Medical Questions > Mental Health > Eating Disorders Forum

Anorexic & Unexplained weightgain = Freaking out

Must Read
Anorexia nervosa is one of several eating disorders. But what is anorexia exactly and who does it affect? Get anorexia basics and facts in this short intro....
Although doctors don't the exact causes of anorexia, there are a few factors that put certain people at risk of developing the condition. Click here for more....
What are the most common signs of anorexia? We list the physical and behavioral symptoms of anorexia here and outline when to seek help....
I am a 37 year old woman who has been dealing with an eating disorder in some form or another since I was about 14 yrs old. I have been hospitalized with anorexia (weighing not much & avg height) 3 times in the past 2 years. The most recent time was in March-April 2010. (I left the program after a month and had weighed 103 lbs when I left.) I did not recover...I didn't want to recover and honestly, I really don't want to gain weight right now either! HOWEVER, This past January, my husband and I separated and it has taken a toll on me emotionally. I eat a max of 500 cals per day and yet since January, I have gained 20-25 lbs! I exercise 7 days a week doing aerobics & I also walk 4 hours a day (2 hrs in the forest trails and 2 hours street walking...all with my 2 border collies). HELP! I do not understand why I am continuing to gain weight!?! I am terrified because I have already been restricting my food intake a lot more. Some days I won't eat anything. Just in the past 2 weeks I have outgrown all of my bras! I have not been this weight in at least 5 years! I am FREAKING OUT! I have to add that I also take ephedrine. (a lot of ephedrine)Last March I had a doctor tell me that "I am not 16 anymore." as the reason for the weight gain!?! I refuse to go back to her. In fact, I am terrified to go to any doctor for fear that they will tell me that I am just destined to be fat. My entire days are filled completely with weight and food thoughts. I have nightmares and end up only sleeping a few hours per night. I am beside myself! Please...Can someone offer ANY ideas as to what is going on? It just doesn't make sense and I am terrified. ***I have had my therapist tell me that I look "swollen" but no one else had said that and my ankles/feet and wrists/hands are not swollen at all. In fact, certain areas appear thinner and bonier while others...specifically my tummy, hips, thighs and upper arms...are huge! I doubt I have edema. So, what is happening to me!?!*** I feel so alone and desperate and I would rather just die then continue to gain weight. Crying or Very sad I know what being over weight is like. In 2000 I was at my highest weight of 198 lbs. I swore that I would not allow myself to gain weight like that ever again. Please help me?!?
Did you find this post helpful?
|

replied January 4th, 2012
I'm sorry you are so fraught with anxiety, i know exactly how you feel to think you've done everything you can to lose weight and not see the number on the scale change or even go up. Although i don't medically for sure know the answer to your question, i just want you to know you can message me anytime for support.

When i read your post i recognised a lot of myself in your feelings of hopelessness.

I really hope someone replies to your post soon with an answer that can help.

Good luck and never give up hope.
|
Did you find this post helpful?