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Hi,
I'm sorry your daughter is going through this dangerous disorder.
I think Rosa did great providing you information.
I also wanted to add, though, that if she did go from eating very little or nothing to eating portioned meals, that you should closely monitor her. When the body is starved, she may develop refeeding syndrome.
Refeeding syndrome is a syndrome consisting of metabolic disturbances that occur as a result of reinstitution of nutrition to patients who are starved or severely malnourished. Refeeding syndrome can be dangerous.
To avoid the development of the refeeding syndrome, nutrition support in patients at risk should be increased slowly while assuring adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals (Supplements, etc). Organ function, fluid balance and serum electrolytes (especially phosphorus, potassium and magnesium) need to be monitored daily during the first week and less often thereafter.
I went through refeeding syndrome, and it was very scary. The symptoms may include:
* weakness
* seizure
* paresthesia
* altered mental status
* tetany
*weakness
* myalgia
* anemia
* infections
* bleeding
* abdominal pain
* constipation
* diarrhea
*edema
Just to name a few. I also think it would be a good idea to have blood work done weekly for this reason. If she is not responding to the treatment she's already involved it, you may have to consider inpatient hospitalization.
Anorexia Nervosa (and any other E.D) is very difficult to understand. It is complex and one reason for the development of anorexia is not the same reason for someone else. Often, the reason is unknown.
At this time, your daughter is not in her right mind due to nutritional deficiencies, and just her overall condition. You may become frustrated with her (Like my mother was with me), but maintain your composure. Right now, she needs all the love and support she can get.
Good luck and I wish you, your daughter, & your family the best!
Sy
October 6, 2011 - 9:16amThis Comment
Hi Anon,
I'm very sorry that your daughter is suffering from anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and the food they eat. People with anorexia nervosa attempt to maintain a weight that's far below normal for their age and height. To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia nervosa may starve themselves or exercise excessively.
Anorexia (an-oh-REK-see-uh) nervosa isn't really about food. It's an unhealthy way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have anorexia nervosa, you often equate thinness with self-worth.
Anorexia nervosa can be difficult to overcome. But with treatment, you can gain a better sense of who you are, return to healthier eating habits and reverse some of anorexia's serious complications.
In addition to professional treatment, you can help your daughter follow these steps:
Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions and try not to stray from meal plans, even if they make you uncomfortable.
Talk to your doctor about appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. If you're not eating well, chances are your body isn't getting all of the nutrients it needs.
Don't isolate yourself from caring family members and friends who want to see you get healthy. Understand that they have your best interests at heart.
Resist urges to weigh yourself or check yourself in the mirror frequently. These may do nothing but fuel your drive to maintain unhealthy habits.
How are her therapy sessions going? Have you seen some improvement since she started? Remember that a person with anorexia cannot just go from eating very little to eating a full plate of food-- this takes time and lots of patience and support from you. As long as there has been improvement noted and she is sincerely trying to help herself then keep supporting her because a strong support system is sometimes more important than all forms of therapy.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/anorexia-nervosa
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
Wishing you the best,
Rosa
October 4, 2011 - 7:00amThis Comment