I have a question... Those of you with an ED (or who have had one in the past), were you diagnosed by a doctor? Assuming so, who discovered it first--you or the doctor?

The reason I'm asking is this: I am wondering if I have one myself. I've done research on it, and some factors, or symptoms (whatever you wanna call it) of ED do affect me, but not so many that I can't come up with a plausible reason to say it's not so. Due to allergies and some of the most annoying skin problems imaginable, I'm normally at the doctor every 6 months, at least, and nobody's ever mentioned anything to me about an ED before... I wonder if that is a normal thing, for the patient to recognize it before the doctor does.

welcome lissa! if you think you have an ED there is definately a problem to begin with, even if it's not an ED. No one should be showing signs of an eating dirorder. But to answer your question, I knew I had an ED 3 years before my doctor found out, and I had been to the doctor many times b4 they diagnosed me with anything. What kinds of symptoms are you showing? What kind of ED do you think you have? Knowing that might be able to tell us if something is wrong. But besides that, are you willing to tell someone you are close to that you can help? That might be helpful to you. If you need any help with it, you're welcome to email me- rachdaar@optonline.net. Good luck!
-Rachel

I totally knew that I had a serious problem way before I ever consulted a Dr. I was in high school when I was diagnosed, and I actually told my mom and dad (who already figured it out themselves) who sent me to see a psychiatrist. I think that it's totally normal for someone to realize they have a problem.

Interesting...I didn't know that.

In response to your question, Rachel, about my symptoms, I have experienced fatigue for the past several years. I've gone to my doctor about that, and after several tests (none relating to an ED), we still don't know why I am always tired.

Also, I watch my weight very closely. I am 5' 2.5" and currently 101 lbs. If I had my way, I'd be 98 lbs, but I'm not that good at dieting. Every time I've tried, I find myself glued to the cookie jar.

I can't say that I binge, 'cause I don't feel I understand what actually qualifies as binging. I've never tried to vomit--I don't know how, and I'm scared to death of it. I must admit that I have used laxatives. But very rarely (maybe three or four times). Does this mean I do have an ED and just don't want to admit it?

Otherwise, headaches. Lots of headaches, and I'm on prescriptions for them. Also, I'm rather stressed. I'm perfectionist... That's all I can think of right now.

Oh, yeah, I've also had a mess with my menstrual cycles, going about four months between. This went on for a year or so, and they're just starting to become more regular. My gynecologist thought the problem was my "body-to-fat ratio".

Assuming I do have an ED, I don't know what kind.

Sorry this is so long. I tried to keep it short.

Any advice?

[This message has been edited by lissa81 (edited 10-08-2001).]

I haven't seen a doctor as of yet. I don't really want my parents to find out. I'll done plenty of researh and I have friends that also have eds.

lissa, did your gynecologist say she was worrying about you having an ed as a result of messed up periods? also, I have a major fatigue prob also, and I've been tested numerous times for anything. Thye stilll can't figure out what it is so they just say I have chronic fatigue. but I know how you feel with being so tired all the time, i know it stinks. The fact that you watch your weight very closely could not be a good thing, and you are a little underweight for your height. also the use of alxatives is not good either. I know it stinks but you might want to talk to someone who can set you straight. You might not have a major ed, but you definately have some sort of one. We just don't want it to get any worse. if you need any help, I'm here. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif keep me posted!
Rachel

lissa, did your gynecologist say she was worrying about you having an ed as a result of messed up periods? also, I have a major fatigue prob also, and I've been tested numerous times for anything. Thye stilll can't figure out what it is so they just say I have chronic fatigue. but I know how you feel with being so tired all the time, i know it stinks. The fact that you watch your weight very closely could not be a good thing, and you are a little underweight for your height. also the use of laxatives is not good either. I know it stinks but you might want to talk to someone who can set you straight. You might not have a major ed, but you definately have some sort of one. We just don't want it to get any worse. if you need any help, I'm here. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif keep me posted!
Rachel

Thank you, Rachel. I really appreciate your advice.

My gynecologist didn't mention an ED. None of my doctors have. Just that they thought my period problem was from low body fat. But I live in Indiana, and from the research I've done, apparently Midwest doctors aren't very good at recognizing an ED when they see it. I was given birth control pills, and they caused me to gain weight. I was not pleased. But gaining weight did make a difference.

My regular doctor suggested chronic fatigue for me, too, because of my tiredness, not the periods. I asked him what the symptoms were, and they don't match up, so I apparently don't have it.