About Saffron Expertise I can answer most questions related to Anorexia and other eating disordered behaviors. I am not a medical professional but have read a tremendous amount of medical and other information related to eating disorders out of curiosity.
Experience My eating disorder started when I was 15. I was anorexic until the age of 27. I went through periods of being less and more anorexic but I did not have a period for 10 years. I was a very high-functioning anorexic. When I hit about 70 pounds I knew I was at a point where I couldn't continue living a normal life (going to work etc.). I did not want to be hospitalized and I knew I was on a downward spiral. I struggled with severe depression and was given a prescription for an anti-depressant. It was not long after that I was really able to think more clearly and did not have the same level of anxiety and believe it or not, I made a choice. I could die or I could live and let go of my need for such control and not care so much how people perceived me and admit that I did not have to be emaciated to look normal as I had convinced myself. My recover started when I was 27 and I've not been "anorexic" since but I don't think one ever becomes totally free in the food and body area as one was before it all started. But I am very healthy now, not underweight and not overweight and eat healthily.
Education/Credentials I have a BA from an Ivy League college but no professional credentials.
I was bulimic for many years and am now 9 months recovered, since recovering I have put on a little weight and my metabolism has stabelised. However I still suffer with swelling of my glands and constant phleghm, i have been been to my doctor about 4 times and the last time i went he referred me to see the ENT (ears nose and throat specialist), its a 78 day waiting list. The doctor suggested that acid may still be coming up my throat and affecting my throat, even though i dont suffer with acid reflux and have not been sick in the 9 months of recovery, and my glands seem to be worse than ever. I'm so scared.
Is there any insight to this? can it be permanant?
Answer Dear David:
I'm so sorry to hear about your problem. Bulimia can be very unforgiving almost more so than Anorexia it seems. What a shame that you can't get in to see the ear, throat, nose specialist sooner. I've already received a similar question many times. Unfortunately, I'm not an expert on Bulimia but indeed as you suggest it is clearly lingering swelling of the salivary glands due to damage. The body is amazing at healing itself it just sometimes takes longer than we want it to. I really think that eventually the swelling will resolve as the glands heal. You may continue to be having some digestive problems but those too I would think eventually resolve themselves. Not sure what the phlegm could be all about. You know I really think that in this case, the only person who can really help you figure out what is going on is indeed the ear, throat nose specialist so you'll have to be patient. Otherwise, I would say keep trying to do some research on-line and see what others in recovery have to say but definitely see the doctor. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful here.
