Should I See a Doctor Soon or Wait Until Monday?
I'm really hoping this stays up because I genuinely need some guidance. For nearly two decades, I’ve battled an eating disorder, primarily severe bulimia, and I’m also diagnosed with EDNOS. Lately, however, my situation has deteriorated. Over the last eleven days, my caloric intake has dropped significantly, totaling only 5,119 calories; I didn’t consume anything for two of those days. On my highest-calorie day, I managed to eat 1,732 calories, but I also purged afterwards. I apologize for sharing so much, but I’m uncertain whether I should urgently contact a doctor or simply wait until next week since I'm not feeling unwell. There are no headaches or feelings of confusion, just a slight pressure in my chest at the moment—probably exacerbated by the fact that I've just smoked. I realize these habits are unhealthy, especially since I recently experienced a breakup, which was partly due to my eating disorder. That said, I feel surprisingly okay otherwise. Details: - Age: 36 - Height: 5'5" - Weight: 134lbs Medical Diagnoses: - Bulimia - EDNOS - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) - Depression - Anxiety Medical History: - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Hiatal Hernia - Family history of heart-related fatalities Current Medications: - Adderall IR, 10mg twice daily - Wellbutrin, 30mg in the morning - Prilosec, 40mg in the morning - Trintellix, 20mg in the evening Supplements: - Women’s multivitamin gummies (Nature’s Bounty) - Elderberry gummies (Symbucol) Other Details: - Typically, I don’t eat until between 6 PM to 9 PM, and I drink two cups of coffee each morning with cream.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 1:20:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s commendable that you’re seeking guidance about your eating disorder and related concerns. Given your recent changes in eating patterns and the potential health risks associated with bulimia, I'd recommend you take action sooner rather than later.
Main Points:
- Your significant drop in caloric intake and purging behaviors can lead to serious health complications.
- The slight pressure in your chest, combined with your history of heart-related issues in your family, warrants attention.
- While it's good that you're currently feeling okay overall, early intervention can help prevent potential crises in the future.
Explanation:
Bulimia and eating disorders can severely affect both your mental and physical health. A significant reduction in caloric intake and purging behaviors can lead to heart problems, electrolyte imbalances, and other serious conditions. The pressure in your chest could potentially be linked to these issues, especially given your medical history. It's vital to prioritize your health and safety.
Next Steps:
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Contact a Healthcare Provider Today: Reach out to a healthcare professional urgently, even if you're not feeling unwell. Given your history and current symptoms, it's better to err on the side of caution.
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in how you feel, particularly regarding chest pressure, heart palpitations, or changes in mood. Keep a log of these feelings to discuss with your doctor.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Even if you struggle with eating, aim to consume small amounts of balanced, nutritious food and stay hydrated. This will help mitigate some risks associated with your current eating behaviors.
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Explore Support Networks: Consider reaching out to a support group or a mental health professional specializing in eating disorders. Sharing your feelings and experiences could lighten the emotional burden and provide additional coping strategies.
Your health is paramount, and reaching out to a professional can lead to the support and guidance you need. Please take care of yourself.
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