Message from Andrea – now it’s hospital at home

Andrea, who suffers anorexia, was on death’s bed but could not get a hospital bed to receive specialised eating disorder treatment, due to living in the wrong postcode area. Eventually she was placed in a hospital bed to be medically stabilised; now she writes with an update:

‘Andrea’ here:)  I just wanted to send you an email to show my gratitude and thanks for heartfelt compassion, caring and help over the last couple of months.  You helped make such a difference in making my ‘tiny little voice’ loud and clear!  This has not only helped me receive some form of treatment, but has hopefully helped others in the same boat.

Thank you also sharing ‘your’ story and being willing to share your faith.  Very encouraging and uplifting.  I am also a committed Christian.  I gave my life to Jesus when I was 13, I owe everything and my survival to Him.  I have been so blessed, even with my illness.  God has given me 4 miracles, my children.  I was told it was medically impossible, and the Doctors still can’t explain it, but I can:). I often share with my walk with Jesus with my clinician.

After a very confusing to a very confusing time at Royal Prince Alfred (Sydney) I am now home.  Been told so many different things by so many different people, but what has has happened is what we have.  Was in medical for a couple of weeks.  A bed became available on EDU as another patient was too sick so put on medical. Was given the bed for 1 week when tube feeding was organised for home.  So, here I am, pioneering something never done in Australia.  I have so much support from family, friends, my treatment team and my church.  My church are currently organizing a roster of people who will come and sit with me and support me with meals.

My clinician will run an information session for those involved.  They will operate my ‘hospital at home’.  I am terrified of this journey, one I have trod many times before, but never before with this group of travelers!  I have a vast mountain range before me, daunting, but I know God promises to never take me beyond what I can bear.  ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.  I am back on the waiting list at RPA, number 12 and probably a 6 month wait, so praying that this treatment model will be a success for me.  And, after my experience at RPA, very motivated to make it work.  Just thought I’d share my continuing journey since your ‘foot prints’ on on it too:)

Overwhelmed by God’s love and all the people he has surrounded me with. I still have a very long way to go, and am only marginally better off physically than when I went to RPA (went backwards on medical quite a bit for a while) but, can see the straight and narrow path ahead.

I am sure you join me in letting Andrea know that we recognise her bravery and wish her and her family and support network all the best as she courageously sets out to fight her illness and regain her life.