by Welcome7 » Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:28 pm
I was searching internet for stuff on chronic ice chewing tonight when I came upon this website! I've been chewing ice since I was a teenager, and I'm 36 now! I don't have an ice maker on my current refrigerator, so I take ice cube trays and put just enough ice in them to make very small, chewable ice cubes. I eat them and refill it all day and night. I try to get the ice cubes before they completely harden and still have a little water in them, so it's a little easier on my teeth because I have lost fillings, chipped teeth, and just overall hurt my teeth because of my chronic ice chewing. I have been diagnosed with anemia and iron deficiency before, but the last time I was tested it was just at normal. It was high, but it wasn't deficient either....but my ice chewing has gotten worse and worse! I lost my job in Sept. '09. It was a very good, high-paying job. I haven't been able to work since, and my ice chewing has definitely gotten worse since this happened. Although when I was working, I would buy those bags of ice and put one in the freezer at work, so I could crush some and chew on it when I needed it. I think my case is pretty extreme. It feels very similar to what an addiction would feel like. I absolutely crave it, and once I start thinking about it I have to have it. I don't know what to do about it. I feel like I need help, some kind of intervention or something...lol Any thoughts, help, or even criticism out there from anyone? Oh, I forgot to mention that my 9 yr old daughter has now started chewing ice also, and occasionally, my 3 yr old son wants to also.... so now it's not just affecting me and my health but that of my children!