My spine was teetering on the verge of osteoporosis, but I was only 26-years old. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones to such an extent that a simple cough could lead to a fracture. This loss of bone mass usually develops in people older than 50, so why were my bones so weak at such a young age?
Answer: Ed, aka my “eating disorder.”
I had struggled with anorexia nervosa for many years, and a loss of bone mass is far too common among those with eating disorders. If you aren’t familiar with the term “Ed,” I learned in therapy to personify my eating disorder as an abusive spouse named Ed in order to separate from my illness and connect with my own unique thoughts and personality.
Here is some hopeful news: thanks to ‘divorcing Ed,’ my bones have strengthened. By my early thirties, my spine was no longer on the verge of osteoporosis, and, in fact, my overall bone mass was normal for someone my age. However, my bone mass was at the “low end of normal,” according to my doctor.
Well, get this…
I just received my results from a recent bone density scan, and, for the first time in my life, my bones are stronger than the norm for my age. No longer does my bone mass score at the “low end of normal,” but it ranks better than the average for my age. In fact, my bones have strengthened significantly over the past three years—during my forties—and I haven’t been taking medications prescribed for osteoporosis.
What have I been doing?
I have been in solid recovery from my eating disorder for decades. While a part of healing has included taking calcium and doing weight-bearing exercise, which are known to increase bone mass, my bones wouldn’t be as strong as they are today if Ed was still around. In fact, my doctor once told me that the best thing I could do to combat osteoporosis was to follow my dietitian’s prescribed meal plan.
If you know Ed and struggle with bone loss, don’t give up. It is never too late to strengthen your recovery and strengthen your bones.
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Learn more about saying goodbye to Ed and hello to health at our free, online event …
Saturday, April 20, 2024
11am-12pm EST
See image below for details.
At the event, we will give away a few copies of my second book, Goodbye Ed, Hello Me: Recover from Your Eating Disorder and Fall in Love With Life.
