Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 2/27/2011

Question
Hello. I've messaged here before quite a while back. I had a severe case of bulimia for most of my teens and I have now been recovered for two and a half years, I don't know if you remember but I was complainiung of swollen glands. I still get this. Went to my doctor numerous times, has blood tests, ENT looked down my nose, had ultrasounds to check for stones, nothing... So I just stuck with it and hopes that it would get better. I have good days and bad days where it will just be fine for a few days and then they will be back with avengange. Its really beginning to get me down now. I have no idea what could be causing this. All of my other bulimia symptoms have disappeared, got my gag reflex back years ago, no more acid reflux. I've even paid £4,000 to get my teeth whitened and the 6 front teeth crowned.

Just wondered if you have ever come across a case where this is permanant or if the swelling can continue for this long??

Answer
Dear David,

I remember you quite well!  Congratulations for recovering.  It's not easy to do and you have done it!!

Your glands continue to puzzle me -- I would think that they would have started to recede by now.  I did find a wonderful article about parotid gland enlargement.  It includes enough of the physiological etiology of this problem that you should be able to do a more exhaustive study.  I think that it's probably some remnants of a chemical or something that has been left in the glands from your bulimic days.

Here is the link:   In 2004, Diagnosing Bulimia Nervosa with Parotid Gland Swelling.  Louis Mandel, DDS & Siak Abai.  Am Dent Assoc, Vol 135, No 5, 613-616.


Let me know what you think!


Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
1-888-520-1700