[boydisappearing]

I tend to swing more to the anorexia side of the spectrum, but I started purging, maybe once a week, now it's getting to be twice a week. I don't binge.
I ate today, and immediately felt sick afterwards so I purged and now I physically feel even worse. What's the best way to take care of myself? Electrolytes? I have Boost drinks but I absolutely hate them because of the calorie content. I called in sick to my class today because I actually feel so run down.

I can't be bulimic because I don't binge, but although I display all the symptoms of anorexia, my weight is no longer low enough. But I've lost a significant amount of weight and feel really ill. Purging is making it worse.

Best thing to do after a purge to try and make you feel less ill?

[waggiedog]

Hello dearBoydisappearing. Hunny, PLEASE please don't make the very big dangerous mistake that just because YOU feel you're not at a low enough weight to be anorexic ~~ You could well be anorexic. It's a very grey area, this ''almost arexia''. It kinda like we feel we are being some kinda ''con artists''. Because we've been at lower weights in the past, or we see another person who's much thinner than we are, we don't either deserve help, or we are not fitting into a certain category. Psych Dr's and even GP's are now more understanding about these overlaps into the various eating disorders. I've been through all of the known ED's in the past (still am) and some ED's I've almost invented myself!! It's got more to do with how your mind works, how you see yourself and what ED's or otherwise we HAVE experienced in the past. Are you seeing a professional at the moment? Do you have a Psych Dr? I've had ED's for over 33 years, but at the base of my serious issues, it's much more than simply an ED. I hope this may help you. I have a number of publications on all manor of ED's and other Psych disorders. Sometimes it can be a relief to be diagnosed, as when diagnosed you could be asked if you'd like some help. Hunny, be VERY VERY CAREFUL of purging, whether you binge or not. Purging does untold damage to the body, plus it's a very addictive and it doesn't help your weight stay low. Yes, it most def is dangerous regarding messing with your electrolyte system, but it's not too late to stop now. Maybe come back here on PC for some extra support. Take care now.

[waggiedog]

Hi again Boydisappearing. Sorry but I've just noticed that you are a new member here on PC, I should have offered you a WELCOME!! That not to say I feel I ''should'' welcome you, I LIKE to WELCOME, and even more so when the new member is suffering the same type of disorder as myself. Have a good look around PC because there are lots of sound advice and even better, you may find friends to share with. Hope to see you around soon.

[boydisappearing]

Waggie, thanks for your kind words. I see a psychiatrist and am in referral for outpatient treatment. I will probably have to wait a few months though.

[MoxieDoxie]

Coconut water will help with hydration.

I agree with the coconut water. I prefer it. I've even made my own electrolyte drink out of water, oj, baking soda, and salt because I had a GI virus and was too weak to drive to the store (you'd have to google the ratios). I mean, please please don't purge. But if you do, at least hydrate with electrolytes.

[wanttoheal]

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. Put about a tablepoon (or a bit more if you can tolerate it) of raw unfiltered Apple cider vinegar, a spoon of honey and water and mix and drink. It's a natural hydration drink full of electrolytes. It will also give you energy if you drink it every day (best time to drink it is in the morning before eating or drinking anything and then waiting 30 min before you have anything else).

Glad you are seeking help. Hang in there.

[pinkflower17]

Just an FYI, they've changed the criteria in the new DSM so weight is no longer the defining feature and there's a sub-type of anorexia that includes binging and purging and there's also a pure purging disorder diagnosis.
Not that any of that matters; you obviously have an eating disorder and you're putting yourself in real danger every time you purge. If you can't stop, try pedialite as an electrolyte replacement. It's not great tasting, but it has the right ratio of sugar to electrolytes. They also make powder packets you can put in water and popsicles, whatever you can tolerate. You may also have low blood sugar after purging, so if you can manage eating something with simple carbs (fruit etc) in addition to pedialite, it may help. Dehydration is probably the main reason why you feel like crap though, you can also look up the World health organization's rehydration formula. It also has the right formula of water to electrolytes. You want to avoid plain water or Gatorade, powerade etc, they have hardly any electrolytes and you may just dilute your sodium, potassium, magnesium further. If you don't have anything else, a sports drink is better than nothing, but pedialite or its generic equivalent is better.
Sorry this is so long winded, but I had a really serious, permanently disabling neurological injury from abnormal electrolytes from purging, so I'm kind of paranoid about preventing it from happening in anyone I can...

[waggiedog]

Hi there, it's good to come here and find some new members, and ever better to find existing members helping each other.

Yeah, gotta admit I've just had 3 days purging and I too felt like c***!! Phyically and mentally, but it's the physical discomfort and pain that went a bridge too far ~~ so today I've been abstinent. It's gonna be difficult to stop myself going back to it when I start to panic thinking I've gained a minute amount of weight. I KNOW any form of purging WON'T make you actually shift weight, but I wonder if it your weight will remain stable (albeit a lowish weight) if you cut down. I've yet to prove this as I can't go either abstinent or purging consistently for long enough to judge. However, what I do know, and I've already stated, constant long term purging will damage you beyond repair. HUGS.