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is my recovery process normal?

by shantel smith
(los angeles, California, US)

Hi there, I'm 17 and was struggling with bulimia since November of last year...

It only just got worse about 3 months ago - But, I fight it pretty well for pretty long and I don't do it often...

I shared it with my mom and she was understanding and only wants to help me. Shes made an appointment with a counselor for next week.

The last time I purged was about a week ago & ive been doing really great at avoiding the eating disorder thoughts and not freaking out over a little weight gain. I'm in a good place right now but.....

The problem is the constant diarrhea im experiencing now. Its never happened before but all of sudden this week I've had diarrhea every day, all day, after every meal.

I also experience bloating all the time which I've learned is normal. Is the rest normal? And, because I was not a severe case of bulimia, how long will it take for my body to function normally again?

Shaye Says

Hi Shantel,

Well done for telling your mom about your bulimia - and for getting help this early on... I know so many women who, if they could turn back time, would do just what you're doing now!

The bloating your experiencing is very normal in recovery... But, as for the terrible diarrhea your having, I haven't heard of this...

Everybody does react differently though, so this could just be your bodies way of responding to food again... However, I'd probably go to the GP if I were you just to get things checked out... Especially if it doesn't improve very soon...

The problem with diarrhea is that it messes with the levels of electrolytes - which can be very dangerous. So, just to be on the safe side, I'd go to a doctor.

I hope it all goes well!

Bye for now,
Shaye

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is my recovery process normal?

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Diarrhea and bloating in recovery NEW
by: Catherine

I have been experiencing the same problems. I am 3 weeks in being b&p free. I used Kathryn Hansen's brain over binge concept. I have constant diarrhea, bloating and upset stomach. I m testing all kinds of food intolerances and know of some sensitivities. I think I had them all along since I was a child and binged and purged on those foods anyway. I have had bulimia since I was 14, now I am 41. I had numerous hospital stays, therapies and even a 5 year long psychoanalysis after sigmund Freud, all to no avail with respect to the bingeing.I went on Prozac 2 years ago which took away all symptoms, this is where e bloating started. The Prozac pooped out after 9 months and I went off. Now, since 3 weeks I am trying to determine which foods I tolerate. I also have a feeling, I probably destroyed part of my intestins ans stomach because of it. I knew I needed to stop bingeing ( I do no longer restrict) because I did not want to end up with a gastric dilation. Plus, I had heart arrhythmia on occasion. I have a 1/2 year old daughter that I want to be there for and be a role model and no longer occupied how I get my next binge in. So far so good. Does anyone know if the bloat ends at some point? It is just very unpleasant in public. Thank you!!

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Article by Shaye Boddington
Author of your-bulimia-recovery.com
and creator of The Bulimia Recovery Program and Community

is my recovery process normal?

Shaye Says

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is my recovery process normal?