I have Pica...

CourtneyShep2010
CourtneyShep2010 Posts: 3
in Food and Nutrition
For about 9 years i've been dealing with Pica. I started out eating wierd things including thinset (yes the cement stuff), sand, babypowder and ive finally settled on cornstarch. on average i can eat 16 oz in 2 to 4 days but if im upset of depressed i can finish 16 oz in one day. some days i forget to eat regular food and i just eat starch all day. if i eat too much i get headaches and my skin is always dry. im also severely anemic. i want to stop but i don't know how and when i try its all i think of, im super irritable, and nothing satisfies the resulting cravings. i need to get this under control, i always tired and im starting to gain weight. I cant even exercise because im easily winded... i mean walking up the stairs is difficult. How do i get better? please help

Replies

  • Edmond_Dantes
    Edmond_Dantes Posts: 185 Member
    see a doctor and get your anemia worked up
  • kaspatore
    kaspatore Posts: 95 Member
    You need professional help on this one. I wish you the best in your recovery.
  • CourtneyShep2010
    CourtneyShep2010 Posts: 3
    What kind of professional? a regular doctor or a specialist?
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    See a doctor about the anemia, get your blood worked out - it'll take time but it gets better. I'm taking iron for my anemia currently and still get easily winded and tired, but it's much better once I found out that I was anemic and began taking iron supplements. (Not all anemia is due to lack of iron and you should get your blood worked out so you can deal with the cause of the anemia)

    A psychologist can help with the underlying pica issue. You said that you do it because you're anxious. A psychologist can help you deal with your anxiety that is resulting in pica.
  • bethanyboomstick
    bethanyboomstick Posts: 52 Member
    Start with a regular family doctor and let her/him take it from there. They can help you figure out exactly what kind of doctors you need to see to work with your condition.

    I'm sorry you have to deal with this, and congratulations on working to improve your health. Wanting to get better is a huge step. Good luck. :)
  • CourtneyShep2010
    CourtneyShep2010 Posts: 3
    Thanks everyone its been a long time coming
  • TrailNurse
    TrailNurse Posts: 359 Member
    Get help before your health declines to something you cannot reverse.

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