When it came to prescribing drugs I or other trained staff always had to check dosages on patient’s charts in case they had been worked out incorrectly and in many instances if left as prescribed would have caused catastrophic results. Trained nurses in these times often found themselves being stand-in doctors and having to develop observations and treatment to their peers. What with the heavy responsibilities and volume of work very spasmodic eating hours and supporting my aging parents at the same time who were now in their late seventies my body weight began to drop but luckily by the end of my year as temporary Sister I was able to pass the ward back to its original Sister.
I now weighed just five stone taking a size eight in clothes and was diagnosed with the eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa. I really do have great sympathy with people who suffer from this condition as it can happen without one realising. I was very fortunate indeed to have a good psychotherapist and was able to return to full nursing duties after receiving two months of treatment which consisted of bed rest daily insulin injections and counselling. Whilst receiving this treatment in hospital my father who already had a heart condition died suddenly in bed at home but by then I was well enough to participate in his funeral arrangements.
My spell of Anorexia was attributed to trying to cope with too much responsibility as acting sister too early after registration and added to this having the liability of my parent’s who relied heavily on me especially as I lived at home.
Anorexia is to this day still very prevalent in young people and in times of excess stress. I can sympathise entirely with those people who suffer from this condition but with good medical support it can be overcome therefore it is important that the signs and symptoms are recognised early and treatment commenced.
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