Feb 17, 2010 Bulimic and Anorexic?

by Geoff
(SA)

I used to be anorexic but have been in recovery for last three years with my BMI between 18 and 19.5. But for the last few months I have been throwing up after meals. I don't see a therapist anymore. I started vomiting while under a lot of stress at work and at home. I started binge eating and then making myself vomit to get rid of it all afterwards but now I cant seem to stop although I know that sounds silly. Sometimes I think that Id like to be really thin again but that makes me feel scared at the same time as I don't want to go back to where I was before. Can I be Bulimic and Anorexic at the same time? What should I do? Thanks for any answers or tips.

Geoff

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Feb 17, 2010 Bulimic and Anorexic?

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Feb 24, 2010

Bulimic and Anorexic?
by: Matt C

Hi Geoff,
Its good that you are asking for help and recognise the risks of eating disorders taking a hold again.
Yes, people can move between different 'versions' of EDs over time. The definitions of the various EDs are for medical diagnostic purposes, but in reality are often variations of the same behaviours and issues. If someone is Anorexic and vomiting, they would come under the diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa purging sub-type.
The point here is that you need to prevent your weight slipping back to lower levels again, and to address the purging behaviour which is damaging to health in the long term.
Are you able to start seeing your therapist again to discuss these new developments?
How are you dealing with the stress at work that seemed to trigger your vomiting behaviour?
It does NOT sound silly what you say about not being able to stop. People can become attached to the vomiting itself because of the feeling of emotional release it can provide. Which connects to the issues of stress you are describing.
Can you find other means of dealing effectively with any stress and tension that has built up, in ways that can provide an emotional release, instead of using purging? (Take a look at our 'Dealing With Stress' pages for more about this.)
Maybe discussions with a therapist or counsellor would help with this aswell.
You have been successfully 'in recovery' from Anorexia, yet your BMI is still on the low side, and the anorexic thinking patterns are still evidently there as you state you would like to be 'really thin again'.
Maintaining recovery from EDs takes vigilance and continuing work, so it is positive that you have identified the risks of your current situation, and Im glad you are looking for help and advice.
Best Wishes & Good Luck
M

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Feb 24, 2010
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Submitted by: Matt C

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Hi Geoff, Its good that you are asking for help and recognise the risks of eating disorders taking a hold again. Yes, people can move between different 'versions' of EDs over time. The definitions of the various EDs are for medical diagnostic purposes, but in reality are often variations of the same behaviours and issues. If someone is Anorexic and vomiting, they would come under the diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa purging sub-type. The point here is that you need to prevent your weight slipping back to lower levels again, and to address the purging behaviour which is damaging to health in the long term. Are you able to start seeing your therapist again to discuss these new developments? How are you dealing with the stress at work that seemed to trigger your vomiting behaviour? It does NOT sound silly what you say about not being able to stop. People can become attached to the vomiting itself because of the feeling of emotional release it can provide. Which connects to the issues of stress you are describing. Can you find other means of dealing effectively with any stress and tension that has built up, in ways that can provide an emotional release, instead of using purging? (Take a look at our 'Dealing With Stress' pages for more about this.) Maybe discussions with a therapist or counsellor would help with this aswell. You have been successfully 'in recovery' from Anorexia, yet your BMI is still on the low side, and the anorexic thinking patterns are still evidently there as you state you would like to be 'really thin again'. Maintaining recovery from EDs takes vigilance and continuing work, so it is positive that you have identified the risks of your current situation, and Im glad you are looking for help and advice. Best Wishes & Good Luck M

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