What's Eating You?

I've been meaning to write this post for the past week but it's taken until now for me to have the time to sit down and properly work out what to say.

Last Thursday I had my first appointment with the Eating Disorders service. Although I've had issues with my eating on and off for probably the past 10 years, it's only in the past year that I've really accepted how much of an issue it's become. I am lucky enough to have an excellent GP who I've known since I moved here. She's very approachable and knows me pretty well, which meant bringing up the subject was a lot easier than it could have been. Anyway, in short, I spoke to her about things last summer, got referred to the specialists and was seen last week.

I wanted to write this on the off-chance that someone might read it who had been struggling themselves and been afraid to get help. Walking into the appoiuntment was one of the scariest experiences of my life. I had no idea what would happen, and I knew it was quite likely that they would want to weigh me which made me totally panic.

I really needn't have worried. The consultant was absolutely lovely; extremely perceptive and very understanding. He made me feel like my issues were not unusual, and he repeatedly emphasised that it was just another illness and nothing to feel ashamed of. He didn't weigh me because I told him uncomfortable it would make me.He's arranging a variety of things to help, including dietetic support, therapy and continuing medication.

Having got through the initial appointment I really feel like I have a chance at controlling this, rather than it continuing to control me. I'll let you know how things go, but I just wanted to reassure anyone in a similar situation that there's nothing to be scared of.

xxx