First steps......

[Kloggy]

Following my post a couple of months ago as the ' oldest anorexic' I thought that posting an update might help others to consider taking some small first steps

I finally went to see a GP at my surgery. My husband came with me, I probably couldn't have done it alone. It was really hard to say that I thought I had an eating disorder, I'm not sure if I even used those words! The GP wanted to have blood tests before doing anything else so he could eliminate any other reason for weight loss. These showed an abnormality in white blood cells and had to be repeated in two weeks ( the GP didn't get back to me on this, I saw it on my online record marked as patient advised and called in to book the repeat test!) Following this the same thing happened but had already booked another GP appointment to ensure another month didn't go by.

The next GP was helpful, he made a referral to the Gastro dept at the hospital for the other issues that I have which complicate this and also to the fairly local ED unit. As an urgent referral the appointment for an assessment came through within a week and from this I was confirmed as meeting their criteria and have been marked as a priority for one to one CBT sessions. I don't know how long this will take but it is at least it is a step in the right direction. To get this far has taken a while and during this time my health has declined and I am currently signed off work but I hate what i am doing to myself and how it has affected my husband and my sons.

Hopefully there is light at the end of the very long tunnel, at the moment I can't really imagine feeling any different.

However, without a doubt the hardest part was going to the GP and admitting to the problem so at least I know there is help out there.

Oh, that was a bit of a ramble, hopefully not to muddled as my concentration is a bit pants right now but if you are still there, thanks for reading!

[Agora1]

Kloggy, That first step was the hardest, I know. Continued success in going forward. One step at a time no matter how small will get you to your goal. Good Luck with CBT. Keep us updated on your progress. x

[Kloggy in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for your support, I am lucky in having a supportive family but it's hard for them to understand any of this.x

[Agora1 in reply to Kloggy]

Kloggy, support is so very important, you are blessed with that. Understanding is somewhat harder, but know that you have the support of others here on the forum going through the same issue. I wish you well, I'm so proud of you taking that first step. x

[Jots1234]

Well done kloggy, I too found going to the gp the hardest thing, I hated admitting what I'm doing and there is a problem but I was referred to the local mental health team who assessed and referred directly to Ed clinic in the county and I have an appointment through. Like you, at the moment I can't imagine being different and how it can help but I know I can't carry on like this without serious failings to my health in the months to come if I don't change.

All the best on your journey, so pleased you have the support of your husband and sons and keep taking steps, however small to recovery, you deserve it xx

[Kloggy in reply to Jots1234]

Hi Jots, It sounds like we are at the same point in this journey. I wish you all the best and hope that you too have people supporting you. X

[Jots1234 in reply to Kloggy]

Thanks, I'm not very good at opening up to those around me but did manage to confide in a friend earlier this week x

[crazycrossstitcher]

Great to here you've had the courage to take the first steps - my white blood cell count is also a problem - they've put it down to my anorexia/low weight - like most of my other probs - see anorexia and diagnose everything in the same box! Good luck with the CBT - hope it goes well for you.

[Kloggy in reply to crazycrossstitcher]

Thank you. I know what you mean about them seeing anorexia and putting everything down to that. I guess it's the same for people who are overweight! All the best to you too. X