How do you know?

Ok so I know the drill, no one here can diagnose anybody. I'm just wondering if I should be concerned or what.

I don't have a weight issue, I don't think anyway, I do seem to like to weigh myself and know the number. I always know my weight but I don't feel a need to control it. What I do have a problem with is feeling hunger pains, I know it has to be, because I go long periods without eating. I don't feel hungry, I just feel pain and sick. When I try to eat a good majority of foods, I find the texture undesirable to nauseating.

I'm wondering, is an eating disorder always such a clear cut anorexia or bulimia case? Is it possible to have an eating disorder and not be concerned about weight?

eating disorders can show themselves in a variety of ways, so yes, it's possible. however, since you're experiencing pain and nausea, i would definitely recommend you have a regular medical doctor check you out for gastro/intestinal disorders, food allergies, gluten sensitivity, etc., first and foremost. if there doesn't seem to be a physical reason behind what you're feeling, then you might want to talk to a T about your relationships to foods.
i really hope you feel better soon!

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm saddened to not see any more responses to this.

I actually have been to a gastroenterologist for some of the stomach pains, I didn't really discuss my disgust with foods, just the pains got really bad at one point. Anyway ALOT of tests later, he concluded that it was nothing intestinal related. No celiac disease, no chrones disease, etc. He suggested I live with it or pursue another type of doctor, sorry can't remember the term, to be tested for Fibromyalgia, unlikely he said, or Lupus, even more unlikely. So I never returned to the doctor over my stomach pains.

When I try to research eating disorders on my own, I find no information on people like me, so I was hoping to find insight here.

i'm so glad you put forth the effort to have all that other testing done! you took such good care of yourself, that's really something to be proud of!
since you took care of that part already, i absolutely suggest you talk to a T about how you're feeling. psychological disturbances can definitely manifest themselves in physical pain, feelings of fear or disgust, or nausea, or upset stomach.
it is possible you have an eating disorder - there's a broad array that fall under the heading "eating disorder not otherwise specified" that fall outside the norms of anorexia and bulimia. you might also be experiencing phobias about particular types of food, or sometimes obsessive compulsive disorder can manifest in only being about to eat certain kinds, colours, or textures of food. a T is definitely the way to start getting to the bottom of how you feel. you're doing a great job already being so persistant!

...and btw, don't feel bad if you don't get too many responses. this particular forum isn't the most active. plus, sometimes people read things, think awhile, then come back and respond later. (which is what i did!) so sometimes there is a delayed response.

There is such a thing in the DSM called 'Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified'. It's what I have been diagnosed with.
In my case, what that means is that I essentially have binge eating disorder and I'm a compulsive overeater, but I'm also bulimic. It means different things for different people. Essentially what it means for anybody, though, is that there's definitely an eating disorder but it doesn't fit the criteria of just one diagnosis.
Thankfully, treatment programs, therapists and clinics are starting to work more with this type of eating disorder as well as anorexia or bulimia. Thank goodness, because it's taken me years to get into a program of any sort due to 'not fitting the criteria' (excuse me, but you don't need to tell me I don't need help when I've been sticking my finger down my throat most days for the last 19 years).
If you suspect you may have an eating disorder, it might be worth talking to someone about it, a medical professional like your GP or a therapist or psychiatrist, someone who would be familiar with eating disorder behaviors and can help you sort it out for yourself.
Here's something to consider:

Eating disorder not otherwise specified - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Good luck. And if you ever need anyone to talk to, you can PM me.

Thanks so much for the info. What I see there says I still likely don't qualify. I guess there aren't others like me who are just simply disgusted by the texture and chewing process of eating. Or maybe it's really not an issue to be so avoidant of food, I mean I maintain 'healthy' body weight. IDK. but thanks for the help guys, now I know I'm even more unusual than normal.

i'm sure others have had similar problems, it just may not be listed in the right way for you to be able to look it up. don't give up your pursuits! i still think you should talk to a T. don't get caught up trying to diagnose yourself - let the pro's do that!
i hope you'll keep at it.

I don't honestly want another diagnoses and fear what treatment if any are available for my strange eating habits. I know I eat poorly and in the long run my body will hate me for it. I don't want to be damaging myself, but I don't see an out. Food, for the most part, is just terribly disgusting. The thought of having it all mashed up and spit covered in my mouth, ugh, I shudder at the thought. Thanks so much for your support, and I will eventually get up the nerve to mention it to a doc.

sometimes the thought of food, putting things in my mouth, swallowing, all of that...so gross!!! i think in the end you will find people from all different walks of life who can relate to how you feel.
please keep in your mind that it is a very very valid reason to talk to a doctor. when you're ready, give yourself permission to bring it up. it is absolutely a valid concern, and worthy of attention and being addressed professionally.
are you any more comfortable w/liquids? in the meantime can you try to drink lots of water, and supplement w/sports drinks, vitamin waters, ensure, slimfast, milk/soy milk, fruit/vegetable juices? these things can help address the nutritive deficiencies, but are NOT a replacement to true treatment. (i just have to add that little disclaimer! )
please take the best care of yourself you can, and share your feelings with a doctor or T as soon as you can. thanks a lot for being willing to share here.

I guess I really never thought about it before but drinks are always easier. In fact I seem to stay thirsty most of the day.

Excessive thirst can also point to Diabetes......have you had alergy testing done....so many people are allergic to the gluten & especially the additive that are stuffed into the prepared foods we buy. Ugh, when I go shopping, I read the labels & all the junk in the food & I go back to not wanting to eat....but too lazy to prepare all my food from scratch which is really the most healthy way.

There are definitely thinking issues that can go into disordered eating.....which isn't necessarily the normal ED's but when people have OCD issues, then can also be about food.

Sometimes it takes a long time to sort through our thoughts & figure out what & where they are coming from & why.....that's what T's are for to help us work through the things that bother our lives & keep them from being as normal as possible.

if you feel thirsty - your body is saying DRINK! dehydration can make you feel terrible - nauseous, headachy, body pains, dizzy, the list goes on! sometimes poor kidney function or other problems can lead to excessive dehydration, but the simplest answer is to take in more fluids - in particular water, sports drinks w/electrolytes, juice, sprite or other carbonated products w/o caffeine, green tea, etc.
i am still holding out hope you will be feeling lots better soon. i hope you are still doing all you can to try your best as well.

oh! also! have you consulted w/ a speech/language pathologist at all? sometimes they can help you improve your swallow muscles, which can help you more easily swallow differing textures. (just an idea)

please take care!