I have actually come to the conclusion that I have a phobia of choking and have interacted wtih others who have this same problems, but my point is, the results of this problem are the same as anorexia in that the weight becomes so low that is threatens life. I am now attempting to see a doctor I hope will help as nothing else has and I contiune to loose weight.  

It would be a shame to have a feeding tube put in g/tube simply because I have a phobia. Does this sound familiar to anyone. I have been assured by several doctors that I do  not have anorexia but I struggle every day and become dehydrated and am loosing weight every day. This is the lowest I have ever been. I am afraid and hope there is something or someone out there who understands.  

Elaine 

Has you doctor ever tested you for your thyroid gland? I had a friend who was 5.7 and she weighed less than 90lbs, its not because she didn't eat, she ate lots, but just couldn't gain weight. They figured out it was her thyroid gland and they put her on medication, I haven't seen her in a long time but last time I saw her the medication was helping. You should look into it. 

I'd have to agree with Tan44. I really don't want you to take it the wrong way, but I personally would give the world to be able to eat as much as I want and weigh so little! Never to have to worry about gaining weight, etc. I have been struggling with the disease for so long now. I have had to go in the hospital for two and a half months over the summer for treatment and I am going to have to go back. It is hell being forced to eat. It's something so basic in life and yet the hardest thing in the world for people with anorexia. I have to admit that hearing your problem about wanting to gain weight was very triggering. I hope that you can find the right place and support for your problem. It is a problem. Have you thought about talking to your doctor? I am certain that he/she will have some suggestions for you. Don't forget that if you build muscle, you will look healthier, weigh more since muscle weighs more then fat and people will probably start to "lay off" you and the fact that you are skinny. 

Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.