Hi Antoni,

I as so sorry to hear about your mum and now your dad. People deal with grief in different ways and it sounds as if the courses that both you and your dad have taken are doing neither of you any good.

I can fully understand why you have taken to binge eating. I did a fair bit of this myself before I was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn't until I went on to a lot of medication after my diagnosis that I really piled on the weight. The side-effect of a lot of my medication was to put on weight.

I tried various diets unsuccessfully. I joined a slimming club, but had to give that up when I was taken into hospital again. When I was well enough I joined an NHS run slimming class. Here I get weighed every week and have my waist measured every other week. We then have half an hour discussing various dietary matters and then we do an hour's circuit training. This is done for people of all abilities, so we just do what we can. I no longer diet as such, this is more about sensible eating. So far, I have lost 5 stones over 2 years, but I still have a long way to go. i have to say though, that I feel a lot better since I started this.

Would it help you to do something like this? I don't know what time of day you binge most - for me it was in the evening. Living on your own makes it a very lonely place to be especially at night. Can you occupy yourself by visiting friends, the pictures, evening classes, the library, etc, so that you take yourself away from temptation?

It might also be helpful to have a word with your GP and see if s/he have any suggestions, as they can often refer you to classes.

Do come back and let us know how you ae getting on.

Good luck in your endeavours and stay strong!

kind regards,

Jolamine

Hi, I'm sorry you are feeling so low.  Firstly I would seek some medical help. A doctor may be able to send you for some councilling and eating disorders should never be taken lightly. Secondly I would join some clubs or activities. I think if you are home alone then your brain (which is very fragile) can make you do strange things. You will think eating makes you happier but in the long run it makes you sadder. Keep busy. Find some classes (they don't have to be exercise). Go out with friends if you can. There is a group for relations of drinkers or alcoholics. Maybe find you local one and go along. Or chat on here. Hope you find a happier route to take xxxx 

Hello and a very warm welcome to Cancer Chat, Antoni. 

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your mom to non-hodgkins lymphoma last year, and that you find yourself caring for your dad. It sounds like an incredibly tough time for you. 

I wondered if you've heard of a charity called beat? They have lots of information about eating disorders on their website, as well as a range of support services, including a helpline (0808 801 0677) and online message boards. 

We also have a team of information nurses on the other end of the phone if you'd like to talk: 0808 800 4040. 

Wishing you all the very best; we're here to listen if you need to talk.

Helen

Cancer Chat Moderator