My introduction...again!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2006
My introduction...again!
7
Sat, 12-16-2006 - 6:49pm

Hey everyone,


First off, I just want to say thank you for the warm welcomes as being the new co-cl. I'm really excited to be a part of this board.


Some of you have heard about my story. I've noticed that since my first introduction there have been a ton of new people. I figure since this is a new start for me, I should introduce myself again...


I was dealing with anorexia on/off for two years before things went spiraling out of control in 1999. My parents put me in a strict outpatient program in the spring of 1999 after some extremely scary moments. Three days a week of group therapy, one session a week with a counselor and a nutritionist. Progress was a roller coaster. Some weeks were great and some were horrible. In September '99, I hit rock bottom. My counselor, nutritionist, and psychologist threatened to put me in Renfrew if I didn't show any improvements. For the most part it woke me up. Here I was faced with being forced to leave school, friends, and family - and I was about not to let that happen. Things started changing for the better a few weeks later. Unfortunately, as many of you have probably experienced, insurance ran out and I could no longer go to therapy. I had to figure the rest of way. YIKES!


Some 7 years later, things are much better. I learned how to cope with life and whatever it has planned for me. I won't lie. A little bit of my anorexia has stuck around. Most days I can keep myself in check. But not everyday is full of roses. I am able to be conscious of when I have my ED thoughts and triggers. No one around me knows that I occassionally struggle. They figured that I was "cured forever". They never realized it was a lifestyle change that I would have to live with.


I am a former workaholic who is now a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM). My husband and I own a restaurant in our home town. We have 8 month old twin sons, a wonderful dog, and a fiesty cat.


I hope that all of you so much patience, hope, and luck in your recovery. Things do and will get better!


If you have any questions, comments, etc. PLEASE do not be afraid or shy! Actually, I hope you do ask lots of questions! So please; ask away!


Catherine

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2003
Mon, 12-18-2006 - 12:39pm

Hi Catherine,


I do have a question(s) for you. Is your husband supportive with ED, or have you kept it to yourself? Is working in the restaurant business challenging at times... ?


I asked

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-03-2005
Mon, 12-18-2006 - 12:50pm
Congratulations on becoming the co-cl, Catherine. And, thanks for sharing your story.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2006
Mon, 12-18-2006 - 5:32pm

Hey Michelle!


I don't actually work in the restaurant. DH does the day-to-day operations and I do the accounting/book keeping at home.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2003
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 2:14pm

Catherine,


Oh, I totally hear you regarding not eating certain foods. It is actually easier for me to list the foods I will eat, rather that the ones I won't. I was improving for a while, but I guess the stress and the holidays and (fill in any other possible excuse) are getting to me as of late.


Your husband sounds like a compassionate man ;) That's great that he tries to understand.


Hugs,

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2006
Tue, 12-19-2006 - 7:02pm
Sounds like a wonderful life! Congratulations on all your hard work and acomplishments! Go you! So glad you're helping run this board!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2005
Wed, 12-20-2006 - 11:31am

Hi Catherine and sorry I'm late.

 

 

~Diana~

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2006
Thu, 12-21-2006 - 1:03pm

I think the idea of losing everything was one of the main things that made me take a closer look at what I was doing to myself. I had worked so hard and was so involved in my anorexia that I wasn't enjoying any of it. And it made me so mad that I couldn't enjoy anything. I eventually realized, I never gave myself a break and I was being unfair to myself.


Oh Diana, I hope that you feel better soon!


Catherine

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