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GP for low bmi and eating problems, what to expect?

5 replies

StrawberryTartYum · 04/08/2014 17:38

Hi, just looking for some advice really. I was previously pretty severely buliemic for about ten years (with periods of starving and bingeing too) and managed to stop with no problem when I got a BFP last year. I even had plans to keep most of the baby weight on as I know I look and feel better when strong and healthy.
However for various reasons (breast feeding, terrible relationship - but am working on ltb) the weight has fallen off me. I look like shit and my bmi is classed as underweight.
My worry is that I will be fobbed off or will minimalise when I go to the GP on wed. Does anyone have any experience of seeking help when not 'that sick'? Every few years I'd try and get help with buliemia but wouldn't follow through but I cant risk getting ill with a baby (he is 7 months). I think as well buliema is more black and white than anorexia and there is always this feeling of not anorexic enough IYSWIM like if GP weighs me fully dressed and I tell her I do eat 3 meals a day (more due BLW as I want to set good example to DS). I feel myself slipping and want to nip it in the bud :(

OP posts:
PetulaGordino · 04/08/2014 17:52

you poor thing. i was taken seriously by my GP despite having at the time a normal BMI, so i would hope that you would experience the same given that you are underweight. the GP didn't weigh me in my case, but i don't know whether they would have done if i had been obviously underweight. they did ask me my height and weight (it was a struggle to be honest about that i have to admit)

well done for gettign yourself onto a more even keel, and well done for spotting when you're at risk again too

you know that you have to be really honest, however difficult it is, so that the gp can get you the help you need. i know that this is easier said that done. i would try to emphasise how bad it has been in the past, and that the intrusive thoughts and impulses (if you can describe them like that in your experience) are getting worse and you can feel yourself at risk of slipping down the same slope again. try to be honest about how bad it was at its worst, which i know is really difficult, but they have to know how at risk you are

it probably depends on how your MH/ED services are set up in your area, but i was referred to the MH services initially (telephone appointment), who referred me on to their ED specialist services (consultation in person). then i went onto a waiting list for a couple of months before a slot came up for treatment (cognitive analytic therapy). this is just my experience, you may need different treatment

your home situation sounds hard. is there anyone else who can give you support outside of HCPs?

StrawberryTartYum · 04/08/2014 18:04

Thank you :) Glad you got help!
Ive only been in this area a couple of years so Im not sure what their MH services are like, hopefully theyre ok!
No other support really re the home situation I think once Im stronger physically and mentally I will be able to make the break! And that will solve a lot of problems for me :)

OP posts:
PetulaGordino · 04/08/2014 18:17

or possibly breaking away may help you feel stronger physically and mentally and may help alleviate the ED - it's a bit chicken and egg. but you need to feel able to manage the upheaval when the time comes one way or another, so one thing at a time perhaps

seriously, well done for making the appointment. it was one of the ahrdest things i've ever done, saying those words to the GP, but it was the right thing to do. although you might not feel it, you've already been immensely strong in identifying the risk and making the appointment itself, on top of looking after a baby and managing a difficult home situation.

StrawberryTartYum · 04/08/2014 20:08

Thanks for your kind words. Ive never been gopd at standing up for myself but since having DS I am ten times worse and am putting up with a ridiculous amount of crap from 'D'P just to avoid confrontation. Roll on wednesday then its the start of my journey to health and happiness!

OP posts:
LaLaLeni · 25/08/2014 14:39

I'm in a similar situation - previously anorexic but now still in the 'healthy' category, only trouble is I've just lost 4 stone in 4 months and it's still coming off...

My DS is now 18 months and I definitely don't want to repeat my parents' mistakes with him.

I think hopefully as we're aware of the signs maybe it'll stop us sliding?

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