Is it really normal to feel a lot worse physically in the early stages of recovery? I’m going all-in and have stopped every single behavior and made huge changes to my daily activity level and lifestyle (practically bedrest now!) and I actually have felt worse physically. I’m way more exhausted and in more pain now that I’m doing the good work I need to do.
It isn’t making me want to go back to my ED. I don’t. I just want to know if it’s normal to feel worse in the first few weeks as you stop using behaviors and begin to take care of yourself and really pursue recovery in earnest.
Did anyone else feel a lot worse in the first few weeks?
Your body is adjusting to eating more. It can be excruciatingly painful. Your stomach shrunk. That's why recovery should be done in a hospital or residential treatment center as you're going through the refeeding syndrome. Ot could take a few minutes to get used to normalized eating again. It's exhausting because you're fighting this disease hard mentally and physically.
Thanks for replying — really.
It’s not really my stomach though? It mostly feels like I’ve got a really bad case of the flu. No GI problems but lots of fatigue and body pain and stuff…
Hi! Just wanted to follow up on this post as you mentioned experiencing some fatigue and pain. We’d like for you to review this list. If they’re experiencing any, please make sure to get medical help as soon as possible – making sure to mention all symptoms you experience in addition to your eating concerns so you can be treated accurately. The following are just some of the signs of a serious problem that demands immediate medical attention:
If they experience anything above, we highly recommend seeking help from a medical professional as soon as possible. Seek medical help soon on an outpatient basis if they experience:
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Exhaustion from everything. But I would highly suggest seeing your primary care provider for an expert, medical diagnosis. I am not really qualified in diagnosing you.
Of course. Definitely not trying to put you or anyone in that position. Just kind of hoping people can say they initially felt worse and that it’s normal to feel bad the first few weeks.