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Eating Disorders


Wed, July 23, 2008 12:00 AM

Is there anyone out there who has an eating disorder and IBD?  I don't have an active diagnosis, but when I was in high school I had an eating disorder.  I went into recovery around 16 or 17, then I started having stomach troubles. I thought it was because my body was getting used to eating normally.  Then for several years I had a stressful time in my family life so I thought my stomach was just acting accordingly.  However now I am almost 21 and am still having issues.  That's why I went into the doctor several months ago only to find out that I have colitis.  Currently my eating dirsorder involves bingeing.  I have been able to keep the symptoms at bay but recently they have been an issue.  Between all the steroids and maintenance drugs I'm on I'm sure that some of the overeating is a side effect but I wonder how other people deal with the two illnesses at one time.  At this point they only seem to be aggravating each other.

FPO hey2308
Joined Jul 23, 2008

Sun, July 27, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for hey2308.

When I was in high school and the first year of college I was bingeing.  It wasn't until my senior year of college that I found out I had Crohn's.  No one in my family knew that I was struggling with an eating disoder, but I have often wondered if the damage I had done to my body then had provoked the initial flare up.  Deep down, I know I blame myself for allowing the bingeing to go as long as it did.  I have not struggled at the same time, as you mentioned, with both.  I don't know what I can say to comfort you...but know that your body is going through so many changes with the new meds, etc...unlike most people, I initially gained 20 lbs. when I was first dealing with Crohn's.  Part of it was the stress, eating the wrong foods, constantly feeling hungry.  But another part was rebellion from the diagnosis.  I was angry--so I took it out on myself.  Well, that didn't work.  I quickly learned that I needed to be gentle and kind to my body because Crohn's will not go away.  It's a long haul...so learn to love your body as it is...whole, not sick.  Yoga was a huge help for me. Best wishes on your journey.

FPO nattyann
Joined Jul 27, 2008

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