Posted by WorryGirl on April 17, 2003, at 16:46:33
In reply to Re: (another) very long answer » Dinah, posted by leeran on April 17, 2003, at 1:01:58
I've followed Dinah and Leeran's post with interest. With me being a chronic "barfer", as a bulimic for the past 19 years it should be obvious that I have no qualms about my own barfing. Ironically, though, I still have an intense fear and dislike of barfing from illness and have taken drastic measures to avoid doing it, even forcing myself to vomit before my body naturally repels the food. Sounds crazy, but intentionally vomiting is a lot more comfortable than the other way.
When I was a child, I had a mild phobia of vomit. If another kid threw up at school I became extremely ill myself and almost threw up and tried to get away. I don't know what was worse, the sight of it, the smell, or knowing how sick one feels when doing it.
In fact, I would have become bulimic even sooner in my life, except that I was terrified of throwing up. Desperate to lose the stubborn pounds that I couldn't even from running track and eating healthy, I finally tried this as a last resort. I didn't have money or access to laxatives. It took several attempts, but when I was finally successful most of my fear of throwing up had dissipated. Would definitely not recommend this as a way to overcome the phobia though!
poster:WorryGirl
thread:219511
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030414/msgs/220142.html