Doctor Appointment

[Phoebe_c]

So I've got a doctor's appointment to talk about my concerns on Monday, but I'm a bit nervous to talk to them about it. Just wondering if there's anyone out there who's gone through the process of talking to the doctor about their eating habits and if you took a friend with you or made a list of what to say or anything and if the doctor was actually helpful? I'm not really sure what to expect...thanks in advance! Xx

[Lisamarg123]

Hi phoebe, I went through this a number of years ago, I went in alone and I just said I had concerns about my eating and then the doctor started asking questions and it became easier to talk about it. If you are nervous maybe take a friend with you but please don’t worry as you made a huge step by deciding to go. Good luck

[Phoebe_c in reply to Lisamarg123]

Hi Lisa, thanks for your reply! I think I'll go on my own as I'll probably feel more comfortable talking about it with no one else there! Did you find your doctor was understanding? Did they make you weigh yourself or do any tests and what sort of questions did they ask? I don't really know what to expect! Xx

[Lisamarg123 in reply to Phoebe_c]

You are very welcome. She asked a lot of questions and then weighed me and then referred me to a eating disorder unit in the community. I did have to go back for a blood test and an ecg.

[Phoebe_c in reply to Lisamarg123]

Thanks! I went to see the doctor today and he was really lovely, has referred me to mental health services. Guess I will just have to wait to hear from then- he didn't really suggest what to do in the meantime but at least I guess this is the first step! xx

[crazycrossstitcher]

I went to my GP in Sept - had a good meeting and took a list of the main points I wanted to raise about my eating and mental health issues - was subsequently referred on to specialist service - so be prepared for a wait - I've waited around 6 months - but the GP is the first port of call so good luck.

[Phoebe_c in reply to crazycrossstitcher]

Thanks for your reply, did you find you coped okay in between the wait and specialist treatment? Did the doctor actually help in any way when you went to see them? I think I'll take a list in when I go or I might forget everything I want to talk through! Xx

[crazycrossstitcher]

GP from my experience is really just the referral point - you have to go via them to get to specialist help - and do press for a specialist in EDs not just mental health team - it does however help to talk honestly about what is going on - and ask to have a good physical check up - I got bloods done etc - and they did keep an eye on me while I waited. Waiting is hard as it takes courage to ask for help in the first place - and it also takes strength not to allow the wait to get you more anxious and EDs are good at persuading you you don't need help - so keep strong - you've take the first step to seek help - so don't let the wait for more help stop you - recovery is hard and takes time and specialist help - don't let your ED persuade you to go it alone or feel you don't need help - its an illness that needs treatment by professionals - I know from personal experience so good luck.

[Phoebe_c in reply to crazycrossstitcher]

Thanks! I went to see the doctor today and he was really lovely, has referred me to mental health services. Guess I will just have to wait to hear from then- he didn't really suggest what to do in the meantime but at least I guess this is the first step! xx

[crazycrossstitcher]

Great - so glad you got such a good reception. It may take time to get the help you need - but please stick with it - in the meantime you could contact ABC who have a support line and befrienders which you might find useful (their phones tend to be busy - so an email might be a good idea).