Should I be as worried as I am?

[redhat1]

My now 24 year old daughter had mono upon college graduation 3 years ago. At the time, she lost weight and was quite sick. She is 5'3" and weighed prob abt 120+/- before the mono. Fast forward 3 years...is still quite thin (last I asked was abt 112+/-., Is living an hr away w roommmates, doesn't like to cook, is very busy, seems very happy and engaged in life, hard work, and fun. Her appetite is not what it used to be back in college.She looks very healthy and has plenty of energy, tho.
My concerns besides her being thin-
-she does make fairly freq trips to the restroom (altho she has always been a water drinker who seems to need to urinate freq-even way back as a child--so this may well be nothing) she says it is due to the antihistamnine she takes for allergies
-she was at dentist a few months back and had her first ever cavities (2, I believe, small)
-she was with us on a trip by car recently, riding in backseat and became very nauseaous; we had to pull over where she had dry heaves.  A month or so ago she was traveling a long distance w a friend and they had to pull over several times and she actually did vomit--she told me abt it and thought it was "bad Starbucks" --if she was bulimic, why would she tell me? She def wasn't hiding it.

I only thought of the cavities after our conversation as I was mulling this all over..trying not to over-react but fearful that we might miss something dangerous. She mentioned having cramps recently so I know she is still getting her period, but she is on the pill so would that make a difference? She has had a physical, all blood tests normal, no diabetes (type 2 in family)

Has a good job, interviewing for a better oppty , just started Grad schl at night, dating a very nice guy and seems very happy. Am not sure how to proceed...don't want to have her pull away nor do I want to "talk her into" a problem that she doesn't have. I am losing sleep over this and feel I might be losing perspective. Any advice would be welcome

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear Redhat1,

Having read your concerns, I do not see red flags to suspect an eating disorder.  Your daughters current weight can be normal for her height.  The fact that she has her period and recent exam/labs suggests her body is functioning well.  She sounds like she’s fully engaged in her life with a job, looking for a new one, dating a nice guy, seems happy, etc.  A cavity and dry heaves is not high suspect.

You could check out our website for more information on eating disorders.  You could take our female survey as if you were her.  You could ask her directly and even have her or the two of you take our female survey together.  

I hope this gives you some peace of mind.

Best,

Dr. Pitts,

Patricia Pitts, PhD
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, California

[sundawn]

Strange....my anorexia was triggered by mono when I was a freshman in college.
I heard that there was talk about the fact that a virus can set off various eating disorders but I had not followed thru with the research.
Yes, you should be concerned but realize that you may feel totally helpless in your efforts to help your daughter. Her rejection is not you....it is the eating disorder speaking and not making any sense.
Best wishes.