Something that's concerning me
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| Thu, 11-02-2006 - 3:00pm |
Hey,
First of, I'd like to just introduce myself seeing as I'm new here.
My name's Francesca :] and basically, I've been bulimic for about 2 years now, about one of which was on and off. For the bast year or less, I've now taken to purging about three times a day, which I know if bad, but the thing is, I just can't stop. Lately I've reduced it to once a day, but I want to stop.
Anyway, within the past week, I have started getting some chest pains in my left upper chest (if you were to look at me, it would be YOUR right). Anyway, if I inhale deeply, the pain gets worse... I was wondering, do you reckon that it's somehow related?
I'm 16 and I'm really concerned that it could be something serious and I'm considering going to the doctors, however, I'm really scared that:
a) It'll be something serious
and
b) They'll tell my parents
If somebody would get back to me, I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you!
Francesca
xx

Hi there Francesca and welcome to the ed board :)
First of all, try not to panic.
~Diana~
Hey, thank you for the reply, it kinda helped me a little, which is great :]
But I was just wondering, why would my parents have to know?
Francesca
Maybe I am wrong about that ... if you are able to access health care without your parents' insurance.
~Diana~
Hello, my friend. This really concerns me.
First, I would like to ask if you have an abusive relationship with your parents. If so, you can see a doctor without them telling your parents. It's called doctor-patient confidentiality (they would only tell your parents if you were doing something like trying to commit suicide).
If not, I would REALLY consider talking to them about your problem. I know this sounds crazy, cos your parents might not understand...however, you can print off some paperwork and give it to them. If you put this off, hide this, or try to "fix" it on your own...it will backfire and you'll continue down this path. I, myself, did not get the help I needed because I never talked to my parents. I thought I could get over it myself. Instead, I've been suffering with eating disorders for 8 years now. I've lost countless relationships, missed out on amazing opportunities, and wrecked my brain.
You are a young lady who deserves more in life than to worry about an eating disorder.
Francesca,
I know exactly what youre talking about. I too have been bulimic for about 2 years. And sometimes i get the pain that you say you get. Im guessing that it has a lot to do with you being bulimic. Bulimia causes you to lose electrolytes. That messes with your heart, which is why your chest hurts. Some bulimics can have heart attacks because of this. Its up to you to go to the doctor. It could be something serious and maybe they will have to tell your parents. If i were you i wouldnt take the risk, i would go. Good luck, i hope everything works out for you!
Megan
Hi there la_petite_moi and welcome, if I haven't said that before!
So much compassion in your voice for her
~Diana~
Hi Diana,
Your response was very kind. It is very hard to feel worthy of help, especially as my in-laws accuse me of having an ED for "attention and as an acting-out gimmick." Yeah, I'm "needy and manipulative" with an ED because I just want my fiance to pity me. RIIIIGHT. /sarcasm
Anyway, right now, I'm seeking some help with the on-campus counsellour. She is young and understanding, though I never get any answers it seems, as to what to do.
I've gained so much weight! I hate having love handles and a pooched tummy. But to a normal person, they would say I am thin. I am still "technically" underweight, but it doesn't look like it.
Anyway, my eating disorder has made my periods irregular, screwed up recent relationships (just lost a friendship to this crap), caused a lot of hardships with my fiance, made my parents worried, has given ammunition to my in-laws to treat me like sh*t, and I've lost three boyfriends. My social life has never been good, and I can't eat with people without feeling weird. IT SUCKS.
Hi Francesca,
I would definately get it checked with your doc. They can rule out the fact whether it's serious or not. You'll want to know either way.
Do your parents know you have bulimia? Are you seeing a counselor or
You are probably suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, where what you see in the mirror is not a realistic representation of how you really look.
There's a show on this tonight:
Katharine A. Phillips, MD, will discuss body dismorphic disorder (BDD) tonight, November 8, on CNN with Paula Zahn
~Diana~
You cannot be simultaneously diagnosed with BDD and an ED. My symptoms have led to a doctor telling me I am anorexic, with bulimic tendencies.
Good point, though.