No one here is a medical doctor who can evaluate you. Please, get off DS at the moment, and make an appointment to see your physician ASAP. They can figure out what the pain is all about, and you can work on detoxing from the laxatives.

In my past experience, when it comes to laxatives, you have to go slowly, obviously, or else you get completely compacted. Try stepping down on to non-stimulant (I recommend Miralax at NORMAL doses), and if you are already using that, step down to Colace (a stool softener that you can find it at your local drug store). After you step down from that, try have a cup or two of Citrucel (basically, a scoop of the stuff + 6-8 ounces of water). It's important to mention here that OVER-EATING fiber can actually CAUSE constipation, so make sure you are eating it in moderation.

In my own experience, I brushed off my back pain, thinking it was just from exhaustion and bending over a lot. When I was finally hospitalised for seizures, they found that my kidneys were on the verge of failure, and if I had waited a week or two more, the doctors assured me I would have died from toxicity levels (and if I didn't, I would have been on dialysis for the rest of my life). A year later, I found out that the pain was also probably due to osteopenia in my lower lumbar. At any rate, it's not something to ignore, so get into your GP immediately.

I wanted to add here that you really also need to be seeing a therapist and a dietitian. This is because, even if you do get a temporary fix (enema for constipation or IV fluids at the hospital for your levels, for example), doing the behaviours will just cause it to occur once more- and the next time it might not be reversible.

Oh Lily is RIGHT, back pain really can be kidneys, not good....

please please please do something and start taking care of yourself...

your kids need you

For a natural lax, I would recommend All Bran Bran Buds or All Bran Extra Fiber. The Bran Buds taste better. If you mix the Bran Buds with Chocolate Slim Fast instead of milk it tastes like Coco Puffs.

thanks for the advise, i did mention meal plan i this is something my dietitian has already introduced and i see a psychologist twice a week. i am in a full out patient treatment program, i didn't expect anyone to diagnose me i just wanted some advise, i wont post on here again, like you say i should get off DS.

No, you didn't read clearly, it seems. What I said was that you need to get off DS "at the moment" and get REAL-TIME doctor help. I sat talking about my back pain on DS, contemplating whether or not it was serious, and it nearly cost me my life. No one here can transport over to you, diagnose you, and give you the help you need.

I'm not sure, as I cannot always hear the tone in which you're typing, but honestly, playing the victim (ie, "Fine, I just won't post here anymore.") while struggling with an ED is just another way of letting in distorted thoughts. You have to stick up for yourself, because no one else will.

i'm not playing the victim or indeed playing at anything, its obviously just one big joke and you along with everyone else is putting it down to attention seeking or playing games, i have a doctor, i see several and i have therapists and dieticians, i don't need to hear how bad my behavior is on here as well as from them. I know i am a fuck up and a waste of space and i dont deserve to be on here or asking for support, i'll come back when i am tiny and maybe i will be more deserving then.

Hello, no one said that to you. That you're a waste or a f up. It's you telling yourself that. I know I do it when someone tries to offer advice. I can immediately go 'I'm an idiot, no good etc'. It's the eating disorder talking. It would be a good idea to see a doctor. You don't want to mess with back pain even if it's nothing. You already know that laxatives are dangerous even on a meal plan. They can also cause you to never have a normal bowel movement again. I'm know I'm probably not telling you anything you don't know so sorry if I'm being repetitive. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor just to be sure. Are you being told to use the laxatives? I'm asking because I don't honestly know. If you're not then you really do need to tell someone so they can advise you as to what's best for you right now. I wouldn't know how to advise other than to see a doctor. Best to you

I completely know how you feel about the lax use. I have been abusing lax for approx 10 yrs. Lately, it has been daily occurence where I take triple the dosage. Honestly, I never thought of the side effects as you mention. I know the feeling of being so bloated and not being able to "go" naturally. Lately, I have been getting severe stomach cramps - to the point where I fainted just last Monday in the bathroom. You need to see a doctor and limit the use of lax. We can do this together!!

To be honest we all come here for support.. not to be judged or called a victim.. i think this is really offensive and i dont think it should go on.. i hope you get things sorted sewwtie as i said in my msg! love felicity xxx

I know you are hurting and I do not want to add to that. I too used to feel like Ididn't deserve to even use up the oxygen on the planet. But there is hope and you are seeking help. Good for you. Keep fighting I beg you. Ibope you stay with DS because it does help in the long run. I pray that you will be helped. Hugs.

Okay, I wanted to clarify: I wasn't calling her names or insulting her by mentioning the term "victim." I know the ED likes to make me feel lower than I am, and make me feel like a victim of circumstances. All I was trying to say was that it's imperative to take charge of your own life, and get yourself help, as I've found that no one will do it for you.

Wenchy, I know you have strength inside you- power and control (over the ED). The eating disorder cannot control YOU; you have to control it! That means that you have to push past the word-twisting, distortions, etc when it comes to others advice. I really thought out my response to you, and made sure that everything I said would not be harmful. However, the eating disordered thoughts, in your mind, have twisted my reply to sound as if I were attacking you.

All I suggest, seriously, is not to let things go- go into your medical doctor and take charge. Tell him about the back pain, and explain why you are so worried.

Wenchy, I used to be a nurse, and I'm pretty sure there is a possibility of kidney problems in a small number of people who take it. Add the extra strain of the old laxies, and you could be putting yourself in danger.
Please, get some tests done. Sooner you deal with it the better, because if your kidneys ARE reacting to the lithium you need to stop taking it under medical supervision. You can't afford to delay. Take care.

I didnt read the other posts... cause there seems to be some conflict here. I also dont really reply to posts in this group b/c o that conflict. BUT...

You really need to see a doctor. If you are having pains in your lower back your kidneys could be effected. Eating disorders can IRREVERSIBLY damage your kidneys. Your kidneys help to maintain electrolyte balance. And like you said, your electrolyte levels may already be off. And finally, your HEART requires proper electrolytes and fluids to pump blood properly. Without the right balance of electrolytes, you can IRREVERSIBLY damage your HEART. Pleeeeeease go see a doctor ASAP.

wenchy, you asked for advise and plenty have given it to you....

so are you going to go see your doctor? Why did you really post here?

I know you were scared and thats ok.... but please listen and at least get checked out...