Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Permanant damage?

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 8/4/2009


Question
Hello, my name is Jane, i'm 27 and i've was bulimic for about 8 years, anorexic for 1. I was hospitalised for a few months until I was better and I have not once been sick again, nor will i ever. I learnt so much about what I was doing to my body. Its been nearly a year since i endured any sort of behaviours and yet i still get chipmunk cheeks which vary in size, and its quite disheartening, i've read various pieces of information that this can take time to resolve. Do you think its somehow possible that my glands are somehow still getting affected by acid? I havent phsically been sick in nearly a year and it just doesnt make sense to me that they are worse now, than they were then?

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Jane,

Thanks so much for writing me!

I can understand your concern -- and congratulations on your recovery.  If only everyone were like you -- would get it right away!!

The chipmunk cheeks will just take time, slowly -- it depends on the person -- some people will go along for as long as a couple of years until the glands reduce in size and go back to normal.  The main thing is to see your doctor and make sure that there is nothing at all physiologically wrong.  See a specialist if necessary --

The main thing is that you're well!!  Let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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