I was really nervous for my appointment with a new doctor yesterday morning for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I knew the nurse would weigh me. I'd brought records from another one of my doctors (I have a lot) that had my weight from May, which was significantly lower than it is now. Of course, I assumed that the new doctor's reaction to my new weight would be OMG FATTEST PATIENT EVER! WHO GAINS THAT MUCH WEIGHT IN ONE SUMMER??? I CAN'T WORK WITH THIS! GET OUT OF MY OFFICE! I'M GONNA PUKE! instead of something more reasonable and positive, considering my current weight is much healthier than my old weight.
So imagine my shock when the doctor turned out to be the sweetest, loveliest, nicest woman ever. And she was not - if you can believe it - disgusted by the sight of me, or by the number on the scale. In fact, when I mentioned that I was in recovery from anorexia, her only reaction was: "Good for you. Really great job. I'm so happy for you."
SO glad that you got a pleasant and supportive doctor! There are some awful ones out there (when it comes to managing EDs), but there are gems as well. And she was 100% right, what you're doing is an immense show of courage, strength and perseverance. The numbers are what they write down, but the effort that goes into making progress and reclaiming your life is the real accomplishment, and that goes beyond any quantification. You rock.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy it was a good and positive experience for you! After a number of off-the-wall comments from healthcare professionals that you have had, it's so wonderful to hear that this was supportive and encouraging. She (and Cammy) are right, you're doing an amazing job of putting the work in towards health. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteHey there,
ReplyDeleteI've just started reading your blog
I'm so glad you had a positive experience with your doctor, all too often GP's are uneducated about eating disorders and sometimes say the wrong thing. My own GP means well but has no idea of how to help me. I am lucky to have a fantastic therapist who specializes in eating disorders. She has helped me so much.
Best of luck with everything x