Eating Disorder

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 9:42 pm

This past Monday I had to put my daughter into a hospital that specializes in eating disorders. She has been taking massive doses of laxatives for a couple of years now. She just recently moved back to my house (she lived with her mom) and we started therapy a few weeks ago. She came to me with handfuls of empty packets and I told her therapist about them. A few days later she was at a session and her therapist asked if she had more, she did, so those were also taken.

My daughter left to go to her mom's last weekend and when she returned she was really grumpy. I sneaked into her car and found two boxes of 60, two boxes of 48 and two boxes of 24. Of those, she took all but one box of 24 and 19 other pills. So roughly 220 in 4 days.

She will be in the hospital for a week, then go another 4-6 days outpatient, after which she will continue her weekly therapy.

I haven't been posting lately, I've been busy with my daughter.

Lisa(SO) · Post by **Lisa(SO)** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:57 am

Robyn,

I am so sorry to hear about this. You and your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers. This will be a life long battle for her. I am one of those that tends to weigh 125 and still feel fat (I am 5'9). My mother was always talking about being skinny. I am fortunate enough to never have been hospitalized though. My dad did try when I was in college as my weight went to 117 but I was over 18 so there was not much he could do.

She is going to need a lot of love and support. It helps to just listen to her without saying anything negative. In my case stress makes it worse. I have learned through therapy that for some people it is the only thing that they can control in their life. Keep posting my dear.

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:40 am

Hey Robyn,

It's so sad to hear of your daughter's condition. Lisa totally hits the mark when she said it's a lifelong struggle. Love and encouragement on your part will go a long way towards helping her.

Family is more important, be with her as much as she needs. We'll be here when you need us. My prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Kyra

Absaroka · Post by **Absaroka** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:42 am

I'm glad to hear that your daughter is now in an environment where she will be safe for the moment and can be helped.

Overeaters Anonymous has a lot of bulemics and anorexics as members-it is now oriented more towards eating disorders generally. She may find it helpful.

You will need support as well. You might consider Al-Anon. It is a 12 step program for those affected by someone elses drinking problem but much of the codependency issues are the same. Open meetings might be helpful to you. It is incredibly painful to watch someone you love basically try to commit suicide on the installment plan and no doubt you have a lot of emotional scars from this yourself.

Hang in there. THings are unfolding as they should.

Absaroka

Post by **DonnaT** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:51 am

Sorry to hear that Robyn. I'll keep y'all in my thoughts and prayers.

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 9:56 am

Thank you all so much for the support. I get to take her home this evening. Then it is 4-6 days of outpatient and finally weekly counseling for a while.

I hope things all work out, but I understand it is a lifetime issue.

Lori · Post by **Lori** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 1:10 pm

Robyn

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your daughter......May she get better and enjoy a drug free life

Lori

KathyB · Post by **KathyB** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:35 pm

Robyn: I'm glad she came to you for help, and even more glad she's getting the medical and mental health attention she needs. Everyone has given great suggestions, and I fully support the Al-Anon suggestion. Sharing with and listening to others are some of the most helpful resources you can ever have. I wish you great strength during this time.

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:47 pm

Robyn,
You and your daughter will be in our thoughts. I hope she can get the proper help and resume her regular life. As has been said it will take a lot of love and concern on your part.
We are here to support you!
Love,
Virginia

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:48 pm

Thank you all. I picked her up today, after a week of treatment. She appears so happy to be home. She hated me for bringing her there, but today she says I am the 'Best Dad in the World'.

Makes life all worthwhile...

Lisa(SO) · Post by **Lisa(SO)** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:37 am

Robyn,

You are the best dad in the world! Any father that risks his child resenting him for doing an action that could save their lives is the best father. It is easier to stick our heads in the sand sometimes. I believe that Al-Anon would be a great place for you to go. They are very loving there and help for peopleto see it is not their fault or their disease. It helps to work on productive and successful tools to help the family get through tough times.

Lisbeth · Post by **Lisbeth** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:34 pm

Robyn,
My wife has been dealing with an eating disorder all of her life and I know it is a devistating disease but help is available. I'm glad that she came to you for help. If she had the courage to ask for help then she is ready to accept it. You're on the right path and you will be in my prayers.
Love,
Lisbeth

P.S. PM me if you want to. I'm sure my wife and I can probably give you some insights into it and maybe help. At least someone else to talk to about it.

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:18 pm

My daughter is going to out patient now, and we are going to attend the bi-weekly support groups which are headed by her therapist. We selected a pretty good therapist, if not the best in the city we are in.

She is so happy right now, and I am beaming to have my daughter act more normal now. She is so fun!

Thank you all for your support and prayers!

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:22 pm

Hi Robin--
I am surprised that her body could handle that type of dosage, even working up to it. If she's used to such amounts, it has got to be rough to go cold turkey. I wish both of you the best in dealing with it.

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:40 am

her body could handle that type of dosage,

Her doctor's feared surgery, but it wasn't required.
She is doing quite well considering.