ED Problems with eating

[healingangel90]

My T actually told me to just try to eat anything that feels good to me at the time, and to try not to put pressure on myself about the whole issue because that could make things worse. I'm already extremely underweight so losing anymore weight is a pretty big concern for me. And I guess my friends and family notice that my eating patterns are off, so them trying to force me to eat only adds to all the pressure.

The milkshakes are a good idea though! I'll try that next time I feel like this.

 

[Marie E.]

I off to take a relaxing bath and than to go shopping for milkshakes and sorts. I feel dumpy enough, need to do something.

 

[MissSeptic]

MissSeptic - That could be a possibility. I have stomach problems too to begin with, so I can understand how difficult eating can be sometimes. I know for me it almost ends up as a mental tug-o-war for me about whether I should force myself to eat or not.

It's like even more torture and punishment... I actually get pretty worked up when I even think about eating. I'd love to eat, but the pain that it causes me later has stopped me from even trying tiny bit of one thing or the other in fear that the pain would come back.

 

[MissSeptic]

My T actually told me to just try to eat anything that feels good to me at the time, and to try not to put pressure on myself about the whole issue because that could make things worse. I'm already extremely underweight so losing anymore weight is a pretty big concern for me. And I guess my friends and family notice that my eating patterns are off, so them trying to force me to eat only adds to all the pressure.

The milkshakes are a good idea though! I'll try that next time I feel like this.

One thing that usually sits well with me (as solid food is my no-no) is drinking my tea... half cream, half tea... I'm sure I'm doing some damage with it, but it has kept my weight just above where it has to be to function halfway.

Smoothies are good too! We have some thin-bagels, too... they're quite good if you truly feel like eating something... there isn't much to them... seriously, a super thin bagel... but it does help me feel more "normal" in the morning to have that with my tea.

 

[MissSeptic]

This is a total shot in the dark, as most doctors don't even know what this is - but does anyone have Nutcracker Syndrome and/or SMA syndrome? I have both. (I had a doctor tell me that, in the 30 years that he's been in practice, that he had never seen anyone with SMA syndrome and that he likely will never again.) The reason I ask is because when I am really down in a rut, the constant dull pain becomes unbearable...

 

[Meadowsweet]

healingangel, have you talked to your therapist about your self derogotory thoughts at this time?

I ask, because when I have thoughts like that, it effects my eating, but in the opposite way. I stuff myself full of rubbish thinking Im disgustinmg and dont deserve to be looked after, but afterwards I'm so tired and numb it takes away those feelings. I don't know if it's similar to what you're going through, but it might be worth mentioning to your therapist, if you havn't already.

 

[healingangel90]

MissSeptic – It really does feel like torture. Even when I want to eat, I’m scared to. Like I said, I have stomach problems, but I haven’t made my way to get testing done. I have no idea what it could be. Sometimes, I have horrible stomachaches and nausea when I wake up in the morning. Then I spend all day in bed because of an upset stomach. At times the pain is unbearable. Probably should get this checked out soon. I think I’ve come to accept that my feelings and physical pain really are connected. I have a lot of problems with random pains in general.

I love bagels though! I’ve never really been a tea person, but coffee seems to make things worse. I feel great while I have the caffeine rush and once I crash, I feel 10 times more depressed than usual. It’s so hard to deal with because I love coffee! You would think I’d have learned my lesson by now haha.

Meadowsweet – No, I actually haven’t talked to her about those thoughts. I told her I have low self esteem, but that’s where I left it. It’s so hard for me to show my insecurities like that. =/ Hopefully I’m able to soon because she thinks it’s the stomach problems keeping me from eating, but I think my negative thoughts have more of an impact. I do think our problems with food have similar roots but are on different sides of the spectrum if that makes sense. It sounds like you eat to numb your pain and I don’t eat to express my pain. Both are really common unfortunately. I hope things get better for you. No one deserves to feel like that. Have you talked to anybody about this?

 

[James B.]

Hello healingangel90,

One of the traditional treatments for stomach issues is to try and re-culture the stomach w/ enzyme rich foods. Papaya and Mango (both delicious) are the most common ones. If the stomach is enzyme-depleted, digestion is poor, nutrition suffers, and a host of issues can ensue.

Mango and Papaya are very gentle on the system. These wonderful tropical fruits are also available dried, but often with sugar added. If a person is traveling, though, this might be better than nothing. I crave fresh Mango, all summer. Yum.
Too bad coffee and stuff are so harsh on our stomaches. But, we can maintain our systems, with the right foods.

 

[Sandra]

I don't like mangos and here in the north they are very expensive too. I've never had papayas. And I don't doubt they are expensive here too.

 

[James B.]

I don't like mangos and here in the north they are very expensive too. I've never had papayas. And I don't doubt they are expensive here too.

Both mango and papaya (for sure) are available in tablet form at health food stores. Inner circle nutrition guru's (Burroughs etc) embrace papaya, big time.

 

[Sandra]

Like I can afford that either?

 

[healingangel90]

Thanks for the tip James :) I actually like papaya and mango so maybe I can try to make eating them regularly a habit. Probably have to wait til summer to do that, but I'll look into getting those pills.

I'm starting to think it could be turning into a control issue along with whatever stomach problems and negative thoughts I have. It feels like the one thing no one can force me to do. I've realized that every time someone pressures me to eat, I shut down and refuse. Really trying to fight this though =/