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Registered: 04-01-2003
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Wed, 11-05-2003 - 11:01pm
This is my first time to visit this message board. Actually this is my first time to visit an ed board. I'm sure there are posts just like mine made here every day, but I was hoping I could find some words of wisdom here. I've been bulemic for 10 yrs, and have made a few attempts to stop every now and then. I realize now that I have no will-power to stop myself from binging and purging, and have actually become accustomed to the daily ritual. I am well aware of what the daily vomiting is doing to my body, and yet I'm most concerned about what it's doing to my teeth. As a dentist, I was taught to look for signs of disease in the head and neck, and learned how the erosion of teeth is a tell tale sign of bulemia. The pictures were very disturbing. I could always tell when a patient of mine had the same disorder that I had. I've become obsessed with protecting my teeth. I wish I could become as obsessed about stopping this whole disorder altogether as I am about my teeth. As of right now, I have no desire to stop this disorder, but I know that I need to. Is there any advice that could motivate me to stop this craziness?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: tinderdoc
Thu, 11-06-2003 - 6:37am

Hi - I am glad you found us. Maybe the fact that you want to protect your teeth is a good thing and it will drive you to stop. The key is figuring out WHY you are doing it because there is always an emotional reason or reasons behind it. Have you thought about seeing a therapist if you are not seeing on already? That is actually the best advice I can give you. Besides that you can check out some group meetings -> www.overeatersanonymous.org, www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org, and www.celebraterecovery.com (click the global locations link on the left).


Writing about your feelings every day is very helpful and I would encourage you to keep posting here and getting support.

Love & hugs, Kristina


Love & hugs, Kristina

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2003
In reply to: tinderdoc
Thu, 11-06-2003 - 10:41am
Hi there--I completely understand the concern with your teeth. I have also struggled with Bulemia for almost 10 years (in and out of recovery and therapy) and have been in recovery for the last three months. I was obsessed with my teeth and the damage I had done to them, but still continued binging and purging. What's ironic is that I was obsessed with something cosmetic( I know there are other health issues related to dental health, but I only cared how they looked) and not at all concerned at what was happening inside of my body and my mind. It was when I realized that, that I was ready for help. I haven't binged or purged since--and while the binging has been relatively easy to let go, I still have moments where I still feel the need to purge. It's at that time I think about my teeth--I know that they are not my sole reason for seeking recovery, but they sure are a good reason to give up purging. I know how hard it is, and empathize with what your feeling. Coming to this board is a step in the right direction--it's hard for people like us to admit our weakness to others. You are in my thoughts and prayers--

Jennifer

http://mattsmommy.blogspot.com/