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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Refeeding syndrome eating plan?

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/24/2010


Question
Hi. I have an ED that is not weight-based, it's based on a phobia. My question has to do with refeeding syndrome. The other day I ate 2 (big) bags of chips and I panicked. I'm used to the panic attacks, I've had them for years, but this was different. My chest felt a bit strange and I felt like I had a lot of adrenaline. I'm scared it was some kind of heart-related reaction to eating too much fat after fasting for several days.
What should I start eating? I haven't eaten since then (4 days, I think) and I don't know what is best to start out with. Veggies? Carbs? Ensure shakes?
Any reply would be really appreciated. I'm very scared because I have no money for the hospital, for treatment of any kind, trying to do this on my own, but I don't want give myself a heart attack while trying to get better, you know?

Thank you for your time.

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Annie,

Yes, you do need some professional help right now.  Most towns have some kind of community resources where you can get some free help.  Many eating disorder therapists will have a spot or two in their practices where they'll help people for a small amount of money per session.  

A dietitian would be of enormous help.  You can also find meal plans online that start with very few calories and then increase.  

I would really advise however, that you find a professional to oversee this.  Refeeding syndrome is exceedingly dangerous and people can easily have cardiac arrest, etc.

Please let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
1-888-520-1700

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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