Hopingtolivefree

Living with severe anorexia, OCD (specific fear of vomiting), anxiety and late-diagnosed autism ... and much hope ... trying to learn to be unashamedly 'me'

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Lara_Fergie99 When you are accessed for your permanent wheelchair for future use, the team will discuss which will best suit your needs, and this can be a reclining wheelchair. Unfortunately tho, the NHS funding is limited, so those people with more adaptive wheelchairs are usually self-funded

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 Be brave and ask for help. Anorexia tells us that services can’t/won’t be able to meet our specific needs - often based on past experience - but we do not know that a new episode of care will be the same. It is AN’s way of keeping people trapped - being brave is the only way out.

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Lara_Fergie99 Perhaps request a further joint assessment if you feel at imminent risk of harm (and then psych 1:1 will be offered - if required - to support MH). It’s common for sectioned patients to require general hospital care (e.g. for AN), as Section 3 covers general and psych hospitals.

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Renaissance1827 There is bodily change happening with your weight gain as your photos show, but I would strongly suggest seeking medical support as you gain further weight, in order to gain in a medically safe manner.

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Lara_Fergie99 I imagine it is because the permanent staff are needed on the ward, whereas nursing care is most required when in a medical hospital setting, and so the psych staff are in addition to this. Are there any of the agency staff that seem better, that could be sent more consistently?

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 @Ontheboldstep You can request support to reach a more stable physical state (probably initially through admission to a general hospital, if you go to A&E). With the lack of ED beds, people are very often being treated out of area, so you may find that you aren’t at your local ED unit anyway.

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 Can you speak with your GP? A (rectal) suppository may help with the swelling by releasing the stool?

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 Try to increase nutritional intake, following GP's advice (even if solely via nutritional shakes) as this directly affects the production of serotonin (hormone that lifts mood).

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 @emiliaisabellaa It is entirely up to you if you do not want professional ED support, and AN will always persuade away from recovery. However, it is also important to realise that decisions may be taken away from you (often triggered by a GP when in the community), due to poor physical state.

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 @emiliaisabellaa The reality is that you will need to advocate for yourself to reach recovery - it is a sadly often a battle that needs to be fought more than once. Is your GP helpful - they can refer you onwards to ED services to begin those discussions about your needs?

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 Try to accept your 'difference', as a refreshing change from the norm! It is quite common for people with long-standing struggles with ED's to have undiagnosed autism (often diagnosed in 30's/40's/50's - even later). Self-understanding and self-compassion is crucial for recovery.

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 @Ontheboldstep Your GP really needs to assess you using from the MEED guidelines (risk factors for AN - such as sit/stand blood pressures). Is she able to prescribe liquid enteral nutrition for you to drink (as your recent photos show very little difference/movement towards recovery)?

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 @emiliaisabellaa It is worth asking to be referred to ED services and requesting 1:1 support if group support doesn't work.

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Justdreamingof And yes, I have been 'away' for a while (thank you, OCD) ... but AN greatly suppressed now thankfully ... but life does seem like 'whack-a-mole' unfortunately!

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Justdreamingof Oh dear! Keep looking - Vinted is like a treasure hunt! I have found trousers tricky as my body shape has changed, and still find jeans difficult, as my head cannot visualise the (much healthier) waistband I now need. I'm trying to think that comfy is most important!

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@Debbie8t5 Speaking kindly, I do worry about the impact of your photos when you are obviously so severely unwell - perhaps refrain from posting photos of yourself until you are in recovery?Just something to think about (on behalf of others, like myself, who can find photos triggering).

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@positivejar1 @OpenMindMH I struggle with this too (nearing 50)!

[Hopingtolivefree @freelifewish]

@HealingMindsTW I know, I am in recovery myself, and know the danger that triggers cause. Often unintended, as in this cause, but when insight is lacking, the ED can so easily warp perception.