I have been making myself throw up (bulimia?) and now my throat KILLS! Am I harming myself greatly by puking?

Hey.. I have a history with eating disorders (5'4 and 78 pounds while anorexic) and I need some help. I've never technically been diagnosed with bulimia like I have with anorexia, but I think I have bulimia or am coming close to it. You see, I've been feeling very disgusting about my body. So whenever I eat, I puke it up. However, now my throat is hurting like crazy and I am wondering if this is because of making myself sick. I started puking up my food when I was 12, but I've been good for a few years. Now I have started up again and I get VERY bad chest pains and my throat is hurting me so badly.

As you can see... I need help!!!

Hi there,

I don't know what your weight is currently, but it sounds like you may be anorexic, binge/purge type. If your weight is now in a "normal" range, then you may be bulimic w/ restrictive features... Regardless, it's clear that you're in quite a bit of pain to be struggling so much.

With regard to damage caused by purging, YES, you are damaging your body. Purging can cause the following damage:

*Cardiovascular problems: Electrolyte abnormalities can lead to heart muscle disorders and irregular heart rhythms. These can be life-threatening. Fainting and low blood pressure also are problems.
*Tooth and gum problems: Stomach acid can wash over teeth and gums during vomiting. Repeated vomiting can cause a significant and permanent loss of dental enamel. Teeth may become ragged and chipped, and dental cavities may increase.
*Throat and mouth problems: Frequent or regular vomiting can cause sores in your mouth or throat. You may notice bleeding due to esophogeal tears.
*Low potassium levels: The purging process tends to dehydrate your body and lower the level of potassium in your blood. This can cause weakness and irregular heart rhythms.
*Digestive problems: Purging may irritate the walls of your esophagus. In severe cases, your esophagus can rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Repeated purging may also cause constipation. Gastrointestinal bleeding also may occur.

Please seek help. You deserve it! To find an ED Specialist:
http://something-fishy.org/treatmentfind...

Yes, throwing up is hurting ur body b/c u r robbing ur body of essential nutrients and calories that it cannot do without. As for ur throat, it hurts b/c there is acid in ur stomach, so when u throw up the acid has to go up ur throat, which does not have the same protective lining ur stomach has, so basically ur burning away ur throat