Hi All,

First off- the history. I have been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia (stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm and allows acid to travel up the esophagus) in 2004. This impedes my abilities to eat due to the acid reflux giving me nausea sometimes to the point of not wanting to eat. This was not as big of an issue when I lived with my folks because even though they bought shitty take out food, it was a load of food- therefore I wasn't eating a healthy diet, but it consisted of a heck of a lot more than it does now.

Now, as I live with jay, it seems as though its easier to forget a meal or two here and there.. and its come to unfortunate truth that I'm too thin. If I can suck my 'gut ' in and see ribs- to me that is too thin. I haven't gotten to anorexia yet although, if I keep this crap up, it may get to that point. Jay has been really good about trying to get me to eat more, but I seem to have difficulty not eating, but keeping on the tones of food regime.

I've started to drink Ensure again because when I was first dealing with this crap and not having been diagnosed yet with a hiatal hernia and an ulcer, I lost 15 lbs from a starting perfect weight practically (135) and now I reside at (129) and my lowest weight has been (122).

So my question is this: has anyone here dealt with anything like this before? It seems almost as though Ive hit a 'plateau' gym wise only this is dealing with my health, not my muscle growth rate. This has started to effect my mood because when I dont eat I get bitchy (Jay can attest to this...)

If anyone has dealt with anorexia- please talk about it, and anything else even remotely close to this issue- please talk about it as well. Some days I dont feel alone but there are those really shitty days that I feel as though noone can really relate... I figured that if I wrote out my issue and asked for stories, I #1 would feel less alone and #2 I could possibly find ways to counteract my lack of appetite and perhaps gain more weight, and a nicer mood.

Also- pls point me in the right direction if there are any threads like this.

~Kathy~

Kathy - as a first question, if you have a hiatus hernia why are they not looking at operating? This is something that is solvable. Once the hernia has been dealt with then you can start eating and enjoying your food. Until then obviously you are going to be reluctant to eat if you get acid reflux.
GG

Well, GG, The main reason is because I , before moving to London, was taking 5 pills religiously, one of which decreased the acid amounts in my stomach to the point of being manageable and i had a huge appetite. Now that Ive moved down here, I can't seem to remember to take any pill religiously.

That pill took away the need for me to get the operation done, and I haven't even started the though process of getting surgery done. It's an option though, now that I think of it.

Kathy

Hi Kathy! I'm sorry you're having such a tough time there. I went to the "Summary" thread and checked your height, and it doesn't sound like you're UNDERweight, so that's a good sign. You might be just a little thin for your own taste. But it definitely doesn't sound like you're in any danger zone. Yea!

I agree with GG, I thought that it could be repaired with surgery. I found this link on WebMD about it, as I didn't know too much else. I'm sure like any surgery it will not be pleasant, but sometimes it's the best route to go if your conditions are getting in the way of leading a normal life.

Of course, one obvious solution would be to remember to take your pills. You said they worked before and helped your appetite, so that's definitely a good thing. Maybe try to take one in the morning when you get up, one with breakfast, one with lunch, one with dinner, and one before bed. That would take care of the 5 per day.

I have Crohn's disease, and before I was diagnosed, my weight fluctuated between 95-105 pounds (I'm 5'2") so I was a little under weight. The problem was, I kept eating and eating, and my weight would be in this range because I wasn't absorbing any nutrients. But, I soon went under a doctor's care, and started medication (this is 5 years ago). Now, I have to take 8 pills 4 times a day, and I start with breakfast and do the rest of the schedule as above. It works pretty well. If storage is an issue, I keep a small mint container (bigger than a regular pill container and not as obvious) and keep them in there. I've also had surgery for Crohn's in 2004, as my symptoms became too much for the medication, so I kind of know where you're coming from. Definitely talk these over with your doctor, preferably a gastroenterologist. They'll be able to help you make the best decision. I know as a nurse, you know how important your health is

quote:

If anyone has dealt with anorexia- please talk about it,

is this a self diagnosis, or a fear you have? or both?

i wouldn't worry too much since it sounds like your weight hasn't fluctuated all that much. if you know where your problem lies, and have medication to take, i suggest taking the medication on a regular schedule like it was prescribed. probably will work wonders.

quote:

Originally posted by ajay:

quote:

If anyone has dealt with anorexia- please talk about it,

is this a self diagnosis, or a fear you have? or both?

Self diagnosed, no, I was just saying that it feels on the borderline of that issue.

And If i can remember to take those pills, I think that my life will be MUCH happier .

Kathy