Hi all, I know we were all needing extra support and with the support thread gone I thought I'd make this for anyone who's struggling right now.
Edit: Changed the title to include both binging and/or purging. If you're struggling with either or both, you're welcome here. Doesn't matter if your goal is to postpone a binge or purge, get through small periods of time b/p free, or to never purge again, we're here to support you.
The Bulimia forum has always had a strong, supportive community, let's keep that spirit alive in our new home.
Similarly if you're struggling with substances, alcohol or self harm, please have a read through the thread as a lot of support tips might be helpful for resisting these too.
Harm reduction if you do purge:
First, it's ok. You're not a failure. This is hard work, so show yourself some compassion and forgiveness.
Rinse your mouth out with water an a bit of bicarbonate of soda/sodium bicarbonate to reduce the acid, or chew an antacid tablet.
Do not brush your teeth immediately after purging. This increases acid damage. Wait 30 mins.
You can get prescription toothpaste with high flouride, I was open with my dentist and they prescribed it to me, although you may also be able to get it through your Dr or pharmacy. I also get my teeth x-rayed wvery couple of years. (You do not want to have bulimia for 20 years, this thread is all about getting us out of these habits, but as a precaution it would be worth getting any damage assessed and dealt with swiftly).
Take electrolytes after purging. You can get zero calorie tablets that dissolve in water from most sports stores, or in the UK places like Aldi or Lidl, and my go-to Home Bargains.
You can also use Lo Salt (a brand name of low sodium salt that has potassium in place of sodium.)
Coconut water also has electrolytes as do some sports drinks, but read the label, some are just clever marketing and don't contain all the electrolytes, or in very low quantities.
Electrolytes if you can't get a sports drink: 10 Fruits With The Most Electrolytes to Replace Sports Drinks
If you are struggling with swollen glands when stopping, I've heard that sucking on bitter sweets like sherbet lemons can produce saliva which helps reduce the gland swelling. Facial massage may also help.
Stay hydrated! I regular cause of hospitalisation for those with purging disorders is dehydration, as well as electrolyte disturbance. This can be serious and even fatal if left unchecked.
If you purge blood, especially if it is black or resembles coffee grounds go to the ER immediately as this indicates internal bleeding.
~
Original post in which Fae freaks out in her typical fashion.
Edit: Changed the title to include both binging and/or purging. If you're struggling with either or both, you're welcome here. Doesn't matter if your goal is to postpone a binge or purge, get through small periods of time b/p free, or to never purge again, we're here to support you.
The Bulimia forum has always had a strong, supportive community, let's keep that spirit alive in our new home.
Similarly if you're struggling with substances, alcohol or self harm, please have a read through the thread as a lot of support tips might be helpful for resisting these too.
Harm reduction if you do purge:
First, it's ok. You're not a failure. This is hard work, so show yourself some compassion and forgiveness.
Rinse your mouth out with water an a bit of bicarbonate of soda/sodium bicarbonate to reduce the acid, or chew an antacid tablet.
Do not brush your teeth immediately after purging. This increases acid damage. Wait 30 mins.
You can get prescription toothpaste with high flouride, I was open with my dentist and they prescribed it to me, although you may also be able to get it through your Dr or pharmacy. I also get my teeth x-rayed wvery couple of years. (You do not want to have bulimia for 20 years, this thread is all about getting us out of these habits, but as a precaution it would be worth getting any damage assessed and dealt with swiftly).
Take electrolytes after purging. You can get zero calorie tablets that dissolve in water from most sports stores, or in the UK places like Aldi or Lidl, and my go-to Home Bargains.
You can also use Lo Salt (a brand name of low sodium salt that has potassium in place of sodium.)
Coconut water also has electrolytes as do some sports drinks, but read the label, some are just clever marketing and don't contain all the electrolytes, or in very low quantities.
Electrolytes if you can't get a sports drink: 10 Fruits With The Most Electrolytes to Replace Sports Drinks
If you are struggling with swollen glands when stopping, I've heard that sucking on bitter sweets like sherbet lemons can produce saliva which helps reduce the gland swelling. Facial massage may also help.
Stay hydrated! I regular cause of hospitalisation for those with purging disorders is dehydration, as well as electrolyte disturbance. This can be serious and even fatal if left unchecked.
If you purge blood, especially if it is black or resembles coffee grounds go to the ER immediately as this indicates internal bleeding.
~
Original post in which Fae freaks out in her typical fashion.
I'm having a major panic attack at a social gathering rn and about to burst into tears or purge cause I just can't rn.
If anyone from the old thread is online, please send support I can't rn. I'm in such a bad place and my entire fucking like is falling apart and the only place I have is here. Sorry this is a mess. I just, I have no one who understands, and no one who knows how bad I'm struggling.
You guys are my entire support network and I do try to be there for you, but I need you so bad rn. I genuinely can't do this alone.
If anyone from the old thread is online, please send support I can't rn. I'm in such a bad place and my entire fucking like is falling apart and the only place I have is here. Sorry this is a mess. I just, I have no one who understands, and no one who knows how bad I'm struggling.
You guys are my entire support network and I do try to be there for you, but I need you so bad rn. I genuinely can't do this alone.
