Eating disorders

[Cara2256]

Hi,

i am a 16 year old girl and I have had acid reflux since I was born. It was very severe when I was first born however decreased as I got older. During my second year of high school I noticed the reflux coming back. I am now going into year 11 and the sickness has come to a peak. I have lost weight in the past year, friends and family notice and comment on how skinny I am. This past week in particular has been really hard. The stress has been really low which is confusing me with how sick I am feeling. I have no appetite and I am constantly feeling sick like I am going to throw up. I have not reached the stage of throwing up in this past week however I have thrown up in the past however that was reflux related. I hardly eat anything and I am always full, to the point of feeling sick. My parents have noticed my lack of eating and they force me to eat. I have been leading about some of the eating disorders and I am unsure if I am falling into some of the categories. I worry about my appearance a lot and i am constantly tired and weak with 8+ hours of sleep a night. I am 160cm tall and weigh 45.5kg. Can someone tell me what is happening or what I should do? I am not confident to ask my parents as I have tried to bring it up in the past and they brush it off as my reflux and to stop complaining. My mum has had reflux all of her life too however hers isn't nearly as bad. Because of this she doesn't understand how sick I feel and with medical treatment I receive she seems to be in denial. I have been prescribed losec 2x daily. However I forget to take it a lot and only seem to take it once a day. The prescribtion started at 1x Daily however got put up once my symtoms didn't improve. I haven't been to the doctor on 7 months. Last doctor visit he told me to come back in a month and have a blood test. My parents never booked. Whenever I bring the topic of booking a doctors appointment they act like it is not needed and push it off. My brother has a torn ACL and my parents are more focused on him to worry about me. Is there a chance I have a slight anorexia or is this all in my head. I have been reading about the condition and I do fit some categories, but not all. Anyone know??

[Croix]

Dear Cara2256~
Thanks for your post. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve read some of your other posts over the last year or so and can see that things have not been all that smooth for you. It’s good you can come here when you need to seek help and talk to other people who care.

I hope things start to pick up for you soon. As others have said being 15-16 is no easy age to live through.

I guess the main problem at the moment is to get the illness identified. It is no good just looking at symptoms for yourself - it takes a doctor.

It does not sound to me like anorexia, though I’m not a medical professional, just a parent. If my son, at 16, was saying his reflux was bad, and was losing weight I’d try very hard to do something about it.

You really need to see the doctor, that’s the proper way to go. If you are overdue by 6 months for an appointment and tests it is high time you went, in fact most people go for a check-up anyway at least once every year even when well.

I would first thing to try is to explain matters clearly, including the amount of weight loss to, your parents and ask them to take you. Remind them they were supposed to go with you 6 months ago. If you find that you are getting emotional and can’t explain clearly write it down and go though it with your parents.

If that fails is there an aunt or other family member who can have a word with your parents, or take you themselves?

If there isn’t maybe someone at school, a councilor (yes I know the previous one passed away last year) or a teacher you can talk to?

Finally there’s still the options White Rose told you about before:
Our help line on 1300 22 4636,
kids Help Line on 1800 551 800 (www.kidshelpline.com.au) or
Headspace on 1800 650 890 (www.headspace.org.au)

In the meantime I think you should make a real effort to always take your full medication - I use the calendar/alarm on my phone to remind me as I'm forgetful too.

Please do post again and let us know what’s happening, we care.

Good luck

Croix

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Cara2256,

Thanks for your post.

The only way to get a diagnosis of anorexia is through your GP or a medical professional, but often with eating disorders like anorexia it's wanting to starve yourself (or take other measures) to lose weight. From your post it sounds like a lot of weight loss has been from feeling sick and losing your appetite rather than wanting to be sick or not eat because you're worried about how your body looks.

It bothers me that your parents aren't taking you seriously because it sounds like you are really struggling with this a lot. Is there someone else that you can talk to; maybe a friend or other family? Things like reflux and stomach problems can often be ignored because they can't be seen but that doesn't mean they aren't real and impacting your life. If you are in high school maybe there could be a school counsellor there too; they can be a good resource to help you find some assistance in making your own Doctor's appointment or finding a way to talk to your parents about it so they understand. Or maybe even the school nurse if you have one.

It may help to look at other things to help in the meantime; like setting reminders so you can remember your medication, or if you're struggling with appetite trying to eat small and often or having lots to drink so that you can stay hydrated.

A website that might help and deals with body image issues like anorexia is https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/ Hopefully they can put your mind at ease and refer you on if necessary.

Hope this helps