During our check-ins at this week's group, M said that she was anxious about a doctor's appointment she had the next day. The discussion progressed to the medical consequences of eating disorders. Most people are aware of the risks, but somehow feel invincible. However, the members of our group went into great detail about the permanent damage that has been caused as a result of their eating disorder:
- Mitral valve prolapse (a heart condition which may result in cardiac arrest)
- Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic diahhrea (must always wear a depends diaper)
- Gasrtoesophogeal reflux disease (GERD - which may lead to esophogeal cancer)
- Teeth erosion and gum decay (which may cost $20K+ to repair)
- Infertility (missing periods might seem great, until you realize you can't conceive)
So, we all hope M's appointment with her doctor goes well. She is young, so maybe she can avoid some of these negative consequences of eating disorders. But remember... none of us are invincible...
Posts
