I got an email from Google that my blog would be frozen in time if I didn't agree to sign in and upgrade or something by May 31... so at about 11:30 pm PST I finally logged in and everything seems salvaged.
Obviously I haven't posted in a long time. I don't binge and purge anymore but I still struggle. Lately I've been struggling with overeating and self-sabotage. I'm repeatedly gaining and losing the same 15 lbs. My anxiety level is off the charts lately, leading to insomnia and major stress. I went to sleep around midnight but woke up again at 3 am and have been wide awake ever since. This sucks but I'm going to use the opportunity to vent.
Twice in the past month I've been to psychiatrists for help and neither could/would help me. One of my major issues is ADHD and good luck getting treatment for that as an adult. The first psychiatrist said he did not treat ADHD, basically implying he did not believe in it, even though I told the receptionist exactly what I wanted to be seen for at the time of the appointment! I had to pay a $30 copay so I was not happy. I was so distraught I started bawling when I left.
The second psychiatrist was worse. First, it was in an old building and I had to go into the basement to use the bathroom. Fine, but her waiting room was dirty and she had plastic chairs! Like patio chairs. Her receptionist was very weird and he used his cell phone to take calls since he didn't have a real phone. It was very amateur. They charged me $110, which is $80 more than the copay, with no explanation except that the insurance company said I had not met my deductible. I only had $40 on me and had to make arrangements to pay the rest the next day (since that was payday). The shady receptionist wanted to know when and where he could meet me the next day to get the rest of the money! It was surreal. The psychiatrist was very young (looked about 25) and Indian but had a very plane-Jane American name. Trust me, I don't have a problem with non-American doctors but I think she changed her name to sound more American, another reason I found her suspect. I told her I felt like I needed help from both a psychiatrist and therapist, and asked her if she could refer me to a therapist. I described my incredible anxiety and problems and the trouble my lack of organization is causing my life and she did not seem interested in the least. The whole time, a grand 15 minutes, she typed the symptoms into her computer instead of looking at me. She was very cold from start to finish.
She said she didn't prescribe medication for ADHD without a diagnosis done through testing. Fine, I can understand that. Of course she doesn't do testing so she said her assistant would have to email me the list of people who do because they did not have a printer! (He never emailed me by the way.) She prescribed me Vistaril for anxiety. It does nothing. She called Ambien "a bad drug" and prescribed me 150 mg or Trazadone to help me sleep. Apparently Trazadone is not approved for insomnia but when it is, it is started at 25 to 50 mg. The 150 mg was terrible. I could not wake up the next day at all, I was barely able to call in to work. I slept for about 20 straight hours and felt like I was in a coma. By the way, she never referred me to a therapist either, which was one of the first things I asked about!
That was a month ago. One thing I did is get back on the Seasonale (birth control that gives you only four periods a year), because I had a particularly bad episode of PMS. So that is one positive thing. But still, I have been so anxious. I can't get anything done. My debt is out of control. My apartment is a giant mess. I have stuff everywhere. It's so bad that the kitchen sink is leaking but I'm too embarrassed to call maintenance.
Plus I've been making some particularly bad decisions in other ways. I've been hanging around with a coworker who is a trainwreck himself, an alcoholic who is probably bipolar. He's actually very intelligent but acts like a complete fool when he starts spouting off, and can be very obnoxious. He is gorgeous and I'm very physically attracted to him, which is clouding my judgement. He has had so many DUIs that his license was suspended but he drives around anyway, probably drunk still. He takes painkillers to get high and who knows what else he does. He comes from a very unfortunate family situation, and I can see the good in him. I want to help him. But I know I can't, and I know I should not be associating with him. I'm 35 now and I need a good man. But where to find one?
Anyway enough is enough. I feel absolutely stuck and it's time to move forward. First thing tomorrow I am going to make an appointment for therapy. I just feel miserable and I know I deserve better.
I feel better after this vent.
24 comments:
Hi. Congratulations on beng able to stop binging and purging!
And I know what you mean about psychiatrists. In my experience they are cold and too busy to care about you. However, I recently got an internship where I get to work behind the scenes with a whole bunch of them, and it's come through that there's actually a lot of thought and time that goes into each patient behind the scenes. I only with they could show that up front.
I'm also struggling with bulimia (though not to the point where I can stop behaviors yet) so if anyone reads this and feels like looking at my blog as well, here's the link: bulimiagirl123.blogspot.com
It's nice to know that there are others out there dealing with it.
Hi there,
I just wanted to leave a comment because I have been bulimic for about five years now, and am always desperately trying to stop. I have really bad anxiety and insomnia too, just thought I'd recommend you talk to your regular doctor, I find mine to be more caring and efficient. Have you tried Xanax or Ativan for the anxiety? (might be called something else where you live but it really works! you just have to be careful and use it sparingly). Also, relaxation yoga helps too and doesn't have the risk of addiction. Anyways, just wanted to suggest that and to say that I think your really brave to actually see therapists, I had one bad experience and haven't been back yet. You're really inspiring, so thanks. And if you want to check out my blog it's http://purgingthepainaway.blogspot.ca.
Congratulations on ending the binge eating/purge cycle. That's an awesome first step forward!
I hear your frustrations, too, and wish you the best with psychiatrists and regular talk therapists. Have you thought about seeing a body psychotherapist? They approach things from a more embodied perspective and well it might just help. All the best!
I keep a private journal and decided to google for ED blogs tonight on a whim - Your thing for your co-worker made me laugh and feel really sad. That was my story all through college...its funny how some of us have such similar tendencies.
You're style is very honest and I hope it helps!! Writing definitely helps me deal.
Hugs <3
Hang in there. I KNOW how it feels to meet with crappy psychiatrists over and over. It's the most horrible feeling in the world.
Well, girls, guys... if ya're reading this... well now i'm alone in my house, i have some friends, 2 friends, that... they're bulimic girls, i hate what they do. BUT i'm always thiking about do it, i mean, i love cutting myself (the last time i did it was a week ago) but somehow i don't do it for my mum, i mean... my dad left us, i don't see him since 2005, and every minute i feel worse. I had a boyfriend and i loved/love him sooo much, now i don't do it like before, i don't wanna blame him... But i love cutting 'cuz the last year: when he was sad or too angry he cut hisself IN FRONT OF ME, and that made me sad so... And he's thinner than me, he's got 48kg and he's 14 years old (a doctor told him, he's anorexic, no 'cuz he wanna.. is 'cuz he almost does't sleep so... his brain works a lot. And ME, I AM 53kg. and i don't feel ok, he knows everything 'bout that, here's a problem, the last week he told me he doesn't care anymore if i cut myself, and that makes me worse than i was. So... in the end, i wanna be bulimic, but some friends told me that is a hell, they told me that is like cutting, and if it's like that: i understand them. But... yesterday my best friend almost lose her friend... she was very very sad, almost depressive, and that showed me that i MUSTN'T be sad for things like that, obviously i feel horrible, but i wanna pretend i'm ok. My ex has a brother, AND I LOVE HIM. I love his brother, and i feel like a whore, AND I FEEL WORSE! I wanna be bulimic but i know i'll cry and it will hurt. I am reading a book about Ana, Mia, the death and the love, it's a biography AND I LOVE IT, 'cuz i understand a looooooooot the one who wrote that (I live in Argentina). I wanna be, is the only way to feel pain, i can't cut myself 'cuz my mum will see it (my mum, my aunt and my 'brother') and i wanna feel pain. I've been thinking about do it, but i think it's noisy and i'll can't do it when my mum would be in my house, please, help me.
Thank you for the information. Was a Good read. Looking for more information
Hi, I'm writing you from Europe... so sorry for possible typos/mistakes.
Anyway I've been bulimic on and off ( and by on and off I mean years sometimes months ) bottom line it's been 10 years this month. I know exactly what triggered it, why I am doing it, read so many books on the psychology and behavioral disparities its becoming my side addicition in itself to read about what it is thats going on in my mind...
I honestly believe there is no cure for it. There is always struggle. It's like stepping on thin ice, and when you feel like you have a grip on it ... next thing you know you hear the crack of ice underneath your feet.
But I do believe in the balance. Slow baby steps. I started taking it one day at a time (one day of no purging, healthier eating, healthy exercising). I wouldn't recommend exercising, because it tips off the delicate scale of calories in / calories out... I mean eat healthy, walk your dog, yoga, support network, DISTRACTION with staff other than food.
Thats what I figured out...
Don't think that a pill will fix it - 10...20 years from now you'll find out why the pill was a bad idea after all... god only knows what kind of mess it caused in your body.
Good luck Girls ( and boys )
I'll pray for our sanities.
Hey, I read your blog and I'm suggesting mine. I've been dealing with bulimia for 6 years and I'm looking for help. Any tips.
Thnk you for anybody who reads it. gegenmia.blogspot.ch
These are such inspirational stories. This site was very helpful for me maybe it could help some as well.
http://4d3dec5agxz5sm21z8lexw06ol.hop.clickbank.net/
Hi !! I also have been struggling with being a Bulimic for 18 years on and off. It is a love hate relationship. Some days I depend on it to help me feel better and some days I hate doing it. It is hard to explain unless your in the addiction cycle. Some people think it is about losing wieght, some people think it is a ocntrol issue. Fact is we all do it for different reasons. Im a marathon runner and use running for my stress reliver. At this point in my life I at least purge 15 times a week. It is an ongoing struggle. I gives you 100% props for your recovery. I strive everyday for mine :)
You are not the only one, hang in there girl!
Just wanted to tell you that I've had horrible bulimia from aged 18 to 40. I literally threw up everything I ate and drank. I wrote a book on how I recovered that might help you. It's on Amazon.com. It's called "Flipping the Switch: Freedom from Bulimia" by Jennifer Palermo. I even include a transitional 10 day diet in it so you don't blow up while you recover. Good luck and keep the faith!
I am admire your bravery of telling it all. Actually i prefer blogging too that telling some of my serious problem to friends. All i can say it that you can do it. For your ADHD dealing, see a professional to help you and for binging and purging tendencies, a lot of bulimia rehab facilities can help you.
Hi! I went through bulimia myself a while ago, but managed to get over it through sheer mental strength. After a while, bulimia becomes an addiction. I've learned that to get rid of an existing addiction, you find a new, good addiction. I encourage you to find a passion, a hobby that can detract your mind from thinking about food.
Here's my story:
http://fighttheurge.wordpress.com/
Hey Mandy,
Thank you for sharing your story. I just put up a post THANKING people like you who make it easier for the next person to seek help: Angelina Jolie and Christine Quinn – Thank You.
I too was preoccupied by weight and food and never thought I'd get better - even people I trusted told me it would be a life long struggle. But through trial and error I found 10 things that completely changed my life. I really hope you'll have a look at this free resource: www.the10principles.com
Thanks again for creating awareness, Kelly
Hi there Kelly thank you for sharing those links. Well if you happen to reside in London better check www.dominicknight.co.uk
Hi, I've been bulimic for over 20 years. I don't know why its such a battle. I alienate myself from everyone. My boyfriend and I have different bathrooms..Thank GOD cause I purge in mine so much. My teeth in the back are all gone. I hide my smile cause of it and my smile use to be so pretty. I just started taking Xanax but it makes me so sleepy..I guess I'll go back to the doc for a new prescription cause I have horrible anxiety. I hate how I feel. I need help. Any recommendations cause I think Mia will eventually kill me.
Hey girl! I feel you. Check out my blog. I just started it but maybe my outlook can help you.
myedrecovery.blogspot.com
Thank GOD cause I purge in mine so much. My teeth in the back are all gone. I hide my smile cause of it and my smile use to be so pretty. I just started taking Xanax but it makes me so sleepy.Read More
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