Getting off laxatives

[Warped_Reflections]

I started to take laxatives on a daily basis about a month ago. I was happy to do that and it made the times when I ate feel "safer." I dont know exactly what happened but I started to get these really bad cramps from them. I dont know if it was because I was taking both the powdered form and pills around the same time or because I changed the brand. Well regardless of the "why" of the stomach cramps, I finally decided I had to stop cause it was interfering with work and the only way I could stop them was by eating something and that totally destroyed the point of taking them in the first place. ok finally to the question I am asking: Any advice on handling being off them? It is only day 2 of no laxatives and I am FREAKING OUT! Food feels very "unsafe" to eat when I know I am not taking laxatives. (sorry this was so long of a question)

[alexandra04]

i feel your'e pain i was doing that about 8 years ago and got so sick from them. i never purged but the abuse of laxatives on a emty stomach. i passed out it got that bad. i found out later that laxatives DON'T HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT only vital minerals and vitamins your body needs. good luck to you you'll do it

[Warped_Reflections]

Well I made an appointment with my therapist for next week which is good cause I ended up taking some laxatives today. I felt since I wasnt restricting that I had to take them. I guess I will try to stop again tomorrow. =(

[Zoelula]

A therapist who knows you is a great choice. Good for you! You can get this thing under control. I have fifteen years recovery but I wasted many many years of my life a slave to my ED (and, like you, other problems) before I was able to get free. You're already ahead of the game! Let us know how it goes!

[Warped_Reflections]

Yeah I am already seeing my old therapist who I use to see when I was battling self injury. She isn't really experienced in eating disorders but she knows me pretty well already. Thank you for the support. I am really glad I found this place.

[Zoelula]

That's ok, you explained well how you are feeling. You obviously know you have a problem because you posted to this board. You are right to try and stop the laxatives, but the feelings that made you take them in the first place are still there. Those feelings are what you really need help with. I encourage you to seek out that help now while you haven't been doing this for very long which makes it easier to get recovery. Talk to your family doctor, a therapist experienced in eating disorders or look in the phonebook for Overeater's Anonymous. OA is a free group that helps people with all kinds of food issues. Best of luck to you.