Worried for friend

I have a friend that is bulemic.  It's really strange.  She usually eats a very good breakfast but will binge at lunch and sometimes supper.  I'm the only person she has confided in with this.  I have been researching it and see where it can lead to hypokalemia.  I've tried talking with her about all this but she thinks since she eats a good breakfast and only binges at lunch and sometimes supper that she's not at risk.  How can I explain this to her better and is it the actual binging that causes hypokalemia or is it the lack of food in your sysytem?  Thanks for any info that may be helpful.

[Cleveland Clinic]

pumpkin,

Im sorry to hear about your friend. Bulemia is a complex mental illness, certainly out of my realm of specialty.

Ive had a few very close friends who have suffered from severe eating disorders. The focus shouldnt be on hypokalemia, but more on the impact of eating disorders on her overall health. Successful treatment is difficult usually involves support structures inclusing friends and family as well as professional medical/physciatric counseling. You should discuss this with your friend.

good luck

[pumpkin25]

Thanks so much for the info.  Sorry to hear you had to struggle with it for so long.  I just have a hard time with her because she thinks it's not hurting her body and mainly because like I said in the post she'll eat a really good breakfast like oatmeal, bananas and OJ.  But then she'll usually purge her lunch and supper but in between those meals she'll snack on fruit.  So in her mind she's still putting all the good things in her body that she needs.  I was also under the impression that the hypokalemia came from the lack of food and nutrients in the body NOT the throwing up motion it's self.  How does that work?  Thank you so much

[cryingheart]

This is a HEART FORUM. Post your question on the MENTAL FORUM. This site only takes 2 questions per day and your's happens to be one of them!!!!!!!!!

[tickertock]

I sense a very angry and spiteful individual out there!!!! This comment is directed with out naming anyone, who the cap fits let them wear it!!!! The world owes you no favors, live with the hand you're dealt like everyone else and move on!!!!!!!

[NBCT]

Relax....please....Thank you.

[cryingheart]

Sorry. I guess I'm frustrated with a knowing my life will be over soon and I haven't even had the opportunity to ask a question. Didn't mean to take my anger out on everyone.

[NBCT]

Apology accepted. I do not know your situation, but can understand and empathize with you, your fears of the unknown. I hope you are able to find the answers you need. Good Luck and Best Wishes.

[madgeOwens]

You could try going to the doctor.  :)

[cryingheart]

I was told there's nothing else they can do for my heart.

[madgeOwens]

What do they say is wrong with your heart?

[madgeOwens]

I was reviewing some of the archives and see where you posted you have PVC's and they can do nothing for them. That is not true.  They can treat pvc's with beta blockers, and there are many many different kind to try.  PVC'c will not kill you really they won't.  I have alot of symptoms to make me miserable with pvc's, I wish I could be one of those people who are asymptomatic, but Im not.  You need to talk to a good doctor about something for anxiety too dear. Don't give up. Good Luck!