@EDP6893 we believe you, but we are also trying to point out things that are likely to positively impact your health and wellbeing.

I know you say that food helps you to cope, and I'm sure in many ways that it does, but you've also indicated that sometimes it doesn't, like you're just going through the motions and you feel bad. Also, the mind and body are very linked, and this is clearly negatively impacting your physical health which absolutely does translate to worse mental wellbeing as well.

Have you considered attempting to make some of the foods you like from scratch with healthier ingredients? For example, you like cheese burgers- there is a big difference between most takeaway ones and fresh, good quality ground beef pressed into a patty and home cooked, with decent quality cheese and good bread.

Likewise, you like various types of pizza, but there are ones that you don't like, typically various lower quality supermarket ones. It's possible to make your own dough freshly, and top the pizza with nice cheese, and some healthy toppings.

You may not find that every time you make something, you love it, but you might also get better and better at making these things the way you like and it may even become something positive that you enjoy- many people do enjoy cooking. This wouldn't be giving up the foods that you like, it might even end up being making better, nicer versions of them that you like even more.

@EDP6893 I am sorry to hear about your struggles with food.

I can fully understand because the taste of tap water and most bottled water makes me throw up. I had this issue as a child with various textures of food as well.

Please know that you are loved here. We wish we could fix this for you.

I know being on some of these drugs also affect our urges to eat. Paroxetine caused me to gain weight by affecting my metabolism as well as carb cravings

This is what AI also mentions:

Yes, being on a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) can significantly affect cravings for carbohydrates, particularly in long-term use (typically over one year). While SSRIs increase serotonin to boost mood, they can also interfere with satiety signals, leading to intense cravings for carb-heavy foods like bread, pasta, and sweets. [1, 2, 3]

How SSRIs Affect Carbohydrate Cravings

• The "Phasic" Pattern: Patients often experience a "phasic" response, where they may initially experience weight loss or appetite suppression, followed by increased appetite and intense carbohydrate cravings after several months of consistent use.

• Reduced Satiety Signals: SSRIs can alter serotonin-based satiety signaling, leading to a persistent need to eat even when the stomach is full.

• Serotonin and Carb Link: Craving carbohydrates may be an attempt to further boost serotonin levels, which are regulated by the drug but also influenced by carb intake.

• Long-Term Changes: Long-term use of SSRIs can cause downregulation of 5-HT\({}_{2C}\) serotonin receptors, which results in increased appetite and carb cravings. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Takeaways

• It is a Side Effect: These cravings are recognized as a direct side effect of the medication's effect on appetite regulation, not a personal failure or food addiction.

• Common Culprits: SSRIs like paroxetine and citalopram are particularly associated with this effect.

• Reversibility: These cravings and associated appetite changes typically subside when the medication is stopped.

• Management Strategies: According to Psychology Today and Neuro Wellness Spa, managing these cravings can involve:

  • Focusing on high-protein and high-fiber foods to promote satiety.

  • Considering a "carb-smart" approach that incorporates healthy carbohydrates rather than restricting them completely.

  • Engaging in regular exercise to mitigate weight gain. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

If you are experiencing strong cravings, it is recommended to discuss this with your doctor, as they may be able to adjust your medication or provide specialized nutritional advice. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

5 hours ago, RachelSusan said:

@EDP6893

I actually think you make a good point here. It does seem like a lot of things now are made to be bigger, more expensive, and more visually impressive, while some of the simpler things people genuinely enjoyed seem to get pushed aside.

One thing I will say is that I think you’re very observant and thoughtful about the things you enjoy. A lot of people just go along with whatever is popular, but you seem very aware of what actually brings you comfort and enjoyment.

I also hope you don’t completely give up on finding games, hobbies, online communities, or other interests you can connect with. Sometimes the things we end up enjoying most are the ones we weren’t even expecting to come across.

I won't give up on my hobbies. As long as I have retro games and as long as new indie games come out that interest me then I think I'll manage.

1 hour ago, Luke said:

@EDP6893 we believe you, but we are also trying to point out things that are likely to positively impact your health and wellbeing.

I know you say that food helps you to cope, and I'm sure in many ways that it does, but you've also indicated that sometimes it doesn't, like you're just going through the motions and you feel bad. Also, the mind and body are very linked, and this is clearly negatively impacting your physical health which absolutely does translate to worse mental wellbeing as well.

Have you considered attempting to make some of the foods you like from scratch with healthier ingredients? For example, you like cheese burgers- there is a big difference between most takeaway ones and fresh, good quality ground beef pressed into a patty and home cooked, with decent quality cheese and good bread.

Likewise, you like various types of pizza, but there are ones that you don't like, typically various lower quality supermarket ones. It's possible to make your own dough freshly, and top the pizza with nice cheese, and some healthy toppings.

You may not find that every time you make something, you love it, but you might also get better and better at making these things the way you like and it may even become something positive that you enjoy- many people do enjoy cooking. This wouldn't be giving up the foods that you like, it might even end up being making better, nicer versions of them that you like even more.

I am thinking about cooking my own versions. I can cook simple things already, though I haven't used recipes before. But if it means I can keep having nice food then it's worth trying. I definitely want to try making my own cheese burgers and see if I can get them to be lower calories without sacrificing taste and texture.

Today I put a lot of salt into my pasta and it tasted a lot nicer as a result. The main reason I like dominos pepperoni pizzas is because of the salty taste.

Edited May 7May 7 by EDP6893

52 minutes ago, LostinCanada said:

@EDP6893 I am sorry to hear about your struggles with food.

I can fully understand because the taste of tap water and most bottled water makes me throw up. I had this issue as a child with various textures of food as well.

Please know that you are loved here. We wish we could fix this for you.

I know being on some of these drugs also affect our urges to eat. Paroxetine caused me to gain weight by affecting my metabolism as well as carb cravings

This is what AI also mentions:

Yes, being on a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) can significantly affect cravings for carbohydrates, particularly in long-term use (typically over one year). While SSRIs increase serotonin to boost mood, they can also interfere with satiety signals, leading to intense cravings for carb-heavy foods like bread, pasta, and sweets. [1, 2, 3]

How SSRIs Affect Carbohydrate Cravings

• The "Phasic" Pattern: Patients often experience a "phasic" response, where they may initially experience weight loss or appetite suppression, followed by increased appetite and intense carbohydrate cravings after several months of consistent use.

• Reduced Satiety Signals: SSRIs can alter serotonin-based satiety signaling, leading to a persistent need to eat even when the stomach is full.

• Serotonin and Carb Link: Craving carbohydrates may be an attempt to further boost serotonin levels, which are regulated by the drug but also influenced by carb intake.

• Long-Term Changes: Long-term use of SSRIs can cause downregulation of 5-HT\({}_{2C}\) serotonin receptors, which results in increased appetite and carb cravings. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Takeaways

• It is a Side Effect: These cravings are recognized as a direct side effect of the medication's effect on appetite regulation, not a personal failure or food addiction.

• Common Culprits: SSRIs like paroxetine and citalopram are particularly associated with this effect.

• Reversibility: These cravings and associated appetite changes typically subside when the medication is stopped.

• Management Strategies: According to Psychology Today and Neuro Wellness Spa, managing these cravings can involve:

  • Focusing on high-protein and high-fiber foods to promote satiety.

  • Considering a "carb-smart" approach that incorporates healthy carbohydrates rather than restricting them completely.

  • Engaging in regular exercise to mitigate weight gain. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

If you are experiencing strong cravings, it is recommended to discuss this with your doctor, as they may be able to adjust your medication or provide specialized nutritional advice. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

I don't know if the prozac is making my cravings worse. I haven't seen any difference.

Couldn't respond back for a while because of builders and needing to stay at my mum's for this week.

I ended up having a 6 day streak, 1 bad day, then 5 good days, then it's been bad then good repeating.

Also it was my birthday on may 13th. 29.

Edited May 14May 14 by EDP6893

48 minutes ago, EDP6893 said:

Couldn't respond back for a while because of builders and needing to stay at my mum's for this week.

I ended up having a 6 day streak, 1 bad day, then 5 good days, then it's been bad then good repeating.

Also it was my birthday on may 13th. 29.

Wonderful to hear, great sign of healing!

Mazal tov, may all your wishes come true! on this right path you are walking, I have no doubt that it will happen.

11 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

Couldn't respond back for a while because of builders and needing to stay at my mum's for this week.

I ended up having a 6 day streak, 1 bad day, then 5 good days, then it's been bad then good repeating.

Also it was my birthday on may 13th. 29.

Great to hear! And Happy Belated Birthday to you!

I hope you were able to enjoy your birthday.

It's good that you had some good days, that is a good sign.

Still alternating between gbp and gbp+ days.

1 hour ago, EDP6893 said:

Still alternating between gbp and gbp+ days.

I'm not familiar with these terms, could you elaborate on them please?

3 hours ago, Luke said:

I'm not familiar with these terms, could you elaborate on them please?

It stands for gential burning pain and genital burning pains +. The + days are where the pain is bad enough to force me to use the toilet every hour or more. The non + days still hurt but not nearly as much.

Edited May 18May 18 by EDP6893

Ok, I understand now.

Have you started looking into cooking more, or are you waiting to return home?

On 5/20/2026 at 8:53 AM, Luke said:

Ok, I understand now.

Have you started looking into cooking more, or are you waiting to return home?

I returned home last week. I was at my mum's for 1 week and the wet room is done now.

Ok, are you planning to cook more instead of ordering in food?

It will likely be considerably cheaper and healthier.

9 hours ago, Luke said:

Ok, are you planning to cook more instead of ordering in food?

It will likely be considerably cheaper and healthier.

Yes. I can buy some great quality meat from the butcher's and make my own burgers. I still need to change things as they're not quite right yet, but I'm hopeful I'll get there soon.

I'm planning on doing more cooking.

It's also been another 5 days in a row without needing to go to the toilet every hour or more. Today will probably become the 6th soon.

8 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

It's also been another 5 days in a row without needing to go to the toilet every hour or more. Today will probably become the 6th soon.

Great to see improvement. I have six days sleeping more so far, but who knows when all changes again ...what a hell of a journey.

It confirms that your body is healing

11 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

Yes. I can buy some great quality meat from the butcher's and make my own burgers. I still need to change things as they're not quite right yet, but I'm hopeful I'll get there soon.

I'm planning on doing more cooking.

Great to read! Good work!

12 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

Yes. I can buy some great quality meat from the butcher's and make my own burgers. I still need to change things as they're not quite right yet, but I'm hopeful I'll get there soon.

I'm planning on doing more cooking.

That's a good idea. Let us know how you get on.

14 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

It's also been another 5 days in a row without needing to go to the toilet every hour or more. Today will probably become the 6th soon.

Excellent sign of healing!

keep fighting the good fight, things will continue to get better.

Thanks everyone. Hopefully today will become the 7th day in a row with less pain. I have not had that since this extra pain began and it would definitely be a mile stone.

Edited May 23May 23 by EDP6893

18 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

Thanks everyone. Hopefully today will become the 7th day in a row with less pain. I have not had that since this extra pain began and it would definitely be a mile stone.

I hope so!

It worked. I have now had a week of no extra pain, for the first time since this pain appeared in april. I hope this direction continues and I can just forget about having days with extra pain soon.

Edited May 24May 24 by EDP6893

Great news @EDP6893