As some of you already may know,,,i've been fighting with anorexia for about eight yrs on and off. I'm 5'2 and weight in at 102. I don't count calories,but i don't eat alot in one day. I don't completely fast because i can't do that. But there are some days that i will only eat cookies and milk and maybe some kind of snack during the day. Or,i will eat a really good dinner and nothing else. I have a doctor's appt coming up but i'm to scared to tell him about my ED. I think he knows,but he can't make judgement until i tell him. My questions are this...i don't have health insurance so out patient and in patient treatment is out of the question because there is no way we can offord this. How do doctors determine if hospitalization is needed? My parents already know about my ED but they don't say anything much. My dad says things like "god girl,you are a bag of bones" or "are you still alive because you don't look like it"..and my husband calls me a skeloton. They just don't understand and i'm not sure if i do.

First of all, let me say that going to a doctor is a great step towards recovery! Don't be scared! Be totally honest with him and he'll help you. I know that deep down inside, you want to get better and the doctor is one of the best people who can help!

Love, Jen

I have anorexia too. It's hard isn't it? I've been struggling with anorexia for 5 years. Going to the doctor really is a great first step. A lot of time doctors know but they can't do anything about it till you're ready to get help. I know it's scary but i've never met a doctor who wasn't supportive and understanding. They determine if hospitalization is needed in part by how malnourished you are and how advanced the anorexia is from what I know. Having a supportive family is something you need right now I would sit them all down(together or separately whichever is comfortable) and tell them what's going on(even if they know they need to hear it from you). This way the door is open for you to talk to them and for them to talk to you. Good luck. Please keep me posted as to what happens when you go to the doctor.
Lily

I think telling your doctor would be a great first step. I know there is help available for people without health insurance. I know just from my own internet search for professionals in my area there are therapists specializing in ED's that work on a sliding scale based on what you can afford and I even found one who held an evening group therapy class once a week for free. I bet your doctor will be able to lead you in the right direction.

Good luck to you

Rachel