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Eating disorders

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It's all starting up again

4 replies

ClassicHummus · 13/09/2020 09:54

So, bit of background. As a child was probably a reasonably normal weight - definitely always a bit chubby but still within the realms of healthy. And then as a teenager with access to money etc began comfort eating in a big way - tubs of ice-cream, massive chocolate bars, tins of custard etc. And so by the time I was 15 or so I would have been a fair bit overweight (no scales so hard to say exactly what). But despite this I was happy enough with my appearance - I did wish I could be thinner but I understood that this was a bit of a trade off with being able to eat how I wanted.

Anyway, went off to university which was fine. And then during my first university summer holiday, it suddenly wasn’t fine. I wanted to be thin and small and to take up less space. So I began restricting- slowly at first but then it escalated so quickly. I was walking about 7 miles a day for a job and just not eating. And then, in situations where I couldn’t get away with not eating (family meals etc.), I would start vomiting afterwards.

My mum realised what was going on, took me to the doctor and things became superficially better. For the next few months, I was very very controlling about what I would eat but in an outwardly normal way, and so I was coping. Then I met a nice boy, and as a result of that relationship starting up I found myself able to relax about food.

This was all about six years ago. And so since then 95% of the time I’ve been completely fine about food - I love cooking and baking and eating and I know I’ve gained weight back but that’s not especially bothered me. Occasionally I have blips where I will want to restrict greatly - these generally don’t last for more than a week.

But then - towards the end of July I decided I needed to lose some weight (this is fair enough - I was quite overweight and had gained over lockdown etc) but since then things have escalated out of control. I bought some scales on August 13th and since then I have lost 2 stones 2 lbs.

I am so week and so tired and I am barely eating at all. I’m not eating more than say 300 calories a day at the moment. I threw up last Monday after eating some chickpea curry for dinner and feeling disgusted with myself but I do know I don't want to go back to throwing up all the time. I did go to the doctor on Friday and ultimately I’ve left feeling like how I am at the moment isn’t bad enough for any extra support and so I just need to try and deal with this by myself. My weight is firmly in the healthy BMI category (towards the top end) and I just want to keep going and going and so people take this seriously.

I am really quite hungry now but also I can’t eat as to do so would be giving up.
I am just so alone and so so scared.

OP posts:
HappyGowerGirl · 13/09/2020 22:09

Hey, I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling. That is a huge weight loss in just one month, and your daily calorie intake is dangerously low. Don’t be fooled by your (still healthy) BMI, you may well have deficiencies as you can’t possibly be meeting your nutritional needs. I really sympathise with you as I face similar struggles, but you must try and see your GP ASAP I think and explain the situation. They have heard it all before!

You mention that you met a partner some years ago, are you still with them? Have you spoken to them about your issues.

Good luck and happy to listen if you want to vent, I know how hard it is x

WitchWand · 13/09/2020 22:23

Have you thought about going on the BEAT website ? They have regular online meetings that help with this.

ClassicHummus · 13/09/2020 22:32

@HappyGowerGirl I did see my GP on Friday and she took some bloods - waiting to hear back re: any possible deficiencies etc.
I am no longer with the person mentioned in my OP but am now seeing someone new. He is aware of my struggles and is worried (and originally convinced me to GP) but I also think he feels quite out-of-his-depth with how to help. Plus I feel massively guilty being all 'not eaten today' when I know this will affect him.

Thanks so much for your kind words and your support.

@WitchWand I have looked at the BEAT website and have seen about the groups but I'm just worried about them not being right for me/my eating issues not being significant enough to participate. I will have another look.

OP posts:
HappyGowerGirl · 13/09/2020 22:41

@ClassicHummus well done for seeing your GP. Glad you have a supportive partner. I know what you mean about him being out of his depth though... My totally wonderful husband wants to help but just doesn’t get it. In his mind it’s simple - JUST EAT! We of course know that’s not true...

You’ve mentioned twice now that your issues aren’t that serious, but trust me they really are! Are 2stone loss in a month is so unhealthy. That’s about 8lb a week!!! Please please don’t minimise your problems. This is so much easier to treat early on, and a specialist wouldn’t consider you “healthy” or “not serious” just because you still have a healthy BMI.

As an aside I didn’t find BEAT that helpful unfortunately. I rang them when I was at my lowest and they were very friendly but couldn’t really “help” if you see what I mean.

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