[kaymb74]

Hey y'all...
I've struggled on and off with an eating disorder for four years now, going in between periods of being healthy and really sick. After getting myself back on track earlier this year, I've relapsed this week; four binge/purges in the last five days, and I can't seem to pull myself out of a funk. I'll be able to eat healthy one day, but I even slightly break from my meal plan (eat one cracker more than I designated, etc.) and all of a sudden, it triggers a massive, uncontrollable binge. How can I prevent this from continuing to happen?

[Travelinglady]

Are you in therapy? It sounds like you could use that support as well as support from us. The main thing is to get right back on track, even if you got off the wagon. Don't let that one extra cracker or whatever you ate over your limit lead you to a "what-the-heck" attitude. Have you had someone help you design a list of acceptable foods, so you can select from a number that are more healthy, but that you can be happy with?

We are here for you. How about reporting in each day, if you'd like--or have someone you will listen to who you can be accountable to, like a friend, when you are feeling you might get off track?

[AngelWolf3]

Welcome to PC kaymb74...I think the suggestions that PAYNE1 made are great. It is definitely difficult trying to keep the thoughts about food that invade your mind at bay...

Is there anything in particular that you are thinking about OTHER than food, when you start the b/p cycle? This is something my T asks me because in her opinion there is emotion there you are trying to "stuff down" or whatever. (I still am trying to grasp the whole emotion thing so bear with me, I just thought maybe it would help to share what she said?)

Anyway, I hope you are able to find the support you need, there are a lot of good people here.

[whoswho]

Sorry, I don't have anything good or practical to say. I'm in the same place as you are.

Just wanted to send some kind thoughts your way...

[nannywoofwoof]

Hi
It's crap and I know what you are going through It probably wont help much, but if I clean my teeth it takes away the urge to eat for a while. Perhaps you could keep a brush and toothpaste handy when you are eating, and quickly clean your teeth as soon as you have finished your meal. Even having a chewing gum straight after eating somehow signals my brain that the meal is over.
Sorry if this doesn't help,but it can work for me at times. Good luck.

[asp1079]

I think it is good that you have intrapersonal intelligence and are aware that the binging and purging cycle is bad and needs to stop.

I feel like many with serious ED's at one point in their lives always have the risk of relapse. I am actually going through this right now. It's very difficult to avoid it happening when an ED was once a normal behavior and a safety net. So I would not be extremely hard on yourself about this.

It's really difficult to prevent binging episodes, especially when you are used to binging as a comfort mechanism or after long bouts of restricting. I can see how it'd be distressing to feel you are not in control of yourself and it is hard to do this alone. A good idea would be to keep track on here with us about what is going on, like payne1 said, and also try to get safe support from a counselor, loved one or close friend if you're comfortable enough to do so. And, if it gets worse enough, you could do what nannywoofwoof said, and use teeth brushing and mouth wash with a shot of OJ to curb your sudden binge desires. An even better trick is dipping a spoon in vinegar and putting the taste on your tongue - I've read that it can instantly curb a strong appetite. It's not good to abuse this method, but if you are desperate to stop, the nasty flavor on your tongue might help.

As I've said, even the strongest of us deal with probable or actual relapses. You will get through this!!