Friday, 3 November 2017

A View From My Windows: Chapter 1

Help
Wednesday 7th March 2012
Day 15


06.00 AM :
I woke up from the hospital bed sweating. What's going on? Am I so fat that I am insulating myself so much so that it is now accumulating!? I feel so horrible. I am all knowing that my body is changing and as a result I'm getting thoughts in anger of myself for allowing myself to get so big. It makes each meal time hard. I mean I don't have a problem with breakfast but it's becoming a problem as more snacks and challenging foods are being added to the prescribed meal plan.

Urination. Constipation.

Inquiring thought:
“Perhaps I need to choose a bit more wisely what I select for my breakfast. Should I be choosing more high fibre foods? Should I try changing my original option of Cornflakes to Malties?”
Responsive thought:
“No.”
This was my response on the matter being debated within my mind. What was my rationale for this decision?
Rationale thought:
"Cornflakes are low in fat.”
“Hang on, but Malties have more fibre which is of benefit to me as it requires the body to use more calories through digestion process. High in insoluble fibre and therefore does not contain any calories as such. So what to do?”
Reaction:
I returned to the hospital bed and decided to research the calories and fat. Aware to notice how the other patients seem to go for low calorie choices but I'm favouring the lower fat options as well as consisting a high fibre content. Yet despite such research I still didn't get it. I went onto the “My Fitness Pal” app on my iPhone to compare my top 5 snack choices and the top 5 snack choices that another patient on the ward, Samantha Hilbert chooses. Aware to notice myself comparing my option with Samantha to recognise that my snack choices were despite higher in calories, my snacks were lower in fat and higher in fibre.

Oh I'm confused.

Thoughts:
I know if my choices are 'healthy' but I don't have a connection with them. For when I get out of hospital I know not to buy cake because I know it's not good for me. But in here I suppose I can make an exception. I can condition my mind to accept that this food is to be 'okay' purely on the basis that I accept that I am here to gain - as much as I don't want to.”
“But if I chose 'healthy' options and still put on weight, this would I believe initiate the association of a negative connection between food and weight. Thereby due to this awareness to notice myself condition the increase in kilograms of my body weight with the food being accepted into my body, is this original 'healthy' food product in fact healthy or not healthy?”

I'm so confused - and it’s the same concept with the breakfast cereals.

Inquiring thoughts:
“I know I want the high fibre, low GI cereal but it always confuses me with how much fat the cereal contains because it is often high - except for 'Malties' and 'Mini Weetabix'. Yet as they are crispy they have horrible added sugar which I detest. So shall I go for “Unhealthy, high calorie Cornflakes” or the “Healthy, high fibre but higher fat cereal with lower calories”?

07:15 AM, morning:
Feeling rubbish this morning as I feel fatter. I'm losing my bones and my bum is reforming itself =[ I thought it would be easy but it's not. It didn't really help choosing this Primarni, Versace inspired printed top because it's quite tight so I feel fat already.

Constipation.

Behaviour:
Went to sit at my desk in the hospital bedroom. Got out my Ted Baker diary and filled it in for today. Aware to notice I find out the results of the John Lewis partnership bonus today too. Once written various accounts into this diary, it was time I then started writing my “Weekly Meal Planner” and deciding upon what snacks I were to allow myself. Repeating the same meal plan for the following week but thought of changing my choice of cereal depending on whether my weight increases or decreases.

08.00 AM:
Urination before going to dining room.
Feelings:
Feelings of not wanting to have breakfast when feeling so fat. Behaviours start to kick in. Jege, one of the nurses working upon the ward asked me what cereal I would like to which I happened to be observant to notice "Cornflakes" we're to be already present upon on the worktop of the small communal kitchen.
Behaviour:
I got the milk and measured it 200 ml and 200 ml of orange juice whilst the others were weighing their bowls of cereal. I asked Louise if it was at all possible for her to check my measurement to which she replied "Okay". I poured all the liquid from the plastic measuring jug into glass before moving along to measure the cereal to the required mass of 60 grams.
Thoughts:
“Looks a big portion, especially when I compare it to Jege's bowl of cereal to which was much smaller!”
Affirmation:
"It’s only temporary"

Behaviour:
I waited for the other patients to measure there bowls of cereal to which I couldn't help to be curious to wonder for what cereal choices they allowed themselves to consume.

Samantha Hibert
Sainsbury's Blueberry Wheats mixed with Sainsburys Mini Wheats
200 ml Semi skimmed milk
Chelsea Brooke
Shreddies mixed with Oatibix
200 g Yogurt
Michael Williams
Muesli
Toast x 2
200 ml Semi skimmed milk
Margarine x 2 tsps.
Anna Smith
Oatmeal Porridge
200 ml Semi skimmed milk
Phoebe May
Oatmeal Porridge
200 ml Semi skimmed milk

Once all of the patients were ready and prepared then breakfast could begin at 08:30AM. I poured the milk from the measuring jug onto the cereal but aware to be skimping on some of the milk by leaving some in jug and placing the measuring jug which contained the 'Concentrated Orange Juice' stacked on top. Two of the facilitating nurses Louise and Jege sat upon the table once the patient Phoebe May was ready... again. I paced it slowly today. Aware to notice the thoughts of fat, calories and fibre rolling around my head.
Completed breakfast and so had to allow myself to await for the following patients to be finished. Once everyone was finished we all were directed to the lounge for observation.

Behaviour:
Wrote in my journal before Louise came in with 'Goal setting' sheets for the week to be filled out. I filled it out then continued with my journal.
Medication:
Had a thiamine tablet this morning.

Behaviour:
Off of observation. I head back to my room to sort out my choices of snacks I will be needing to consume. Took time to reply to Polly Richards who said she would come down to visit as she has an appointment at Sommervale hospital. Aware to notice her message me back to say she couldn't make it as she was now in town where she is to be attending her appointment.

Thoughts:
“Oh well”

11.00AM, morning snack:
Urination.
Decision:
'Malt Loaf, Soreen'
Behaviour:
Weighed out the malt loaf onto the scales and got Louise to check it for me. 96 grams. It's always anxious at snack time as I notice everyone watching what others are having - subconsciously summing up the calories etc. I feel really fat.
Toasted the malt loaf. Toasted the malt loaf for too long as some of the malt lloaf is to have become stuck to the toaster.
Thoughts:
“Eat less I suppose” Positive energy.

Decision:
'25 ml of Apple & cranberry high juice.'
Aware that the normally preferred 'Apple & mango high juice' had been finished.
Samantha Hibbert
Fruit & Nut
English tea and 30 ml milk
Chelsea Brooke
Fruit & Nut
High juice
Michael Williams
Fruit & Nut
English tea and 30 ml milk
Anna Smith
-
Coffee and 30 ml milk
Phoebe May
-
Coffee and 30 ml milk

Finished Snack.

Observation in the lounge.
Behaviour:
Write in my journal until observation time finished. Went to my hospital room to sort out my decisions in my snacks.
Thoughts:
“I think my thinking is wrong. Rather than going for the low calorie options I find myself going for the low fat. But not considering the saturated fat rather than good fat which just replenishes the brain. I am going for all the wrong stuff like bagels, jam, biscuits, cake as they seem lower in fat yet looking more closely they are high in salt, low in fibre, high carb - but I can't face going for something I know is healthy but is really high fat. Like oats and hummus. There is 15 grams of fat yet only 1.2% is saturated fat. Do I go for this option anyway or go for foods I know I will definitely not have went I am out in the community as I am aware I will have that association with the 'the food that I ate on the ward'. I'm really tired and confused as this concept spins round in my head! I mean chocolate digestives are the low calorie option but I can't face the fact of having chocolate – fear food.”
Behaviour:
I went onto 'My Fitness Pal' app to weigh up the choices and create hundreds of lists. It was coming up to 12:00PM and Jege entered my room to ask if I wanted some time after lunch. I replied I didn't mind.

13:00PM, Lunch:
Urination.
Decision:
I had 'Roast pork' but wanted it to come with lots of fat so that there would be less meat and I could cut it all away.
I lifted my lid to reveal the 3 slices of pork in excess oil served with 'Carrots" and 'Mash'. I looked to my right where Michael Williams was sitting to compare. Aware he ordered the same but had 'Rice' instead of 'Mash'.
Thoughts:
“Why didn't I order rice?”
Behaviour:
Ah well. I just ate it. Done. Went to the lounge for observation and wrote in my journal. Samantha and Michael left.
I went to my hospital room and wrote in my diary whilst also planning out the nutrition of the snacks and cereals.

15:30 PM, snack:
Decision:
I went for the 'Angel cake' as I can quickly swallow them without thinking much. The nurse Jane Miller was working. I like Jane.
Observation:
Chelsea chose a bagel.

After went to lounge for 'Talking group' about 'being out in crowds'.

Thoughts:
“I guess I was like this in that I feel scared being on my own in case something happens. Or driving etc. Anna said about not liking seeing people. Chelsea gets panicky and wears a snood and a hood in the winter to hid herself and wears sunglasses in the summer for the same reasons. I don't have that sort of feeling but I can understand.”
Behaviour:
After observation, myself and Chelsea asked if we could go on our 15 minute walk around the Sommerville hospital grounds. Jane wasn't available but got Alan from the ward reception to take us. I went to put on my shoes and coat. Chelsea put on coat and snood and hood up. Signed us out and made our way. I just followed Alan as I didn't know where I was going. Had a nice talk to Chelsea about her situation, her meals and about being in priory in Exeter and her experience being tube fed etc. Was really insightful moment to try and gather an understanding of her own personal journey of recovery from AN.

17:10PM, returned back from our walk:
Aware our walk was more like a 30 minute walk than a 15 minute walk! Ha-ha. Oh well.
Behaviour:
Went to go to my hospital room when I heard "Oh Becca". It was nan and papa in dining room. I took them to my room. They were very smiley for some reason and gave me a big hug. They both sat down in the chairs in my room. Nan got out some magazines - 'Take a break' - and a book she was telling me about which she thinks I would like.
Talked about various things - my fish meal, the patients, what I get up to, what they have been up to. Papa had a cold and got his valve sorted out. Chit-chat. Mentioned all the support is there and everyone is behind me etc.

Thoughts:
“It's frustrating because it feels as though they are expecting me to be perfect and "fixed"”
I then realised I find out my "partnership bonus" today. 14%. Not as good as last year’s 18% but nothing to be sniffed at.

18:00PM:
Nan and papa made their way out. Gave a big hug and off they went out the door.
All of a fluster as I feel I should have be planning stuff or going on computer etc.
Urination. Obtained meal from the trolley. Jane and Sherlie were in this evening who I believe are to be the two best staff nurses on the ward. I was really quite anxious having ordered the 'Chicken korma' served with 'Rice' and 'Salad'. I hate it!
Behaviour:
I wanted to see whether when I write "Becca Freeman - West ward" on my menu card and not scribe upon the card 'EDU' whether the portion sizes are smaller. I think they may have been slightly. But hard to tell.
Thoughts:
“I kept trying to think 'This is only temporary' but it is hard when I just feel fat all the time. It's weigh day tomorrow and I just know I have gone up and I dread it! I can see my body changing and I am losing my bones and my face is getting fatter.”

Observation:
Samantha Hibbert
Beans
Salad
Mash
English tea and 30 ml milk
Chelsea Brooke
Chicken Korma
Swede
Mash
Thought she had ordered a 'Snack meal' but apparently not.
High juice
Michael Williams
Ham
Salad
Mash
English tea and 30 ml milk

Thoughts:
“I think Chelsea's portion is bigger than mine.”
"I got through it just to comply as there is no way I would cook a curry for myself.”

Finished.

Behaviour:
Went to observation in lounge. Wrote in journal went to compare nutrition again and mum arrived. Went to room and sat in bed. Talked about the university courses as I want sure and whether to do the pharmacy course at Cardiff as there was an interview but I am stressing already about it as all I can think about at the moment is food. I asked mum about her day and told of mine. It was coming up to 20:30PM and I got my computer out for mum to have a look at the university course info whilst I went for snack.

20:30PM, snack:
Urination.
Decision:
Got out a plate and went for the Jammie dodgers again.
Thoughts:
“The others look shocked on their faces as they know they are the highest in calories. Yet low in fat on my list. Ah well, I wouldn't buy them outside of here and at the end of the day I am here to put on weight so what's the point in eating food low in calories which I am scared of only due to the fact they ate low in calories.”
Observations:
The others had chosen 'Toast and Nutella'. Pheobe got out 'Carrot cake'.
Thoughts:
“It’s strange how she is with them but funny when having a drink! Argh. She keeps observing everyone and picking up what they are doing and getting 'tips'. Like I was the first to have 'angel cake' but only cause me, chelsea and Samantha were consuming them did she feel she can do so too.
Behaviour:
Went back to my room to see how mum was getting on. She said the course sounded good. I'm just worried about the interview and the university cost.

22:30PM:
Mum left. Hugged her and said bye.
Behaviour:
Wasn't sure whether to have a shower. Went to get stuff ready but somebody got in it shower before me! Awh no. My hair is so greasy today too!
This evening I spent all of my time stressing over my snack choices as I try to weigh up what I feel comfortable doing. Yet with my weight going up so dramatically I am having second thoughts as to what I am deciding to pick.
Thoughts:
“I don't want fruit and nut as they are a whopping 16 grams of fat - yet in terms of saturated fat they have nothing. So does that mean they do not put on weight? Consisting of 295 calories. They are not in a chocolate substance so perhaps they are okay?”
Decision:
I choose 'Jamie dodgers' as I know I won't eat them at home as they are 'rank' - which is why I feel comfortable to eat them as I don't have a connection with the food. They are the highest calories with 332 calories yet next on the low fat list as they are 11.2 grams fat yet 45% Saturated fat.
But then there is the 'Highland oatcakes' and 'Hummus'. They are really high in fat yet only 21% Saturated fat. Also, high protein, low carbohydrates, high fibre, low sugar and low calorie of 292.
Thoughts:
“I'm really having a tough time with this and all I can think about is food and when my next weighing is as I feel anxious. Can't sleep at night as I wake up to my bones vanished and fat all over me.”
Behaviour:

Got into bed eventually. Plugged IPhone into the charger, turned off my bedroom light and TV which was on for background noise. Aware to notice myself trying to pick up the other's patients ED habits. Night night

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Maira Gall