Aug 16 2009
My Doctor Said Lose 40 Lbs to Fix My Back
I’ve actually had to take time to calm down from my latest visit to the VA clinic in Evansville, Indiana to be able to write about it. I went in for a pap smear (cursed things) but I wanted to see about changing my pain medication while I was in there. I’m not taking the ones I currently have because they don’t work. All they do is make me constipated without relieving any pain. Well, I ended up with the know-it-all doctor that doesn’t listen to her patients.
Friday, my new doctor told me I was 40 lbs over weight and that was why I had back problems. I’ve included in this article a picture of myself because I would like someone to explain to me exactly where I am going to lose 40 lbs through a healthy diet and exercise. Sure I’m a little chubby, but I don’t see where 40 lbs is going to come off without a breast reduction (and you can kiss my ass if you think that’s necessary).
Well, beyond deciding where 40 lbs is going to come from, my back problems started when I was in the Navy in Monterey, California. At that time, I was so skinny that my rib cage and my cheek bones were sticking out. So, apparently, my weight didn’t cause the start of my back problems. On top of that, when I was in high school, I was much larger than I am now. I didn’t have back problems then.
Anyway, sitting in the doctor’s office, I tried to explain to this lady that the constant aching back wasn’t even the worst of my problems. In fact, the bigger issue that I have is the nerve pain shoot down my legs. I even tried to tell her about the time I was doing dishes and my entire left leg went numb. (I’m no doctor, but it sounds like a seriously pinched nerve to me.) Her answer was that I was too young to have nerve pain.
I would have pushed the subject even further, however, I was in a very vulnerable position. Right after a pap smear, you’re usually naked from the waist down with a sheet on your lap. So, I found it difficult to argue with a doctor at that point.
So, the next time my leg goes number I’ll just have to call and make an appointment. Then, I won’t be scheduled for a pap smear and I’ll be able to tell her off if I need to.
