Support Lyssa's Heart Health Journey

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

I find myself in a deeply difficult position, one that I never anticipated I’d be writing about, but I need to reach out for help. Over the past 12 years, I’ve faced an immense amount of grief and responsibility—losing both of my parents within just over seven years of each other. I became the primary caregiver for my younger brother, who has autism and intellectual disabilities.

This role, while out of love and necessity, has been incredibly demanding, and over the past year, my health has rapidly declined. Stress, exhaustion, poor eating habits, and lack of sleep have taken a toll on my body in ways I never imagined. My weight dropped dramatically, I experienced muscle loss, collapsing spells, and my legs and feet began to turn purple-blue from poor circulation.

After numerous doctor appointments, tests, and consultations with specialists, I was diagnosed with atypical anorexia, which includes episodes of purging. The stress and malnutrition have also caused my heart to begin failing, adding another layer of danger to my already fragile condition. The physical toll on my body is overwhelming, but it’s the mental and emotional strain that has been hardest to bear.

In order to have a chance at recovery, my doctors have strongly recommended that I enter a 24-hour treatment program for monitoring. However, as the sole caregiver and provider for my brother, I am unable to be away from home for that long. As a result, I’ve opted for a partial hospitalization program, which is the next step down in care. I will be undergoing intensive outpatient treatment for the next three months, attending daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. During this time, I will work with a dietitian to begin rebuilding my health, and I will be seeing a therapist and doctor who specialize in eating disorders.

The emotional, mental, and physical recovery ahead is critical, but there’s a significant financial burden that comes with it. Starting January 2nd, I will begin this treatment. Unfortunately, the timing aligns with the beginning of my health insurance deductible, which must be met before any of my insurance will contribute. The upfront cost to start treatment is $4,000. Once the deductible is met, my insurance will only cover 50% of the cost, leaving me with an out-of-pocket expense of approximately $300 per day. Over the course of the three-month program, the total cost will range between $27,000 to $30,000.

Before this diagnosis, I was already struggling to balance the needs of my brother with the cost of living. Now, the added financial burden of my health and treatment is overwhelming. The time off work, which is necessary for me to focus on my health, is also a financial strain. But without the treatment, my health will continue to deteriorate, and I will not be able to provide the care my brother needs.

I am humbly reaching out to ask for your support. I need to raise funds to cover the treatment costs and to ensure that I can continue to care for my brother during this time. Any amount you can contribute will make a world of difference. Whether it’s a donation, sharing this message, or offering words of encouragement, I am beyond grateful for your support.

Thank you for reading, and for standing by me and my brother during this difficult chapter.

With deep gratitude,
Lyssa Woodell

For a long time, I thought I understood what it meant to have an eating disorder. In my mind, it was something that fit a very specific mold: emaciated bodies, a desperate obsession with food, and an overwhelming need to control everything. But recently, I was diagnosed with atypical anorexia, a form of anorexia that doesn't always fit the stereotypical image we might have in our minds. This diagnosis has thrown me into a whirlwind of emotions — confusion, disbelief, frustration, and even guilt. But what has been even harder to process is the way some people have responded to it. The lack of understanding and the tendency to downplay the severity of my condition has only made this journey feel more isolating.

For those who may not be familiar, atypical anorexia is a type of eating disorder that falls under the same category as anorexia nervosa, but it does not always present in the same way. One of the main distinguishing factors is that individuals with atypical anorexia may not be underweight, which is a critical criterion in the traditional diagnosis of anorexia. This means people with atypical anorexia can look “normal” or even be at a healthy weight, but still experience the same intense fear of weight gain, obsessive thoughts about food, and unhealthy eating patterns. In my case , stress and trauma induced.It’s important to note that just because someone with atypical anorexia doesn’t have the physical appearance that many associate with eating disorders, the psychological and emotional impact can be just as severe — if not more so.

For me, receiving this diagnosis was a moment of relief and frustration all at once. It felt like a validation of everything I had been feeling, and experiencing over the course of the last ten years without getting any answers but at the same time, it was a reality that I wasn't quite ready to face. There’s a part of me that still doesn't fully understand how I got here — to a place where food and my body have such an unhealthy hold over my mind. I’ve spent so long overlooking it or excusing it away, trying to convince myself (and others) that I was fine, only to discover that I’ve been struggling in ways that are much more insidious than I ever realized, for far longer than I would have ever liked to acknowledge.

The hardest part, however, has been the reaction from others. As with many invisible illnesses, people can’t always see the pain that you’re experiencing. When I opened up about my diagnosis, I was met with reactions that ranged from confusion to dismissal. Some people have downplayed the severity of what I’m going through because they don’t understand that the weight isn’t the issue — it’s the mental and emotional burden that is taking its toll. They may look at me and think, “But you’re not that thin,” or “You’re fine, right?” And while I appreciate that their intentions come from a place of care, it can make me feel even more alone in this struggle.

Atypical anorexia is incredibly isolating, not only because the disorder itself is often misunderstood, but because it can be difficult for others to see the suffering beneath the surface. Many people assume that eating disorders are only about the physical aspects. In my case the physical effects have only started to reveal on my outer body within the last couple of years, it’s also about control, fear, and a sense of unworthiness that runs deep.

It’s crucial to understand that eating disorders, especially atypical anorexia, aren’t defined by someone’s outward appearance. Just because a person doesn’t match the stereotypical image of someone with anorexia doesn’t mean their struggles are any less valid. The mental and emotional toll of this disorder is devastating, and it requires the same level of care, empathy, and support as any other eating disorder.

For me, learning to accept my diagnosis being so fresh is a difficult journey. I’m still working through it. It’s about healing — physically, mentally, and emotionally. And that process will take time and support.

In sharing my story, I hope to raise awareness about atypical anorexia and its severity. We deserve support, empathy, and, most importantly, the space to heal. Just as any person facing any battle in life deserves.

As I start my journey of recovery in just 7 days, I’m learning to be kinder to myself, to allow room for mistakes, and to seek help when I need it. It’s not going to be easy, but every small step forward is a healthier and hopefully long life.

Atypical anorexia is just as real, just as dangerous, and just as deserving of attention as any other eating disorder. For those of us who face it, the journey toward recovery can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s a journey worth taking.

Because I myself am still learning about this diagnosis. Trying to explain it to anyone has been difficult. Below I have listed some of the effects I am facing with a more in depth explanation.

Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)�Malnutrition, even in the absence of extreme weight loss, can lead to a slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia). The body, in a state of starvation or caloric restriction, tries to conserve energy by slowing down its functions. This puts additional stress on the heart, and if the condition worsens, it can lead to fainting, dizziness, or even sudden cardiac arrest.

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)�Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is another common issue in atypical anorexia. When the body lacks the necessary nutrients to maintain normal blood volume and circulation, blood pressure can drop. This can cause fatigue, dizziness, and fainting, and in severe cases, it can compromise blood flow to vital organs, including the brain and heart.

Electrolyte Imbalances�Chronic restriction of food, excessive exercise, or unhealthy purging behaviors (such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives) can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium play a critical role in maintaining normal heart function. Imbalances, particularly low potassium (hypokalemia), can cause arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), increasing the risk of heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

Heart Muscle Weakness�Prolonged malnutrition can also lead to a reduction in the size and strength of the heart muscle. This is known as cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart becomes weakened and less able to pump blood effectively. As a result, individuals with atypical anorexia may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and even heart failure in severe cases.

Increased Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke�Chronic malnutrition and unhealthy behaviors associated with atypical anorexia, such as dehydration or extreme calorie restriction, can elevate the risk of blood clots, which may increase the likelihood of heart attack or stroke. This is further compounded by the potential for a decrease in bone mineral density, leading to higher risk of fractures and other cardiovascular complications.

The effects of atypical anorexia extend far beyond the heart. The body undergoes a systemic breakdown due to prolonged malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, and the severity of the health decline can vary depending on the length of time the disorder has been present and the specific behaviors involved.

Muscle Wasting and Weakness�Without adequate nutrition, the body begins to break down muscle tissue for energy, leading to muscle wasting and weakness. This can affect mobility, coordination, and overall strength. In severe cases, it may lead to a state known as cachexia, characterized by extreme muscle and fat loss.

Hormonal Disruptions�Atypical anorexia can disrupt normal hormonal function. In women, this often manifests as irregular or absent menstruation (amenorrhea), which can lead to infertility. Hormones related to bone health, like estrogen, can also be reduced, contributing to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Weakened Immune System�Chronic starvation and malnutrition can weaken the immune system, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections. Minor illnesses that would normally be manageable may become more serious when the body lacks the necessary resources to fight them off.

Digestive Issues�Prolonged caloric restriction can slow down the digestive system. This can lead to constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, individuals may experience gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, causing nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Psychological and Cognitive Effects�The brain is particularly sensitive to changes in nutrition. Individuals with atypical anorexia may experience significant cognitive and emotional changes, including poor concentration, memory difficulties, depression, and heightened anxiety. In some cases, individuals may also develop suicidal ideation or engage in self-harm.

Bone Density Loss�Due to insufficient intake of calcium and other essential nutrients, individuals with atypical anorexia are at high risk for bone density loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis). This can lead to an increased risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.

The severity of health decline in atypical anorexia varies widely, but it can be severe, especially if the condition is left untreated or not properly managed. Even though individuals with atypical anorexia may not appear underweight, the physiological damage caused by nutritional deficiencies and restrictive eating is significant. Over time, if the disorder is not addressed, the cumulative effects can be life-threatening.

This can cause severe complications such as heart failure, kidney damage, or multi-organ failure may develop. It’s important to note that eating disorders like atypical anorexia can be fatal, even in individuals who maintain a body weight that is considered within the normal range.