Heard

I think any parent in this position, with a child with an ED of any type, worries about being heard.  Will this person, this medical care giver, listen to us, really HEAR what we are saying? A lot of the time the answer is no.  You get shuffled through a system, a number, another blurry face in a long line of people.  You have anxiety, all you need to do is breathe, you're a boy, boys don't have eating disorders.  You're thin now, that's great! Such willpower!  

Today we were heard. In order for the treatment center here to allow him to start next Tuesday, there were lab tests, and an EKG that needed to be done.   I had made an appointment last week for today, and mentioned what it was for, they should have in his file what has been going on.  I haven't been super pleased with the front office staff at the doctors office, and the past two visits haven't really felt like we were listened to.  Turns out third time really is the charm, as is the third doctor! 

When she came in, she thought we were there for a yearly well visit.  Ok, strike 1. the office did not take note of the reason we were coming in, even though I made it clear it was for admittance into an eating disorder treatment center.  As soon as I said, we are here because he has an eating disorder, specifically Anorexia, she wanted all the details, asked the right questions, and immediately had suggestions, referrals, and help.  We talked about his chest pains, around his heart and how it feels when he breathes.  

Cardiac issues are a huge part of Anorexia. One of those is Bradycardia.  This is low heart rate, which can mean different things for each individual.  I have been closely monitoring my son's heart rate, he wears my lovely rose gold Apple Watch daily.  The watch face at the moment is Hello Kitty, super cute! And it makes me smile a little knowing he walks around with Hello Kitty on his wrist.  He has gotten down as low as 43, and the other day while stumbling around a roller skating rink clutching the side, it shot up to 175.  

Again she listened! 

Before they did the EKG, they did the Orthostatic test.  This involves taking blood pressure and heart rate while laying down, having the patient stand up, take it again, and then have them sit and take it a third time.  If there is a big jump, say 20 beats per minute, this can be indicative of something called POTS.  Otherwise known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.  Blood flow should be steady whether you are sitting or standing or upside down.  When you have POTS, your blood will stay in your lower body when you stand.  This is common in ED patients because lack of food and low weight, and low heart rate causes the heart to have to work harder and thus slower.  

We also talked about his depression, his self harm, and his suicidal ideations.  She looked directly into his eyes when she spoke to him.  There was encouragement to reach out, that when thoughts of suicide invaded his head, to know he needs to reach out, to treat it like an external force that he needs help fighting.  I feel certain, she made sure he knew he was worth fighting for.  We are fighting for him.  And today we were heard. 

Much love