Don't want to eat anymore

[Janvier2]

Hi. I have IC and fibromyalgia.

I have gotten to the point where I can't stand eating anymore. Things are out of control. Before IC, regular food was never a really big deal; I really only cared about sweets. I liked pizza, but really, all regular food was just prelude for dessert.

I was diagnosed with IC many many years ago. I took Elmiron and it went away right away for 5 years and I forgot I had it, really. I stopped taking Elmiron. And then three years after that, it started again.

I assumed that the Elmiron would work right away again. Two years later, it hasn't. At first, I didn't pay any attention to the diet because I just kept thinking it would go away. It hasn't.

Like most people, I can't eat anything that makes the food taste good, like spices, sauces, etc. etc. I hate going to restaurants watching other people eat and feeling scared that there is going to be something lurking in my food....anyway, the one thing I CAN eat that most people can't is chocolate. I love also anything carb like fresh bread.

So because I get so angry and depressed that I can't eat regular food, I am just pigging out on sweets to the point where I get sick--no, I don't mean vomiting, but just feeling sick and having bowel problems the next day. At first it takes good but then it gets to be something where I'll even eat things I don't really like if it's there.

I had an eating disorder when I was a teen. First, anorexia, then overweight.

Yesterday was one of those eat nothing but sweets day. I went to a restaurant with friends and by the time they had taken everything off the food I couldn't have, like everything else it was just eat it cause you know you have to so u won't be hungry. Anyway....

Sorry. I feel disjointed. So today I didn't feel hungry, couldn't eat anything since I was still sick from yesterday. Somehow, my weight is OK because when I find my clothes getting too tight, I just cut out the bad stuff for a few weeks and then it's back to the old pattern.

I don't want to have to eat anything, and then maybe I won't miss it. I wish there was a cube of food I could eat like a vitamin that would give me everything I need and I could just skip the whole thing.

Does anyone ever get this eating depression?

[icnmgrjill]

Hey Janvier,

You describe what I hear several patients say... and that is that they get so frustrated... that just don't want to eat. But, ya know, the human body needs food and water.... and your diet right now just isn't healthy.

#1 - Did you know that one of our moderators, Julie B, is a registered dietitian WITH IC who has written a book that WILL help you plan healthy, appealing meals?? It's called "Confident Choices: Customizing the IC Diet." I recommend it highly. You can order it through our shop at: http://www.icnsales.com.

Also, Julie does offer one on one consulting with IC patients through her website Http://www.nutraconsults.com. Julie has been a guest lecturer at many IC conferences in the past few years and is really great to talk with. I'm sure that she could answer many of your questions!

#2 - The problem with sweets is that the more you eat them the more you crave them. Then, before you know it, you're eating all carbos... getting massively bloated.. farting like mad... constantly craving food because sugar doesn't give your body the energy it needs, and, yes, gaining weight. I think we've all been there. Carbo craving can be the result of medications (i.e. elavil) OR an overgrowth of yeast... and/or some medical conditions. In my case, when I start craving a lot of sugar.... it's a yeast issue so I've had to learn to not feed the yeast through sugar. It's helped tremendously.

But, more importantly, the consequences on your body and insulin levels are profound and you could be at risk for diabetes if you allow this to continue. Diabetes is awful... very degenerative if it's allowed to progress. Wayyy worse than IC.

#3 - Missing spices??? What about garlic!! Garlic is VERY bladder friendly. The italian spices are certainly fine for most of us... and, pizza doesn't have to be made with a tomato sauce. Many pizza shops use a white sauce, pesto sauce, or whatever. For pasta, I use fresh italian sausage, fresh parmesan, fresh parsley and butter for an AMAZINGLY good pasta. It's just a really FRESH diet.... which comes as a shock for patients who are used to eating alot of packaged or fast foods. Chocoholics can find an IC friendly alternative in the new carob candies that are amazingly good.

#4 - Ultimately, it's about support. You, my friend, are struggling right now not only with eating a balanced diet but with depression. You know, one of the great gifts about being a woman is that we openly say "I need to learn new skills." Guys are often forced to try to figure it out alone... because that's the way that they are raised.

As we all mature, we realize that we don't have to pretend we know it all. It's really comforting to say "Wow, I really suck at anxiety management. I'd love to learn some new skills." ... then we pick up the phone and make some phone calls. That's what I did when I was really struggling with anxiety and, wow, just one class... one easy easy class changed my life forever.

So, don't try to do this all on your own. If you're struggling with anything, look for someone to guide you. A dietitian, therapist, a trusted professional, a support group leader, classes... who can suggest some resources that can help.

You are not alone!! You CAN do this but it's really important to reach out and ask for help when you need it. We've all been there too!!

Jill :)

[Gaby1]

The problem is some Urologist do not believe in IC. Crazy I know but it is true. I had one doctor tell me I was depressed. I feel so bad for all the IC people in his city. It is a small city with only one urologist in town. Also, some Urologist think IC patients are crazy. I have heard offices tell me there is a personality type for IC, they are high strung (well I am but I do not think we all are).

OOOHHHHH That makes me SOOOOOO MAAAADDDDDDD!!!!!!!:mad: :rant: I HATE when ignorant doctors suggest or imply that IC doesn't exist or that there is a "personality type" associated with it which, even if there is, is completely and utterly irrelevant to anything other than making people who feel bad enough already, just feel worse!!!!!!! And a doctor even mentioning a "personality type" implies to me that he believes that "this type" of person is somehow not worthy or deserving of treatment!! How hurtful! How utterly insulting!! How INFURIATING!! Oh don't get me started! I mean, especially today when there is PHYSICAL PROOF of IC, just how ignorant a doctor do you have to be to deny it's existence!!

Ooooohhhhh sometimes when I hear things like this I can hardly contain myself. And, while we're on the subject of "stereotypes" (with some exceptions of course), in my YEARS of experience with them, most urologists ought to take a good, long look in the mirror. Talk about a group of cold, unfriendly, distant and bland doctors!!!! PUUHHHLEEESEEE!!! Now theres a walking, talking bunch of freakshows if you ask me!!!! Yeah!!! Let's TALK about a PERSONALITY TYPE!!!!!!!!

OOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:rant: :mad:

Alright. I'm done now. You all have a great day!

Gaby

[Janvier2]

[QUOTE=icnmgrjill;367620]Hey Janvier,

You describe what I hear several patients say... and that is that they get so frustrated... that just don't want to eat. But, ya know, the human body needs food and water.... and your diet right now just isn't healthy.





I never did thank you for this long post. Thank you for replying. I appreciate it.

I do have Julie's book, but am going to contact Julie.

[SrMaggie]

Jill, your post was great! Your compassion and support surely came through on that one. Not that it doesn't at any other time. But if I had been the one needing the support - I really felt it.
Maggie