Hospitalized with eating disorder
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| Thu, 07-13-2006 - 8:57pm |
I've read messages before, but this is the first time I've typed anything.
This morning I took my daughter to an eating disorders clinic and she was admitted to the hospital for a diagnosis of Eating disorder NOS with bradycardia. Her heart rate was in the low 40's. She'll be in the hospital from a week to 6 weeks.
My daughter is 16 and going into her Jr. year of high school. She first started dieting in seventh grade when she wanted to be "thin and pretty" like the other girls. She's a high achieving gal, gets mostly A's in school, plays piano and has been in elite basketball for 4 years. Obviously, she hasn't been playing as well lately.
For all her accomplishments, she has low self esteem. She has withdrawn from friends and is very irritable to be around.
Guess I should be happy she's finally getting the help she needs. I hope it works. I just feel inadequate as a parent that she's having this trouble.
Schwanny

Deb
Oh wow schwanny, how scary for you. It is with a thankful heart that I say I don't have any experience with eating disorders, but do want to send you some cyber-hugs.
In your DD's favor, she has a mom who is looking out for her and helping her get the treatment she needs. I have seen a tv special or two on eating disorders and it does seem like the healing and recovery process can be quite tough and parents need to be quite involved -- especially when their teens get home and try to mainstream back into 'normal' life. Hang in there.
It seems to me that counseling and therapy sessions are part of the treatment and I hope you consider some for yourself. I imagine it would be easy for us moms to take responsibility and feel at fault in situations like this, so be sure to get some counseling for yourself. From the little I know about eating disorders, you need to be as strong as possible so you can continue to help your DD.
HTH ... more hugs and good luck. Please keep us posted as to your DD's progress.
Julie
Oh Pam! How scary for you too! I guess this can affect even boys, too? From what I know of Jason through your posts, he seems to be very 'type A', as the DD in the OPs post doess. Do you suppose those extra-high achievers are especially susceptible to things like this?
Sending you some cyber-hugs as well. Hope you'll post soon.
Julie
Hi Schwanny.
Deb, how many years ago was that? Thanks so much for your message. It helped more than words can say.
I feel too embarrassed to talk to coworkers and family about it. I feel like I can't say or do anything right. Sometimes I just want to run away.
She was such a perfect child, and I honestly don't know what I did wrong in raising her. I gave her every opportunity, every encouragement.
When I saw her today I mentioned about that this is her problem and that Dad or I would do anything to help you, but you have to take care of this yourself. She can hurt dad or me, but in the end, she's really hurting herself.
I hope she makes the best of this hospitalization. Thanks for your support.
Schwanny
To Schwanny and Pam - I don't post here much anymore but I do lurk and had to respond to both your posts.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement. I'm hoping against hope that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Schwanny