Update on my Doctor's Visit and Need Advice
#72595 - 05/23/04 10:25 AM
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Ashley
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 46
Loc: Maryland, USA
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I saw the doctor last week and he is convinced that my IBS is happening due to my Eating Disorder. I have upper and lower GI symptoms and all my tests have been negative so far. He said that I really need to address my Eating Disorder issue before I can solve any of my stomach problems. I do eat and I love to eat but I am always counting my calories, won't eat for hours, weigh myself constantly, used to exercise excessively (Have cut down my exercise now) and if I have gained a little bit of weight I try to lose it right away. I am constantly thinking about food and my weight. Anyways, the doctor feels that my body is having an adverse reaction to the food because of my fear of gaining weight. He says that it's all Psychosomatic and he really feels that I need to deal with this first before anything else. He has referred me to his wife who is also a physician for getting an antidepressant and I have an appointment with her next week. He says the antidepressants will help me with my IBS symptoms and will also get to see my body differently. He also wants me to go to an Eating Disorder Clinic and I am going to look for one near my area. Do you all think it's possible my body is rejecting food because of my fear of gaining weight? I never thought of it that way. I always thought that my constant dieting and stress had messed up my digestive system but I didn't realize that my mind played such a big part in it. After the doctor made that statement, it got me to thinking and I am beginning to believe that he might be right. Of course I am not fully convinced yet but it kind of makes sense. Thanks for listening 
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Hi Ashley,
"Do [I] think it's possible [your] body is rejecting food because of [your] fear of gaining weight?" Absolutely. You bet it's possible.
Your mind DOES "play a big part in it," you bet! I desperately needed hypnotherapy because I had gotten to a real bad place with the anxiety and stress; I wouldn't dare leave the confines of this little condo. I learned, through Michael (the hypnotherapist) that the mind does play a HUGE role, the BIGGEST role in everything the body does. The subconscious controls all bodily movements -- including the gut.
Good luck with the Eating Disorder Clinic; I think you'll be amazed at how much better you'll get.
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Hi Ashley,
We are in similar predicaments here...I've always had a sensitive stomach, especially when I take trips, but in the last six months I struggled with my weight, etc...didn't eat enough, exercised compulsively, and lost too much weight. I feel better now, except now my stomach issues have worsened a LOT. I'm IBS-C and also experience a lot of pain. I've been on an anti-depressant for about a month and have noticed a little difference in my general feeling, but it hasnt done anything for my tummy! Anyway I am starting to think that my issues played a big part in becoming this way. Right now I'm kicking myself for possibly bringing this on myself. *sigh* I really wish I hadnt been so stupid, but unfortunately I cant turn back the clock ;(
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same thing. I have had an Eating Disorder for about 10 years now and I keep saying that I should have known better and not dieted and eaten when I was hungry and all. But the problem was my stomach would say I am hungry and my head would say not to eat in the fear of gaining weight. It's not right but sometimes we just can't help it. I also feel responsible for my condition. The good thing is you have realized your problem and that's a good thing because the first step in getting better is realizing the cause of the problem. I wish you good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
Hugs
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Thanks Ashley, I appreciate your support. Its tough not to blame yourself and of course hindsight is 20/20...but I know I can and will get better, and hopefully I'll find something that will help my stomach too!
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Well, IBS if often caused by an "insult" to your gut - eg. surgery, a virus, injuries... I guess an eating disorder could be added to the list.
To be honest, I doubt it's all psychosomatic. Hopefully the anti-depressants will help and the clinic too - my best friend had bulimia for years and she went to a clinic and said it helped.
Throw your scales away honey! Really. You need to concentrate on your health, not your weight! If you are going to watch your weight, do something like WeightWatchers where you're not allowed to eat too little or too much. But it sounds like you really need to try and relax about food.
Good luck!
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Thanks for the advice and you are 100% correct. I need to concenterate on getting better instead of always trying to lose weight. Thanks again
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stomach gets better soon
Edited by Ashley (05/23/04 05:34 PM)
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Good luck! Eating disorders are truly evil. Please try and learn to love yourself as you are EXCEPT for the IBS, which needs all the thought and effort you have been putting into your eating disorder to beat it. Think how much you could help yourself get better if you can just redirect all that mental energy!
Good luck! Hope it goes well.
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