[Karrebear]

It has been 5 years since I have been in treatment and I do consider myself recovered to a certain extent that I am not underweight by any means, especially compared to what I was back then. I just assumed the thoughts would disappear as well. I am always thinking about restricting even thought I don't do it. I think about purging but more than half the time I don't because I am too lazy.

Do we live like this forever? Does ED ever leave us alone?

[buttrfli42481]

I have been hospital free since June 2012, and still have the thoughts that I need to restrict. I have never purged, however I have wished that I could/would so the bloated feeling would go away. And that was recent. My dietician told me that the thoughts would never go away completely. I believe her. I think that we just learn how not to listen to those thoughts. It isn't easy, but can be done.

[Taptaptaptile]

I don't think the thoughts will ever go away but they can be managed, I wish there was a way to remove them from your mind, I really do

Well done on 5 years! That's amazing and you should feel really proud of yourself

[ShaggyChic_1201]

Most days, my thoughts are normal, and I don't have a single ED thought (despite being severely bulimic for >30 yrs). Unfortunately, even without being conscious of having the thoughts, there are still some moments where I would am in the middle of a mini-binge before I know it has happened...always under extreme pressure or anxiety. Once it sneaks up on my like that, I struggle with the ED thoughts and have to willfully battle the back into submission. But so far, I've remained victorious for 25 months.

Yes. I had anorexia for 20 + years. Recovered for five. I dont have the thoughts any more. If i can recover anyone can.

[Karrebear]

Thanks for the feed back. I have not been doing well the past couple weeks. ED says this is ok, though...