My Daughter Has An Eating Disorder

Wow. That was harder than I thought to type. My daughter has an eating disorder. Anorexia and bulimia. Nothing like old demons coming home and roosting, eh? Her physician wants her hospitalized, but the hospitals that accept teens with eating disorders are full and the ones that aren’t full only take teens with self-injurious behaviors, but not eating disorders. I have to wait until she’s suicidal for her to get in there.

So.

We go to the family doctor every week for a weekly weigh in and bloodwork once a month. We’re waiting for intake assessment from the local eating disorder clinic at the children;s hospital. Yes, we’re waiting for an assessment. Can you say waiting list? Thank Gof we have good health insurance, so we aren’t out of pocket yet, but it feels like just a matter of time.

The doctor asked my daughter today – “What would make you happy?”

Her response?
“To never eat again.”

Sigh.

We’re in for a long haul, this family of ours.

But, we aren’t alone.
And the fight has just gotten started.