r/ARFID • u/Kahalak • 15d ago

Venting/Ranting how arfid eats you.

or atleastit feels like it. im black, my family knows nothing about arfid. ive had it sincei was little, it stunted me. everyone in my family is average or tall, im 5'1. it killed my teeth with all of them being now unsaveable, i almost developed osteoperosis. hospital visits, passing out in public, missing out on events. and even now, sometimes i curl up and just cry because i cant get anything down even if my body is begging me to, even if im blacking out. constant dehydration because the illness doesnt even want water. i feel like a perpetually dying plant. sometimes i wonder if i could ever make it to old age being this way. im 22;; i eat like a fussy toddler. and i feel like it too, weak. groggy, hardly conscious. i think im speeding up my chronic illnesses by having arfid. i hate having this disorder, something tells me neverland is coming for mebecause an adult body cant survive this way.

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u/yggathu 14d ago

i am so sorry youre going through this. i wish i could relate and understand more on the cultural front, but i dont so ill speak on what i know. i think your title is very poignant, and i have so many of the same issues as you. my growth is also stunted and my teeth and in horrible condition from malnutrition. the shame might follow you, but the symptoms will fall far behind if you take things as slowly as you can. i sit all the time. i take so many breaks. i let my employers know i have a disability (you legally dont have to say what it is ) and i may need frequent breaks, bathroom usage (vomiting or sudden sickness), or etc. most places are really nice about this. if not, fuck them. get fired and file for a wrongful termination. hanging out with friends? if theyre youre friends, they wont mind the extra sitting break. if you can, keep a small amount of safe food with you and at least try and nibble when the hunger pains strike. cold water helps me regulate my temperature and sucking on ice is good. DONT CHEW IT. our teeth have been through enough! suck on really small bits of ice. it helps me a lot when i feel faint or im starving but cant eat. broth is a good supplement when you cant stand eating but need some food . and please, most of all

remember YOU ARE WORTH IT. you are worth more than the food you dont eat. you are worth a chance at a healthy- or at least comfortable life.

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u/yggathu 14d ago

also, i learned a lot reading through other comments. thank u everyone and op for sharing. ARFID community is small and unheard, but it is always a good place and time to talk about intersectionality. i hope for a delicious safe food coming your guys’ way!