Hey,

My names Corinna and i'm currently a 19 year old college student at Temple University. I want you to know that you're not alone. I was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting disorder at the age of 11. My first couple years with is were a struggle. I would make beds for myself on the bathroom floor. Sometimes the episodes would last one day and sometime they would last up to a week. I grew out of cyclic vomiting a lot as i got older. As soon as i started college, it came back again and I was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting as an adult. After visits to the hospital every few weeks it became my routine because I'm sure as you know, when you vomit you become so dehydrated. The nausea would wake me up at 4 or 5 am and then i would be retching/ puking for hours until i eventually would have to pick myself up, throw clothes on and get to class. Then after class i would be right back in the bathroom puking again. I mentioned that I've had this disease since i was 11, so eating has become a huge problem for me and i now struggle with an eating disorder on top of it. Although i have an eating disorder, its not like a normal eating disorder. The best way the doctor could explain it to me is that i got so use to being scared of eating because i would be scared that i would have an episode, that my brain now views food as an enemy. Now I'm sure you can imagine what living with cyclic vomiting syndrome and an eating disorder could be life. Im always under weight, i always have circles under my eyes from malnutrition, i miss classes when i don't have the energy to walk to class because i haven't eaten in days. Its a constant struggle i deal with everyday. I understand your pain and i want you to know that you're not alone. Sending my love

Corinna