Anorexia and body dysmorphia , pacemaker 17 year old boy.

[Rainbowsparkle]

My 17 year old son has been diagnosed with anorexia and body dysmorphia. After a long struggle trying to get help owing to covid we now have an official diagnosis. He was referred to a cardiologist after a check at gp. He has brachycardia ( heart beat is too slow) as a result of the strain he has put on his heart from extreme exercising and not eating. We are awaiting the result from final set of tests but have been told he will need to have a pacemaker fitted.
I no longer sleep properly as I’m terrified I will wake up in the morning and his heart would have given out in the night. I feel like I’ve completely failed him as a mother. My gut instinct told me something wasn’t right but my husband persuaded me he was just taking care of his appearance. It’s made me really resentful of my husband but also so so angry at myself for not having trusted my instincts. I’m now in a world I have no clue about, Google has freaked me out. Gp won’t talk to me about his care as he’s over 16. I just really don’t know what to do. 😔

I’m so sorry you have all this worry
Maybe someone info here could help.
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/supporting-someone/worried-about-friend

So sorry to read about your DS. Have you been referred to CAMHS or your local ED team? I can't understand why your GP isn't supporting you. We had family based therapy when by DD was ill - everyone in the family has to be involved. Please read How to help you Teen beat ED by Locke and Le Grange if you haven't read it already - it will give you the tools you need to do battle with the AN whilst you wait to see an ED specialist with your DS. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

Our local ED team are not taking new referrals because of covid. Camhs have an 18 month waiting list. It’s literally like banging my head against a brick wall. We are happy to pay privately, they won’t take him without a gp referral. Gp wants to get physical health side sorted first which i think is pointless without sorting his mental health. We have been going round and round in circles 😞

Could you read Locke and LeGrange and then go back to GP and ask for support to help your DS "refeed"? He really needs blood tests before you launch into it - swot up on refeeding syndrome to learn why.

The basic premise is that food is medicine. It took us 10 weeks to get a decent amount of weight on DD with a daily regime 3 meals a day, 3 snacks and ensure shakes. It is the hardest thing I've ever done so you'll need support from your DH and wider family to get there - AN is a strong adversary - but clearly you can't wait for CAMHS and talking therapies won't help until he puts some weight on. You need your GP to help you do all this if there is nobody else. Please feel free to PM me if you think I could help in anyway

How are things now op?

I've just read your post, OP. Hope you and your beautiful son are doing ok. Really hope he is able to get the help he needs.