Hello Friends!
I wanted to let you know that I have just started my own Eating
Disorders Support Group on AOL called, Eating Disorders Support For
All. The title pretty much describes it. This group offers a nurse
consultant for any medical questions you or your loved ones might
have. I do not believe in passing judgments. I also do not believe
in "forcing" someone into treatment or force feeding, i.e., NG Tub,
etc. You will know when you are ready to seek help. If/when that
time comes I can and will assist you in finding the best place for
you. However, this is a support group and a place where I hope that
you will feel safe to share yourselves. The only way that a person
is going to get better from any type of eating disorder is for you to
admit that you have a problem and that you want and need help. If
you read the decription and the welcome message to this support group
you will find that I am here to try and help you. If anything at all
support you. If you are interested or know of anyone who would be
please feel free to join and let others know it is around. The only
way that this group will grow and become a huge success is by word-of
mouth. I know that the eating disorder community focuses primarily
on females with eating disorders and I would like to bridge that
gap. Someday, my ultimate goal is to have my own treatment center
that accepts everyone. I am also a chronic pain patient so I have
discovered that there are only two eating disorder treatment centers
here in the US that will accept people who have chronic pain and have
to take narcotics. People who are suffer with chronic pain, i.e.,
cip = chronic intractable pain syndrome, and have to take narcotics
are not drug addicts. In fact, nothing could be further from the
truth. Again, these two treatment centers are only for females.
Eating disorders causes many health problems. The other huge problem
that the eating disorders community likes to ignore is the fact that
these treatment centers costs too damn much money and they do not
accept heath insurance. The costs can start from $30,000 and up.
Who has this type of money? How can you put a price of a person's
life? Believe it or not, they can and they do. Here is the
hyperlink to this group: http://groups.aol.com/etspprt I hope that
this support group will help you. I hope that everyone is doing
well. I just wanted to share this information with this group. If
you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns, please feel free
to contact me. I can also be reached via telephone at a toll free
number which I have setup. I know you are all too aware that eating
disorders is no joke and that you can die. I am sure that you all
also know that food is not the real issue. Please remember, you are
NOT alone in your struggles!
Thank you and take care of yourselves.

Erika