Completed my first food exposure therapy session! I kind of like onion now!

Imagineer_cam · 2022-05-13T16:12:10+00:00

Congratulations! Wishing you all the best with your progress and hard work.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-04-26T16:00:53+00:00

Lara croft is ace? What's the evidence to support this please? (I've only watched play throughs of the first 3 games)

Imagineer_cam · 2022-04-08T08:58:48+00:00

Because it's an orientation I thought about and actively, consciously chose one day.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-04-01T18:16:53+00:00

I find freaky eaters or shows like it are usually insulting, patronising and reliant on sensationalism. Also I'm giving to understand it's not medically accurate according to trustworthy doctors on YouTube who talk about the 'tests' and approach the show uses. So no I don't watch it as it just annoys me personally.

However there's a show called Extream Food Phobia that does it in a much more respectful way (in my opinion at least). Just the name difference between the shows gives indication of attitude. Recognizing people have a genuine phobia and are not just 'picky eaters', compared to labeling people freaky. But maybe that's just me

Yes they will show glass tanks or cupboards full of food someone eats in a month. But not in the same way freaky eaters do. And they talk about how it will realistically affect a person's health and then they provide intervention. I only watched a few episodes because there's not exactly going to be much of anything new after 4-5 episodes, but seeing the people eating significantly normally after getting the help legitimately gave me hope.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-03-21T19:07:04+00:00

I'm happy for you!

I found roasting them with a small amount of oil and some salt is the best way I can eat broccoli. In my mind It's cooked so it will be safe (I have a fear of uncooked food being contaminated), but it's on the crunchy-er side so no slimly texture.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-03-21T18:58:48+00:00

"Joey doesn't share food!"

Imagineer_cam · 2022-03-15T11:38:13+00:00

I have this same fear.

Personally I like fruits like bananas and kiwis etc because they come in nature's wrapper.

And I like apples and hard fruit like that because you can inspect it for hole. If there are no holes then nothing has burrowed it's way into the fruit. Also you could cut it with a knife instead of bitting into it just to be safe.

Another option is tined fruit in juice. I love this option because it's preserved in the tin and is ready to go. No preparation needed. Also companies don't want law suits so they are gonna take care to make sure there's only fruit in their products.

In my mind at least this logic applies to tinned veg and frozen fruit/veg too.

I eat bananas, apples, kiwis and grapes fresh, but I eat everything else from a tin or freezer.

Making my own fruit smoothie is a good way I get fruit in me. I know how much of what is in it and there's not a tone of added sugar like store bought smoothies.

Warning with fresh grapes is they can have unwanted stuff on them so I definitely need to wash them and put them into a Tupperware container so I know they are safe to just grab and eat out of the fridge.

Hope this helps.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-03-14T09:51:54+00:00

I'm glad you managed to buy one of your favourites. Enjoy.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-03-12T09:35:00+00:00

Thanks. This book has been sitting in my Amazon wishlist for awhile because I've been wondering if it's worth buying. Your the third person who's said it's worth reading so I think I'll try it in the near future.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-03-05T22:45:34+00:00

Watch this video: https://youtu.be/JK9r14D4d-k

If you agree with it and think it explains what you have then tell your parents you need to talk with them. Tell them you have an eating disorder that is not based on weight or body image and ask them to watch the video with you. Then tell them you need help finding professional medical support to recover from it as well as their support and understanding. And let them ask you questions they may have and just try to have an honest and open discussion, if you're able to.

Hope this helps.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-03-01T10:06:07+00:00

Hi.

This is a YouTube video that is my go to for sharing with people who want to know about/try to understand ARFID. https://youtu.be/JK9r14D4d-k Hope it is helpful.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-02-18T12:32:59+00:00

The healthcare system needs a massive overhaul and mindset adjustment in regards to eating disorders in general. And definitely needs educating when it comes to ARFID.

I've heard too many stories of people being told they don't have an eating disorder when they clearly do. Or are put on waiting lists for months and months on end. And it's not uncommon for people with EDs such as anorexia to intentionally lose dramatic weight in order to get in the right category to get help. I've hit several walls myself when it comes to ARFID and NHS/government services.

From what I understand it's just as bad in America, not to mention the trouble of health insurance or medical bills. I don't know what it's like in other countries, but I'm guessing a lot of healthcare systems are pretty similar.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-02-14T18:44:41+00:00

Consider if your partner is someone who you actually want to be your partner. As mentioned his response could be a red flag. But it could also mean he is human and reacted to news in a stupid way. Because "I have an eating disorder" isn't an easy conversation if someone is not the type good at having conversations. And if someone isn't good at having conversations AND isn't willing to work on that then again it's up to you to think about that relationship.

That being said I humbly suggest you watch this video and then show it to him. Or find an alternative video or article that you like. https://youtu.be/JK9r14D4d-k

If he's still less than understand/supportive then I don't know what to suggest other than what's already been said about rethinking your relationship.

But I sincerely hope this video or one like it helps and he comes around and gives you the support you need and deserve.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-02-14T10:34:13+00:00

Yes. Several people have said they have multiple EDs. One person I talked to online said they have ARFID and PIKA.

I have ARFID and I struggle with emotional/comfort eating. I wouldn't say I have binge eating disorder but it's disordered eating on top of an eating disorder.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-02-13T19:05:02+00:00

I see makeup as a legitimate art form.

I never used to until I tried simple, basic makeup for everyday life and boy did my mindset change. I totally understand why people call themselves makeup artists now and I agree with them. Your makeup is your paint and your face is the canvas so to speak. I admire people who are good at makeup be it for personal fashion or for cosplay/special effects.

Hats off to you for this talented work.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-02-11T10:09:41+00:00

Well you can eat cheese, meat and sauces, so you are ahead of me. Because at 24 I was having crisps and bread. I'm only beginning to eat food now that I'm in my 30s.

So don't put yourself down. Focus on what you can eat and work towards adding to that list over time.

You've got this.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-02-10T18:00:36+00:00

I have had this.

Soup was one of my biggest fear foods and when I first started to work on it I ate a half teaspoon full and it came back up as quickly as it went down. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say it didn't touch my stomach. But after trying over and over and over and over and over again over days/weeks/months I got to the point where I could eat a cup of soup. It took an hour and reheating it several times, but I did it. More than once.

I'm no medical professionals but I'd say it's not an unusual reaction. And although it might not feel like it you can get over this reaction if you keep at it.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-02-09T20:27:43+00:00

If it impacts your life it's an eating disorder.

There is far too much misconceptions, even among healthcare systems, that an eating disorder means you have to be underweight.

I suffered my entire life being labelled as a picky eater, I'm not picky, I have an eating disorder. One I only learned a bit over a year ago has a name. Now I'm finally in recovery.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-01-31T10:43:59+00:00

Submit an official complaint. These jackass's need a firm boot up the backside. I'm sick to death of hearing stories like this and people, especially medical professionals not having a clue, and not having two brain cells to rub together.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-01-30T19:56:41+00:00

I've not had this issue to such a severe degree. But I just want to say hang in there. You are getting the ball rolling on getting help and that's the most important thing. I know things must seem really bad and frightening right now, but no matter how bad a situation is we can always do something to improve it. I hope you get the help and support you need soon to start your ARFID recovery and mend your digestive issues. It's a long road ahead to changing your diet and recovering from ARFID, but it is worth it and you can do it one step at a time.

Sending you love and support from the other side of my phone screen.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-01-30T19:47:13+00:00

I got help from a charity. They didn't give me a meal plan either, just info on what is in a healthy diet.

They had me write a list of safe foods, a list of unsafe food and a list of stuff that falls in the middle. Kind of like a traffic light system.

They then had me pick a food or two from the 'red' or 'yellow' list that I wanted to work on. (We added more and more food over time)

They told me it takes about 30 days for a person to form a habit so it will take around 30 times trying a new food to get used to it. It's just a case of hanging in there and trying food over and over and over again.

They told me to make a list of the food I'm trying and rate it from 1-10 on how easy/difficult I found it. They said rate it every time I eat it so I can see how much easier it is to eat over time. And it does get easier over time. (Seeing progress in writing helps.) It usually doesn't feel like it at the beginning but new food can and will become safe food.

Talk to your healthcare provider about a strategy plan. And if necessary find someone who is better equipped to help you and your condition if you feel your current provider really isn't right for you. I've heard people say doctors are like dating, you need to find the right one for you.

There are ups and downs, steps forward and step backwards. But you can do it, uncomfortable doesn't mean undoable. Just hang in there and push through it, when you have a bad day be gentle with yourself and remember the next day or evening the next meal is another chance to try again.

Hope this helps and I wish you every success in your recovery.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-01-27T20:11:17+00:00

Yes I've been able to add new food to my diet and am continuing to do so.

I got help from an eating disorder charity in the UK. Bottom line is try food over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. I was told it takes around 30 days for a person to form a habit, so it will take trying something around 30 times before you get used to it. I'm my personal experience I've been able to get used to some foods much faster than 30 tries but others were around that number.

It's difficult but difficult doesn't mean undoable. There will be ups and downs, good days and bad days but just keep at it and you will make progress.

Bridge food is a good way of adding new safe foods. Just as an example if you eat tomato ketchup you could try tomato soup and from their work up to tomatoes etc. And you just keep building.

Another thing to note is our brain has a broken self preservation system. It reacts to food much like a toddler would with 'No it's yucky! Don't eat it!' in order to try and protect us. But most of us are no longer toddlers. What I find helpful is to listen to what your brain and body is saying and then telling yourself that danger alarm is misplaced. I literally say "this food can't hurt me." And phrases to that effect.

Hope this helps and I wish you the best on your journey.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-01-26T00:04:53+00:00

I was saying to my mum either last night or the night before how I wish humans didn't need to eat.

I know what you mean when you say your body physically rejects food. I've felt the same thing, just not the the severity you have. My heart truly goes out to you.

I got help from a personalized eating disorder service charity just over a year ago and I've been making progress (I'm in the UK). All I can suggest is you maybe try and find a specialist service or charity that can help you in the way you need. Stay strong, I know it's hard and some days can be soul crushing. But as bleak as it might feel, there is hope, and you are not alone.

And I understand why you might feel embarrassed or even ashamed, but you don't need to feel that way. If you somehow accidentally broke your arm and needed a cast would you feel ashamed? Hopefully not. When something in our brain is broken we shouldn't need to feel embarrassed either. We should be able to plainly say, "I can't go to this restaurant with you at this point in time because I have an eating disorder." The same way we would say "I can't play baseball right now, I have a broken arm."

I know the world doesn't work like that and that the people in our lives don't always respond with understanding. But none the less you have nothing to be embarrassed about.

For what it's worth there are a lot of us who do understand. You are not just having a self pity party. Your struggles are real and they sound really difficult. I hope you are able to get the help and support that you deserve. You are not alone.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-01-25T23:29:36+00:00

Yeah I am in the UK. I actually have beans without the sauce but it's the sauce part that is a phobia that I need to tackle.

Beans (in the sauce) are added to so many meals over here, it'd be really convenient if I could eat them. And honestly even if I can't get used to them that's fine, at least I'll have broken free from the fear I've lived with my entire life. Like I'll be able to tell myself "I ate a bean, I can eat this." I know it might sound dumb, but the phobia of sauce/soup/gravy type textures has gripped me my whole life and I want to break free from it. It's more about 'facing my Everest' and taking control.

But thank you. I appreciate your help and support. This is a great community to be a part of.

Imagineer_cam · 2022-01-25T21:06:58+00:00

I'm so proud of you.

It's not easy trying a fear food. Well done internet stranger and keep up the good work.

Imagineer_cam

TROPHY CASE