“I had absolutely no color in my face and resembled a ghost. My skin had turned a bizarre yellowish-purple color. My teeth were yellow and rotten from the acid that shot up into my mouth during my daily purges. I shook uncontrollably from a complete lack of nutrition, my hair was falling out in handfuls, and I wasn't thinking clearly. After only a few weeks, my doctor admitted me to the hospital. I will never forget how scared I was that day. I will never, ever forget...the look of horror and pain in my parents’ eyes as security guards and EMTs escorted me to the emergency room, the IVs, those 7 long, awful days on the medical floor, countless hours of crying, the heart monitor going off in the wee hours of the night as my heart rate dropped into the 20s, the feeding tube that was inserted down my nose as I fought it with all my might, my suffering and the fear and horror of my family and friends.
Bulimia nervosa may seem to be less damaging because it is much easier to hide than anorexia. While a person with anorexia nervosa will look emaciated, it can take months of severe Bulimia to see the bulimia effects. About 10% of individuals suffering from bulimia will die from either starvation, heart attack, other medical effects, or suicide.
Some of the most common complications of bulimia are:
Tooth enamel erosion because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.
Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.
Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).
Stomach Ulcers.
Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus.
Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines.
Disruption in the normal bowel release function.
Electrolyte imbalance.
Dehydration
Irregular heartbeat and in severe cases, heart attack
A greater risk for suicidal behavior
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