Anyone recovered/ improved significantly from an eating disorder?

[Portlypenguin]

Hi,
I've had anorexia for 15 years - now age 30. I'm so much better than in my late teens/early 20s (multiple hospitalisations, NG feeding, severe depression) etc etc but still struggling. I have maintained a weight below healthy but not dangerous (c. BMI 16) for a few years now - ok but I want free of this beast. I tried in 2009 going to BMI 19 - and on the advice of a therapist stayed there for 6mo. I hated it and the thoughts were no less strong. I kind of found it discouraging. I would really like to be ablet o concentrate on the rest of my life though! Plus I have a DS aged 20mo and I don't want him to be influenced by me in any way.

Anyone got any advice?

Thanks

Hi Portlypenguin

I wanted to reply just to say, yes it is possible to recover from anorexia- I had it as a teenager and can honestly say food and weight don't ever cross my mind anymore. However, I am periodically dogged now from other disorders (namely OCD). Although this is also awful it is not equally awful or physically harmful as anorexia and tends to come and go leaving me with years between episodes unlike anorexia which was all consuming. Keep fighting, it is more than worth it!
Although this is not the point I would also like to add that I think I now have a healthier attitude towards food than most women I know because of my experiences! I eat what I like when I like and don't ever worry about deliberately taking exercise, and guess what my weight and shape have stayed constant all on their own.