IBD & eating disorder
Thu, November 06, 2008 2:00 PM
Has anyone out there had IBD and suffered from an eating disorder? I feel my UC has contributed greatly to me having an eating disorder. It is very difficult to recover when everything you eat makes you sick. Just looking for some support.
Joined Aug 4, 2008
Wed, December 24, 2008 1:12 PM
Reply posted for Kar.
Did you develop the disorder because it seemed everything you ate just made you sick so why eat?
Sometimes thats how I feel. I came across a colitis forum a few years ago (I think it was colitis sucks.com or something like that). A man said the best thing he did was give up red meats and pork.
Well, I gave up the red meats and pork and I cut back on dairy. That was the best decision I ever made. It helped to control my colitis. It seems my flare ups are not as severe. I eat poultry and fish for meat.
There are still days when I just dont want to eat, so I guess I have to be careful that I dont develop an eating disorder. Its not a body image thing for me, its a not wanting to be nauseous thing.
I also drink Ensure when I know I dont want solid food or when I feel like my body isnt absorbing nutrients properly. That helps with maintaining my weight.
Joined Dec 21, 2008
Tue, November 25, 2008 1:19 PM
Reply posted for Kar.
It's actually pretty common I believe. I had a weird form of bulimia. I had gained a lot of weight from the prednisone so I just stopped eating. I would also stop taking certain meds for a week so I would lose weight quickly. Very unhealthy. It's all just part of the fact that your self esteem is damaged while you are dealing with the disease. I got over my eating disorder after a couple years, but there are still times that I will make myself sick and use the fact that my stomach hurts as something to justify it to myself. Eating disorders don't just go away. Many times you will have to see a therapist to work your way through it.
Joined Nov 24, 2008
Mon, November 10, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for nickrystal.
Thanks. I hadn't thought of that. I will try it.
Joined Aug 4, 2008
Sat, November 08, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for Kar.
Maybe some imagery will work? Picture what you need to weigh/look like to get through the surgery and what you will be like after? That way, when you are sitting with a meal in front of you pre-surgery, you can picture the goal in your mind and convince yourself to eat? Just a thought.
nickrystalJoined Nov 7, 2008
Fri, November 07, 2008 4:33 PM
Reply posted for nickrystal.
Thank you. I have been getting treatment for my eating disorder for about 5 years now. Things have greatly approved. I'm now planning for surgery (j-pouch) and need to gain weight quickly. Just looking for any thoughts on how to get around the thoughts of not wanting to eat and the physical and emotional feelings afterward. I know what is best, but I can't get past the thoughts sometimes.
P.S. Therapy has done wonders not only for the eating disorder but also all the other problems that having a chronic illness can bring.
Joined Aug 4, 2008
Fri, November 07, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for Kar.
I think these two things are more common together than research would suggest. It just makes sense. I know I personally have an aversive relationship with food. If you know eating is going to cause you pain and bathroom visits, then why eat? Being "empty" is more comfortable and easier. But if you are not able to maintain a weight or if you are eating very few calories a day, you should probably get some help.
nickrystalJoined Nov 7, 2008
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