Rejected from treatment

I've had an eating disorder for twelve years, and have been in therapy for ten of them but have never done a more intensive eating disorder program. I finally tried and I had my eval and labs done, and all was good except for a low phosphorus level. Because of this, they will not admit me to the program. They didn't offer a higher level of care, which I'm assuming is because other than the phosphorus level I don't meet requirements. They said to raise the level and come back. I'm in touch with my PCP regarding that and am waiting to hear back, but I am really struggling with the decision from the treatment team.

I do get it; you can be "too sick" or "not sick enough" for certain levels of care, especially in the US' insurance-driven healthcare system, but to finally reach out and be denied for something that seems relatively small is really disheartening. We were sure I'd be a good fit until the labs came back, so I changed my work schedule and everything, which was really hard to do. I worry that if I can't be admitted in the next week or so, I will lose motivation again and just not bother. It's not what I want to do, but I can see it going in that direction.

This is just so hard. I hate my eating disorder. I guess having some perspectives or experiences from others could help, which is why I'm posting here. I feel really alone and hopeless right now.

Hi Catlovers141,

Oh that sounds so disheartening! I wish your phosphorus levels had been normal so that you could have gone ahead with that eating disorder program.

It is be helpful if I knew what else to say, but unfortunately my mind is a blank right now.

Hopefully your phosphorous levels will improve and you will be able to get into the program before you lose motivation.

It is heartbreaking that you had to suffer this experience. Although I am not in your shoes, I think I can understand a little how your experience could make you feel hopeless and alone.

Wish I knew how to help. -- Yaowen

I'm no expert. I know very little. This is what I do know. Everything that goes on in our bodies is a transaction. For every transaction, a certain number of a molecule, known as ATP, is required. One molecule of ATP includes 3 phosphorus.
Obviously, we need lots of phosphorus. So maybe your low phosphorus count is at the core of your problem? Also, they tell you to bring up your phosphorus count. Did they say how to do that? Good luck with everything! And please let us know how this turns out! Very interesting!

Thank you both for responding. I've been feeling really alone so I appreciate the support.

They didn't tell me how to raise my phosphorus. They referred me to my PCP, and she scheduled an appointment to see me tomorrow, which at first I did not want but now I'm sort of relieved about it. I am, however, a little frustrated with the program that they sort of just let me go like that. I both understand and don't understand.

Fortunately, in my intake they gave me a meal plan. I won't post specifics because I imagine that's triggering, but I hope it's okay to say that I added up the calories and it seems rather high? At first I thought this was just my eating disorder perception, but I've checked with other people and they also seem to think that it is high, so it is leading to more distrust in the program. Have others experienced this? The meal plan was just supposed to be a default healthy eating plan, not one for weight gain, so that is where the confusion comes from on my end.

In my case it was inpatient treatment & they gave you only so long to gain enough weight so that you could go home. I am GUESSING the higher calories may have to do with a time allocation for gaining & related to insurance limitations.

This article can give you some insight information on your low phosphorous
Phosphate Blood Test: Purpose, High vs. Low vs. Normal Levels

I was in the medical hospital so many times with my anorexia.....years ago now. Can't remember blood test results....but I do remember the central lines & the IV nutrition I had. Not good but it was necessary.

I live alone now on my own little farm so I watch my eating & staying healthy because I need energy to move bales of hay & 50 lb bags of feed. Unfortunately my life before now was so stressful that was what made the ED into what it became. Glad to have it behind me now & it definitely was not the treatment that helped me. For me it was finally gaining control of my life so I didn't feel that I had to control what I didn't eat.

Hmm I’m sorry to hear this