Thank you so much for all of your support from my last post. I appreciate it very very much.
I spoke with my mom last night. She is doing OK. She told me that there was a 9 year old little girl in the treatment center with her. I cannot fathom what that little girl must be going through. I hate to hear about children suffering. I am not sure how common eating disorders are in young children, but I know that my mother's case is not the norm. This is her 3rd treatment center in 1 1/2 years and she is by far, always the oldest at 53. What baffles me is how well people who suffer from eating disorders are able to hide it, especially if you are not a walking skeleton.
My mother has been suffering from bulemia and anorexia on and off for over 20 years. However, the last 2 years have been the worst. She is a diabetic and also has COPD. When she doesn't eat she is unable to effectively control her sugar and this leads to her passing out. This was happening very often about two years ago. She was severely depressed and my sisters were treating her like crap. At that time her struggle was very evident. This time however, I feel like it crept up on me. I thought all was well, but it wasn't. My mom doesn't look starved and I thought she was taking care of herself. It is hard for me to comprehend why this keeps being an issue for her, but I will continue to stand by her.
When she told me last week that she needed help, I immediately felt as if she had let me down. I didn't tell her this, and I later beat myself up about being so selfish. Now I am thankful that she told me before something happened while she was alone with my daughter. I don't know when she will be coming home, but I am going to visit her this weekend. I hate that she can suffer alone and no one is the wiser. I hope she gets better. Please keep her in your thoughs and prayers.
In other news, I came to work with my shirt inside out today. The crazy thing is, when I checked myself out in the mirror this morning, I thought I looked pretty cute, hahaha.
Take care!
I'm glad your mother is doing OK. Chances are the reason there aren't more older women in the rehabiliation centers is because there is no one around to tell them they need to go. Younger people have parents, teachers, coaches, etc. who may reach out to them to tell them they need help. There are also educational efforts being made with high school kids and college students about eating disorders. Not so much for the older population. I know it creates an inconvenience for you and finding care for your child (my mom watched my girls for me until they were 2 so I feel ya on this one) but I applaud her for recognizing she needs help and not wanting to put your child at risk. :)
ReplyDelete1. loving your blog
ReplyDelete2. congrats on the surgery date
3. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I suffered from Bulimia from 12-20 and went into a treatment in patient program, glad I did. It is one of those diseases that you suffer in silence. I'm happy that your mom had the strength to ask for help. And don't beat yourself up too much about your feelings about it either, I think those on the outside are allowed to be disappointed and you seem to be there for her. You both sound like a good mother and daughter team!
Good to hear that your mom is getting centered and in a place where she can get the help she needs. You're a good daughter for caring so much :)
ReplyDeleteand hey, inside-out shirts just may be a new trend - that you started!!
You know I can relate. I won't go into it but something happened recently that made me feel like someone in my family let me down. And my initial gut reaction was to be a bit angry about it. But I kept telling myself to try and be understanding. It was tough just like I know this has been for you and especially even more for you b/c she was watching the baby. It is hard but I admire you for pushing that aside and being compassionate regarding your Mom's issues. Also I had to laugh about the shirt thing especially when you said you looked pretty darn cute!! I have worn my shirt inside out before and I have also worn two different shoes as well!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so sad about that little girl! I can't imagine! Hope your mom gets better soon!
ReplyDeleteYour mom is in my thoughts hon. We all have difficult times. Hopefully your family can be stronger because of this. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome that you can be there for your mom! And Congratulations on getting a surgery date!
ReplyDeleteXO