Need some advice about a relative.

I just saw a relative over Thanksgiving that I hadn't seen in months. He looked thinner than I'd ever seen him. Literally frail.

He's lost a ton of weight in the last 2 years. Before that, he was basically a normal weight. Not overweight at all.

He runs long distances on a regular basis. Eight miles at a time sometimes.

He's told me that he's been having trouble sleeping.

And I just found out that he's been seeing a doctor about uncontrollable nausea. He said the doctors don't know what is causing it. But sometimes after he eats he gets nauseated and throws up.

And most disturbing, he recently fainted after a throwing up and hit his head on the counter of the bathroom. His wife called an ambulance and he had to get 14 stitches above his eye. He said this is the third time he's fainted in the last year.

His doctor is now sending him to a gastric specialist to find out what's the matter.

I mentioned my thoughts about an eating disorder to a couple of other relatives. But I was met with things like, "He's 40. He wouldn't just start an eating disorder at 40." Or someone else said, "I see him eat. He doesn't do anything weird at all."

Pretty much they think I'm crazy.

Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm really, really worried.

Austin

Austin,
Eating disorders can emerge at any time in life. They usually get worse if life has more stressors. The stuff you described is serious and it sure sound like he may have an eating disorder. Try to talk to him and have him open up to you. If he has an eating disorder he is hurting and will need love and support. Do you know if the hospital did an electrolyte profile? It is very important because if potassium is too low it effects the heart. Keep us updated.
Hugs Nik

It doesn't sound like an ED to me. It sounds like it could be caused by something else, something more medically related. If he's been seeing a doctor about uncontrollable nausea, than he knows he has a problem and is trying to do something about it. Trouble sleeping happens for a million different reasons. And the blackouts are most likely related to whatever is causing the nausea. I know you must be worried that he's lost so much weight, but it really doesn't sound like an ED. Just check up on him, watch him closely, and ask him about his doctor appointments. Something will turn up. It's great that you care so much about him though, keep up the good work.