What should I expect when referred to a specialist eating disorder unit?
My doctor said she want to refer me to an eating disorder unit for help.
I suffer from Bulimia, and am quite ill purging up to 10 times a day usually. With a history of abusing laxatives, and diet pills. But I am not underweight and do not appear so.
What should I expect. Will they want to do any medical examinations?
Plus I am 16 and live in the UK.
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Of course you will be examined – Bulimia puts you at extremely high risk of organ failure , long term health problmes , osteoporosis , permanent heart damage etc
whether you are underweight or not is the least of the problems – it is what that is going on inside your body and the damage done to it and whether you need referred to any specialist ie cardio , gastro intestinal etc etc
They will need to assess what damage has been done and what measures need to be taken to address these
You will be assessed by one or more psychiatrist’s – a second opinion mybe required
What you do need to keep in mind is that yo are clearly extremely ill and they are there to help you – at first you will fight it , be in denial etc –
You maybe prescribed supplements , anti depressants etc to help – no one person is the same
If it’s an inpatient unit, they will have you on a special diet, moniter your weight, and have you speak to a therapist to deal with the emotional part of your disorder. You will also have a doctor doing other medical exams on your nutrition, etc.
Yes. Mostly talking for a while until they get to know you. maybe some group talks.
Then a plan for your recovery.
Good luck. This is a good opportunity for you.
well,
there will be therapy groups, and structured meal times and plans
if you dont eat your food, they will supplement you with either boost plus, or ensure plus
there will be a 1-2 hour bathroom restriction after meals, and 30 minutes after snacks
its really not as bad as many people think it is
also- try picking up these books:
Life Without ED
and its sequel
Good-bye ED, Hello Me
if you have any more questions, feel free to Email me through here
ADD: and yes, they will do blood test to check certain levels, they will do an EKG and follow up with any abnormalties