| I'd like to tell you about ED. We've been together for | | | | Anorexia, Bulimia, Compulsive Eating. It is a illness that |
| as long as I can recollect. While other friends revolve in | | | | can and will be fatal. I know other disorders are linked |
| and out of my life, ED remains steadfastly by my side. | | | | to ED as well but I can only tell you of my experience. I |
| He's been there for minor losses, tragedies, births, | | | | like to think I have good judgment. But definitely not |
| deaths, milestones, as well as growing pains. I can't say | | | | while in my disease. I was at a retreat where a girl |
| that I like the guy but at times he has been a great | | | | spoke about how she got rid of excess food by |
| comfort. And my identity as well. No self confidence | | | | drinking a solution of Epsom salts and water. I was off |
| needed while he's around cause he does all the | | | | and running. Now most people would have thought that |
| thinking. My actions result because of him. I had a visit | | | | was sick . But I thought it was an idea worth trying. It |
| from ED recently. Its been a while. Actually, a long | | | | worked really well. Never mind I was sick and weak |
| while. It was a surprise visit. He showed up and we | | | | for several days afterwards. I also used laxatives and |
| went for it. See after any loss or emotional time he | | | | syrup of Ipecac to purge with. I stuck with laxatives the |
| shows up to take my hand, and convinces me how | | | | longest. Started with several at a time. Then used a |
| much I need him. The times I resist him are the most | | | | whole box be it 40 or 60 tabs. They seemed to work |
| rewarding times of my life. Sometimes I can't resist his | | | | along with the next days fast. Oh, and the 5 miles plus |
| charms. Here's how I usually feel about our visits. | | | | run. Rain or shine everyday. My bodies been through a |
| Before... agitated, upset and crappy. | | | | lot. At the time I was told of health consequences. Only |
| During... comforted and crappy. | | | | one thing mattered. Wearing the smallest size on the |
| After... relieved, guilty, sick and crappy. | | | | rack. |
| The further I get from our last visit the better I feel. I | | | | I've picked myself up and brushed myself off so many |
| wish to forget his face. Forget what he feels like and | | | | times which is a victory in itself. Survival seems to be |
| that I needed him. When ED's around life is like a never | | | | my theme in life. Thats what I think I'm here for. If I |
| ending Drunk. Where I'm not responsible for who I hurt, | | | | have time to make up for some of the hurt I caused |
| what I do, or if I work or see friends. He gives me | | | | great. But I first and foremost must survive. See, if I |
| permission to stop my life depending on his whim. He's | | | | give in and go where ED wants that would be suicide. I |
| gotten me into lots of trouble. He has made me hurt | | | | believe I would be sent right back here to repeat the |
| myself. I have hurt my family even more. See ripping a | | | | hell I often feel life's like now. I believe that my ED is a |
| razor blade across my body feels better than dwelling | | | | disease . It's cunning baffling and powerful. |
| on how hopeless he makes me feel. He's chased | | | | Lets see. Cunning... It tricks you into thinking that this |
| people out of my life and left me at my knees. I know | | | | time it will be alright. Then you can stop. |
| the responsibility is mine but thats the weird part. You | | | | Tomorrow. |
| want to be with him against all your better judgment. | | | | The baffling part is how did I end up like this again. |
| He tricks you into thinking that this time will be different. | | | | Powerful... in that it can and has taken over my life. |
| Thats my definition of stupid. Doing the same thing | | | | And that you lose all appearance of control. |
| over and over again expecting different results. Like | | | | I wish I could say ED and I are no longer companions. |
| bumping into a wall. I've done it before it hurts. But see, | | | | For the most part this is true. He stops by once in a |
| this time I will walk into the wall again but it won't hurt. | | | | while to show me how strong he is and how |
| If you haven't guessed by now ED is not a person . | | | | powerless I can be. And how very grateful I am for |
| ED stands for Eating Disorder. You've heard of them | | | | days where he is nowhere in sight. |