Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Starvation Mode

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 1/1/2011


Question
My son has been dealing with cancer for almost 8 years, He had a major surgery on August 31, 2010 to remove 3 vertebrae from his back, his recovery is very slow & he eats very little.  He has lost weight & has trouble putting it back on.  His DR has now recommenced he having a feeding tube inserted as she says he is in starvation mode.  Most of the information on this topic is about people with eating disorders or countries where they have no food.  I trust his Dr totally.  How do I encourage him to take this step to have the feeding tube put in, I am concerned about what this is doing to the rest of his organs in his body.

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Barb,

Thanks so much for writing!

I'm delighted that your DR wants to use a feeding tube.  This will make him get so much better.  The rest of his organs without the feeding tube and appropriate nutrition will make his organs atrophy and malfunction.  The tube will assist him in gaining some weight, getting the nutrients he needs, at least until he can eat again on his own.  He will be able to do this.

Tell your son that this tube will be another start to his recovery by his getting re-nourished.

Please, Barb, let me know how he does.  I know how difficult this must be for you.  Any way I can help, let me know!

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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