the beginning

Hi Everyone,

This is being written by Jaime's parents as she doesn't have access to the Internet. We'll do our best to tell her story as she's shared it with us.

Monday at 9:00 Jaime and her Mom arrived in Minneapolis for an intake assessment. Jaime met with several professionals, took a number of tests; inpatient care was recommended.

Jaime was afraid and emotional but understood this was necessary.

They drove a short distance to the Methodist Hospital where Jaime was admitted. The eating disorder unit is the entire eighth floor of the hospital. There are approximately 15 rooms for the inpatient people and about 15 more for those in the outpatient program. There is an exercise/stretch room, craft room, dining room, a large day room and a central nursing station. Hopefully this gives you a little idea of where she's currently living. The view from Jaime's room overlooks a golf course; the hospital is in a real nice area of the city.

The floor is staffed with Rn's, health educators, dietitians, chaplains, physical therapists, psychologists and a psychiatrist. There are about 25 women, ages 13-25, currently in the inpatient program. There is also a nine year old boy and 61 year old woman. Although Jaime said people come and go frequently.

Jaime's day usually begins at 5:30 a.m. and is completely scheduled through 10:00 p.m. She hasn't been allowed to be in her room alone yet; you have to be there a few days before that can happen. She's required to eat three meals and three snacks each day, which has been a big change for Jaime, and very hard. She's also required to eat everything they serve her.

So far Jaime has done well with her eating, which allowed her to pick her own menu for the remainder of the week; she was pleased about that.

Emotionally Jaime has been afraid and uneasy about her situation. Her fears include loneliness, and being "trapped" for an unknown length of time. She doesn't have any indication of how long she has to stay. Our guess is two to four weeks. The hardest part for Jaime is actually eating the food. Tonight she again said how bad she wants to overcome this thing, but good thoughts and bad thoughts continue to battle in her mind. Jaime knows this is best for her; but it's still very hard.

She would love to hear from you all. You are allowed to call her from 7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She can also be called from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., (I believe any day). Her phone number is:
(952) 993-5628.

Her address, for letters or cards is:

Methodist Hospital
Park Nicollet Health Services
Jaime Altena
Room 803
6500 Excelsier Blvd
St. Louis Park, Mn 55426

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Peace and Grace.