THIS IS NOT A JOKE, PLEASE HELP !!! About a year and a half a ago I started eating white xerox paper non stop.

Question

I have no clue why I started this but now I am addicted to it. I need paper for my college and work presentations, so I have to have it around.

I recently bought a 800 pack but I find myself eating it along the way. The pack should've lasted me atleast 3 to 4 months but due to me eating 5 to 6 sheets every hour, it only lasted a few weeks if not a month or two.

I figured it wouldn't do me any harm beacuse it doesnt have any lines or ink on it and it's plain but I am noticing several changes in me.

My hair in the back is starting to break off and I never had this problem before. Other issues I noticed are that my bowel movements were a bright neon yellow and when I would use the restroom and it would be difficult than normal for me to "go #2" AND at one point my menstral cycle was so constant it lasted 3 months straight

The symptoms stopped when I quit eating it but I crave it so much I relasped. I was to told to seek mental help by the nurse at my job, but I'm not sure.

Answer 1

I'm an doc ;-)
What you are describing is a very real medical entity known as Pica, as mentioned above. You are NOT going crazy!! Its classically taught that pica (compulsory eating of nonnutritive substances) especially for clay or ice occur in patients that have iron deficiency anemia. In your case, your history of increased menstrual bleeding is a red flag.

Your eating disorder may very well be a manifestion of iron deficiency caused by blood loss. Even if the 3 months of menstrual bleeding came after the paper-eating, you may have been iron-deficient before that. Your doctor will do a very simple blood test to check your iron levels.

The problem then becomes figuring out the original cause for your increased menstrual bleeding.
This is a whole 'nother can of worms best handled by an OB/Gyn. Some relevent information that may help would include:
How old are you? Do you take birth control pills? Would you say you're overweight or skinny? Do you have any pain with bowl movements or intercourse? Have you ever had fibroids? Do you bruise easily? Bleeding elsewhere (nose, gums)?

Bottom Line - you really DO need to go to the doctor! Start out with your internist or family doctor. Dont forget to mention the increased menstrual bleeding. He may refer you to an OB.
Good luck! Let me know what happens!

Answer 2

Go to your doctor and tell them all of this. There is more than likely something that your body is missing, a neutrient of some sort, that is causing you to do this. Unusual cravings are often caused by deffiiceincies and your doctor can find the cause and help you stop this.

Answer 3

You need to see a doctor and a therapist. It is a mental thing. Everytime you want paper chew some gum instead. This is a very odd obsession you need professional help because you are putting your body through too much stress.

Answer 4

This is a disease called "Pica", where a person has the compulsion to eat non-food items, such as dirt or paste.

Paper is processed with a LOT of chemicals. The human digestive system cannot handle paper.........please see a professional, quickly.

http://www.adha.org/CE_courses/course8/pica.htm

Answer 5

Some people "crave" unusual items when they are lacking something in thier diet. I've heard of people eating soot or sulfer. You could be seriously ill. You need to see a doctor.

Answer 6

Yes, please seek medical help...on yor job or not...there must be assurance of confidentiality on the nurses' part...don't waste another day...make an appointment and get control of your life again...I hope the best for you in all sincerity.

Answer 7

it could be caused by chemicals in the paper, as for the addiction, you got used to eating it, so your body doesn't want to resist the change in stopping.

Answer 8

You have what is known as PICA. PICA is when people eat non-edible things.

Answer 9

I would say definitely seek help and soon.

Answer 10

Heed your nurse's advice.