sheepie
Registered: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 152
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| | Dec 18, 2009 at 09:57 PM | Reply with quote | #1 |
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Hello everyone,
Some of you will remember me from previously, UK based with an adult daughter with an 11.5 year history of AN. I haven't posted anything for at least a year - I'm not entirely sure why, but things changed quite dramatically for us about that time.
My D developed AN at 14/15 (is now 26) and has had many many IP and DP admissions in the last 10 years. We had some really bad experiences with care in the first few years, but since she started university in 2001 has been lucky enough to be cared for by a specialist ED unit. Believe me, there is no form of treatment setting/ care plan/ diet/ medication etc that has not been tried! Aboslutely nothing seemed to improve the cycle of weight gain under duress, usually in hospital, then losing it all on discharge. There was also the issue of severe depression and self harm at one point. We had a particularly scary episode in early 2006 when her white cell count dropped massively and there was a real risk of severe infections.
3 years ago, a few months after coming out of IP, she found a new boyfriend (actually a male friend of many years standing). He is the most supportive and amazing person, and helped her limp through the next 18months, completing medical school, still very engrossed in the AN. About 18 months ago, soon after breaking a bone due to severe osteoporosis, things started to change. I don't know why, and neither does D, but she started to binge (a new behaviour). THis led to quite a bit of weight gain, and gradually over 6 months she started eating a limited range of meals again and for the first time since age 14 got her BMI to 19ish. Her mood also stabilised. It was amazing!! This was all without any further assistance from the ED unit, as her funding had run out for further therapy by that point.
In Aug 2008 D got engaged, and since that time her weight has been stable. She qualified as a doctor and has been working as one since. She got married to A (now husband) in July 2009 - it was such a fabulous day to see her at a normal weight and looking so happy.
D still complains incessantly about being fat, eating too much and being greedy. She also still binges about once per week, and I suspect purges occasionally. However, the situation is 1000% improved, so we can cope with that between us. I think the ED thoughts are mostly still there, but D has learnt to control them much better. THe fact that she now has a husband who is willing (and able, being the most unstressed, relaxed person on the planet) to help her through each meal if necessary is a godsend.
Its funny, because whilst IP treatment certainly saved D's life on several occasions, and certainly reduced the risk of organ failure she was in once, I'm not sure the recovery she has made so far had much to do with it!!
I think we are still at the stage where relapse is not 'out of the question' (is it ever?) but I am obviously hopeful for the future. It is just great to see her quality of life improved, with the ability to undertake normal activites and build a life for herself.
D is on a training programme to be a psychiatrist. I don't know if this is a good move or not, but she is very stubborn and determined about it. Her interest is mood disorders/ child psychiatry. There is still the option to do general practice, which hasn't been totally ruled out yet, we shall see.
I don't know why I'm posting really, just to let you all know that even in AN sufferers who have been severely ill for a prolonged period, there is chance of recovery. D is in no way totally cured, but given that I thought she would spend the rest of her life living with us, cycling in and out of hospital, the situation is great. She is also doing a lot of charity and media work related to promoting improved servcies for EDs which I am very proud of her for.
Anyway, best wishes to all of you and your families -
Sheepie
xxx
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cjbSuffolkUK
Mentor
Registered: July 16, 2009
Posts: 1,900
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| | Dec 19, 2009 at 05:19 AM | Reply with quote | #2 |
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Sheepie
This made me cry - with happiness. Sometimes, as I am sure you know, you get so wound up in the misery of this illness and ground down by the sadness, you forget that there can be a happy ending.
A lovely Christmas story.
Thank you
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Louie
Mentor
Registered: March 31, 2009
Posts: 1,157
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| | Dec 19, 2009 at 05:44 AM | Reply with quote | #3 |
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| Bless you lovely Sheepie. Thank you for posting...this sort of story gives sufferers hope and their families some idea that they are on the right track.....it is a long time to suffer for the patient, and for the family and friends. 11.5 years of AN is horrible for everyone involved. I am wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a good year next year.xx |
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neverloseheart
Mentor
Registered: May 01, 2009
Posts: 1,129
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| | Dec 19, 2009 at 09:00 AM | Reply with quote | #4 |
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| Hi Sheepie, Thank you for posting this for the holiday! And congratulations to you and your daughter for never giving up! Really a good story!!!!
XX |
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MarcellaUK
Moderator
Registered: July 31, 2007
Posts: 987
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| | Dec 19, 2009 at 09:29 AM | Reply with quote | #5 |
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Bless you and your daughter Sheepie, and as for that young man A, if he has a brother please send him westwards to us as he sounds like the kind of person my daughter could well do with
Things aren't perfect here either, but they're pretty good. D is engaging with an occupational therapist with a view to getting into work, and keeping her physical health on a level with the help of her GP. I'm sure she will send her best wishes to your daughter when she gets home, but at the moment she is sitting in the cafe in Edinburgh where JK Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter novel and soaking in the atmosphere.
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lydia
Moderator
Registered: Aug 04, 2007
Posts: 2,769
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| | Dec 19, 2009 at 06:32 PM | Reply with quote | #6 |
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sheepie,
Thanks so much for getting back in touch. I've often wondered how things were going with you and your d. Hearing this news is such a blessing for all of us during this Season of Celebration.
You've been so stalwart in your dd's care. Knowing that she has a loving husband who will continue to guard her, as well as your ongoing support...is just terrific.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday. Do keep us posted!
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LauraCollinsUS
Moderator
Registered: July 31, 2007
Posts: 4,036
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| | Dec 19, 2009 at 09:27 PM | Reply with quote | #7 |
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This kind of update is so important - thank you!
The parent community needs to see how different stories progress and the outcomes that follow from a particular situation. I continue to hope that your daughter will enjoy complete freedom from ED and continue to heal with the support of your lovely family.
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Waterhous
Moderator
Registered: Nov 28, 2007
Posts: 1,105
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| | Dec 20, 2009 at 12:05 AM | Reply with quote | #8 |
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Good tidings for you and your family Sheepie! Such wonderful news. Thank you so much for giving others this message of hope. |
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LisafromAustralia
Registered: May 31, 2008
Posts: 167
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| | Dec 20, 2009 at 12:59 AM | Reply with quote | #9 |
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Thank your for posting your words of hope and encouragement. Whilst my D is far from recovery, she knows that if she does not get moving (pardon the pun) she will not realise her dreams of being Paediactric Nurse, have her place to live and drive a car, all of which requires full health.
May the God of Grace you grant you many Blessings.
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EB
Mentor
Registered: March 14, 2008
Posts: 600
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| | Dec 20, 2009 at 12:59 PM | Reply with quote | #10 |
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Sheepie, just wanted to say hi and that it's great to hear your update; you were here when I was first looking for guidance on this forum and I have often wondered how you were doing over the last year or so. I hope that all continues to go well. How lovely for you all that your d has found such wonderful support.
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ms
Mentor
Registered: Aug 09, 2007
Posts: 675
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| | Dec 20, 2009 at 03:11 PM | Reply with quote | #11 |
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Sheepie-I thank you also for keeping us updated on your d. She sounds so intelligent and brave-and fortunate to have such loving people supporting her. May she continue to see that recovery is and option for all. You are amazing! ms |
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melstevUK
Registered: April 29, 2008
Posts: 358
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| | Dec 20, 2009 at 06:58 PM | Reply with quote | #12 |
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Sheepie,
What a lovely update. I am delighted to hear of d's progress and it is a story which will bring hope to so many people, not just those on this forum. D will go on to do a lot of good in the ed world, I am sure.
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sheepie
Registered: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 152
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| | Dec 20, 2009 at 10:08 PM | Reply with quote | #13 |
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Thanks for all your replies - lovely to hear from you all. I will try and stop by the forum more often!
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