Bulimia recovery - swollen glands

I have been in recovery from my bulimia for 14 months now, I was bulimic for quite some time, it started at school, from around the age of 16 to about 22, in this time my parotid glands and others have been quite swollen. i know swelling is common in recovery but is this long really normal? I've seen an ENT who ran some allergy tests, as well as an ultrasound. But it all came back fine. I really really want to put my eating disorder behind me, But I don't think I can until this is sorted. Could this be permanant? I really hope to god it isn't...

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

By your comment of having "been in recovery from my bulimia for 14 months now", I'm assuming you have not vomited in the past 14 months.  Normally the swelling would subside in 2-3 weeks.  If you have vomited at different times in the past 14 months, each time you purge you would be reactivating the inflammation and needing time to heal.  By seeing an ENT, you have sought appropriate help  Some interventions that have helped others' swelling go down were antibiotics, draining the water from the salivary glands, clearing out mucous caught in the glands, increasing limited saliva, and opening the blockage of the glands.  Ask your ENT what he can do for you.  Is it permanent?  Since there are a number of interventions, there is hope.   You are addressing your concerns.  You are doing what you can do.  In the meantime, focusing on living your life as fully as you can (with or without swollen glands).

Wishing you the best,
Dr Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita Eating Disorder Treatment Programs
Los Angeles, CA

[Daveyspears]

i might add my glands are made worse when i eat, so i rarley go out to work do's and stuff cos i get embarrassed

[Daveyspears]

No i have not been sick in that time, i will have to go and see my doctor again then

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Wishing you best.  I'd like to hear how it goes.  Best, Dr Patricia Pitts  The Bella Vita