Advice

[QU31]

Hi everyone,

First time on this forum. My sister just got out of a treatment program for alcohol and mental illness. She is also bulimic, but they didn't address that too much at the program. She had been purging 10 times a day for at least a few years. She is now staying with me and isn't drinking, but I'm guessing she's purging again because I've seen her eating things that I don't think she'd mentally be ok with digesting (candy bars, etc.) Also, her stomach is VERY upset all the time and she constantly does this dry cough thing. I'm worried because I know bulimia can be really serious physiologically and that it's really hard to stop. 10 times a day seems a lot to me, but I don't know much about bulimia. Is this something that could be life threatening? What would you suggest I do? Thanks!

[Nina Kay]

Hello QU,
I'm so sorry that it's taken me this long to see your post. I want to Welcome you to the Eating Disorders Forum. Yes, what you describe can be life-threatening. I'm sorry that I don't really have any advice for you, but I know that others will be along later to share with you what they've experienced while dealing with bulimia. I do know that there is alot of great information in the Stickies above, at the top of this page. Please read these and keep posting. Again welcome.

[cali]

Hi Qu31-
I read this post but I did not know what to say and certainly don't have any advise but I wanted to say welcome also. Just getting it out in the open can be helpful even if you don't get the suggestions you were hoping for.
I hope you keep coming back and sharing.

[barb dwyer]

hI qu31 -

The dry cough could ( i SAY could) be an indicator, yes.

I don't know so much about candy bars (assuming she's only eating one or so - now if she's putting away a BAG of candy bars ... something might be up for sure)

Thing is - she just got OUT of rehab, right?

You know - I'm wondering if the healthcare people she worked with maybe tried to focus on ONE thing at a time. Other than the standard advice to consult a healthcare professional and all that jazz ... maybe gie her some time to get settled. To get used to a life without drinking. To get back on her feet first.

That could take a couple or more months, as I hope you know.

If she radially drops/gains weight ... then yes, of course talk to your sister.

But if she JUST got out ... my gut feeling is to give her a bit more time.

just my opinion.

[QU31]

Thanks Barb, I think that is great advice.