Question... - Eating Disorder Recovery Message Board

lissa81 · 10-07-2001, 06:01 PM

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.

Tricky · 10-07-2001, 06:50 PM

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.

lissa81 · 10-08-2001, 05:36 PM

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).]

Summer_Dawn · 10-09-2001, 04:22 PM

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.

rad916 · 10-10-2001, 05:31 PM

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.

keep me posted!
Rachel