Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

[Guest guest]

Oh my what a complete asshole! I am overweight also and the neurosurgeon that

was going to do the spinal fusion said that he would do the surgery, but he did

not think it would do any good due to my weight. He said he would have to cut

six inches deep due to my weight and that he did not know if he could position

me on the table correctly!!! I am like what the hell!

 

I am not a whale either, but it really pissed me off. Doctors always blames

everything on weight! I used to watch that new show, The Doctors and I stopped

because every episode, all the talk about is obesity. There is also this

commericial that comes on the stop childhood obesity and the woman in the

commercial said the word obesity, 12 times within 2 minutes.

 

Do they ever think about people's feelings?

 

 

Dawn E.

I would rather be hated for who I am

than to be like for who I am not ~Author Unknown

From: rnping3 <janetatum@...>

Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors after

having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he finally

released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on the fact that

I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he would ordinarily have

had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think probably padding the

report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his bill for Blue Cross, but

that really seemed like unnecessary negativity toward someone who was already

knocked down to the ground with all the crap that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this dimwit,

but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when I say I hurt

24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

I am over weight myself, but I stand at 5'4 " at 175lbs. Don't hate them for

given you the truth. Yes, you have feelings, however thr Dr.s are de-sensitized

from that to do their job. We all know we are fat, so it shouldn't be a big

surprise when someone else of authority tells us that. If you are so offended,

take charge and put yourself first. You are the only one in control of you. God

Speed. And respect from me.

Jeannie

From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors after

having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he finally

released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on the fact that

I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he would ordinarily have

had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think probably padding the

report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his bill for Blue Cross, but

that really seemed like unnecessary negativity toward someone who was already

knocked down to the ground with all the crap that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this dimwit,

but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when I say I hurt

24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

You are right Jeannie. I knew I was fat before that jackass said so. It

was no surprise to me. Just seemed a little unnecessary. Thanks for your

words.

Jane

SO angry about my surgical report.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

I say I hurt 24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

i commend your doc for taking the hard route...even 10 lbs of extra body weight

under axial load is huge....tommorow carry an extra 50 or 100 lbs around in a

backpack...if after 12 hours of carrying a load equal to ur excess weight..your

back pain is not increased then u r right ur dr shouldnt hv said anything...

Your dr sounds like he wants to do whats best for u...a large portion of

surgeons wouldnt do surgery till the weight was lost....

the best thing for a spine patient is to maintain proper body weight and keep

your core strong....do not wear a back brace...and proper body mechanics...

good luck 2 you..

deb rn

----------

Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

- SO angry about my surgical report.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors after

having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he finally

released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on the fact that

I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he would ordinarily have

had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think probably padding the

report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his bill for Blue Cross, but

that really seemed like unnecessary negativity toward someone who was already

knocked down to the ground with all the crap that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this dimwit,

but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when I say I hurt

24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

the hospital has to pay for extra assistants at the ra te of 2 to 400 an

hour.....therefore 1 surgical assistant is the norm.......if the hospital is to

be reimbursed for the cost they have to justify it...as the person who has been

called to hold a limb of a morbidly obese individual or the 5 or 6 people it

takes to old up the roll of abdominal fat on a 300 or 400 lb person....the doc

is stating facts.....remember if your body weight should bee 100 lb..at 120 you

are obese and 130 i believe u r morbidly obese...when i say u i am not referring

to u but any patient....

deb rn

----------

Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

- SO angry about my surgical report.

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors after

having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he finally

released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on the fact that

I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he would ordinarily have

had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think probably padding the

report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his bill for Blue Cross, but

that really seemed like unnecessary negativity toward someone who was already

knocked down to the ground with all the crap that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this dimwit,

but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when I say I hurt

24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

I know how you feel, Jane. I've had many doctors ever since I was injured at

work 17 year ago. I had a doctor make me get up off the exam table and pushed me

into the exam room door telling me that I had bad posture. I was in so much pain

I could not stand upright. Many doctors told me I was just drug seeking. One

doctor that was evaluating for workmens comp walked into the exam room and told

me to drop my pants right then with him in the room. I can't tell you how many

doctors humiliated me. I felt hopeless for a long time. I was 193 lbs. after I

had my surgery and it did make me hurt more to have the extra weight but that's

because I have osteoarthritus in my feet and joints. I lost 50 lbs. recently by

cutting out all the foods that are white ie; sugar, pasta, bread. It was

difficult but now I weigh 143 lbs. It took me 8 months and I feel better in the

osteo department but no change in my back which is fused at L4-S1 with a rod and

my neck is fused with my own harvested hip bone. Your doctor is an azzhole. No

bones about it (no pun intended) lol. I will keep you in my prayers!

Cheryle

>

> I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors after

having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he finally

released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on the fact that

I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he would ordinarily have

had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think probably padding the

report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his bill for Blue Cross, but

that really seemed like unnecessary negativity toward someone who was already

knocked down to the ground with all the crap that was going on.

>

> I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when I

say I hurt 24/7.

>

> Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>

> Jane iN TN

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Debra for your response. Actually I am 56 years old and well

aware of the acceptable weights for women my age. I am also aware that the

assistants are well paid. Thanks for your chastising. You are certainly

entitled to your opinion of me. Jane

SO angry about my surgical report.

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

I say I hurt 24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

200 to 400 per hour, no wonder health care is so expensive!!  Ideal weight,

within normal of 10 pounds over and 10 pounds under, being obese at 20 pounds

over is a way to make more money in my opinion.  Muscle weighs more than fat so

they must make extra on weight lifters, wrestlers, etc. 

 

Take away the over weight factor and it is one less thing for them to complain

about.  I too have found that mostly protein is the way to go with weight loss. 

I use to be on a high protein diet until I was unable to afford it.  At the

time, I lost about 50 pounds and my doctor said I would have malnutrition and my

cholesterol would be through the roof.  She took a blood test and everything was

in normal limits, except I was anemic.  My cholesterol was the lowest it has

ever been.  The doctors TV show stated this yesterday, lol, what doctors are

discovering of the benefits of high protein low carb.

 

I have fractures in my teeth and my lower jaw has one grinder and the front

teeth, with one now ruined from the last tooth pulled.  When the dentist pulled

it, a few days later my canine crumbled.  It makes it difficult to eat.  I

recently found Hormel Italian style roast beef.  It is soft, takes great and is

a decent price, considering the rise in food costs at every food market.  It

used to be that only the rich was fat, back in the days and now it is the poor

that is fat, for carbs are cheaper to buy then meat.  I am going to try to buy

the roast as my main meals along with select low carb fruits and vegetables. I

can't even walk that far anymore.  This was the way I found out about how bad my

spine is, from taking the dogs for a walk.  I can lose weight with a low carb

diet without exercise.  I used to be within my goal range and then became so

poor that carbs was what I could afford.  Doctors need to look at statistics of

why America

is over weight and someone needs to do something about the cost of things! 

[Guest guest]

Jane,

Relax, Deb was definitely NOT chastizing you. As an OR nurse, I would have

answered the same. If an extra assistant is required for a procedure due to the

patient's weight, insurance will not cover it unless it's properly documented as

to why it is medically necessary. Therefore the surgeon MUST put in his notes

about the need for heltra help, or he will not be paid. THAT is what Deb was

telling you, nothing more. Deb is a very compassionate nurse with a lot of

knowledge and experience...she has also struggled with weight and can 

understand where you are coming from. I think you may have read too much  into

what she said and reacted a little harshly to someone who was earnestly trying

to help answer your question. We are all here to help and no one here is unkind.

We'd chase 'em out if they were!

---

________________________________

From: Jane Tatum <janetatum@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 8:26:06 AM

Subject: Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

Thank you Debra for your response. Actually I am 56 years old and well

aware of the acceptable weights for women my age. I am also aware that the

assistants are well paid. Thanks for your chastising. You are certainly

entitled to your opinion of me. Jane

SO angry about my surgical report.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

I say I hurt 24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

I wholeheartedly agree Deb....again...spine surgery is my surgical specialty and

I can tell you Deb teels the truth. Take it from those who know

________________________________

From: Debra f <i_ownaberner@...>

spinal problems ; Jeannie

<zigzigfan@...>

Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 4:50:28 AM

Subject: Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

i commend your doc for taking the hard route...even 10 lbs of extra body weight

under axial load is huge....tommorow carry an extra 50 or 100 lbs around in a

backpack...if after 12 hours of carrying a load equal to ur excess weight..your

back pain is not increased then u r right ur dr shouldnt hv said anything...

Your dr sounds like he wants to do whats best for u...a large portion of

surgeons wouldnt do surgery till the weight was lost....

the best thing for a spine patient is to maintain proper body weight and keep

your core strong....do not wear a back brace...and proper body mechanics...

good luck 2 you..

deb rn

----------

Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

- SO angry about my surgical report.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors after

having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he finally

released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on the fact that

I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he would ordinarily have

had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think probably padding the

report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his bill for Blue Cross, but

that really seemed like unnecessary negativity toward someone who was already

knocked down to the ground with all the crap that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this dimwit,

but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when I say I hurt

24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

The problem is that so many people who are overweight/obese know they are so,

have been told so, have been warned to lose it....but don't want to do the work

required and want to have the surgery fix the problem and not deal with the

weight issue. If you are obese and have surgery, you will not get the relief you

are looking for, if any. Like Deb pointed out, even 10 pounds pulling forward on

your spine can cause big problems. It pulls forward on the vertebrae. Our human

bodies are NOT designed to carry around extra weight. It taxes every organ and

joint. Responsibility has to be taken for the weight and people have got to stop

blaming the docs for telling it like it is. Someone has to. they don't want to

add to the numbers of unsuccessful surgeries by operating on someone who isn't a

good candidate for success...such as a smokeer or obese person.---

________________________________

From: Jane Tatum <janetatum@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 11:52:50 PM

Subject: Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

You are right Jeannie. I knew I was fat before that jackass said so. It

was no surprise to me. Just seemed a little unnecessary. Thanks for your

words.

Jane

SO angry about my surgical report.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

I say I hurt 24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

tracy

i have decided that many obese people blame everyone else but the person gtting

the hand to mouh workout.....they get upset when the docs tell them to lose

weight....i would equate a surgeon doing a fusion on an obese person without

explaining the problems with malpractice....my doc explained that three to 5 lbs

on my 100 lb frame could be success vs failure...he stated the stronger my

abdominals the less strain on my back........AND any doc doing a fusion on a

smoker..well thats about the biggest disservice a doc could do to a patient....

deb rn

----------

Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

- Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

You are right Jeannie. I knew I was fat before that jackass said so. It

was no surprise to me. Just seemed a little unnecessary. Thanks for your

words.

Jane

SO angry about my surgical report.

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

that was going on.

I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

I say I hurt 24/7.

Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

Jane iN TN

[Guest guest]

Don't you just love ( sarcastic) those lap band commercials.

>

>

> From: rnping3 <janetatum@...>

> Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

> spinal problems

> Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors after

having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he finally

released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on the fact that

I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he would ordinarily have

had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think probably padding the

report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his bill for Blue Cross, but

that really seemed like unnecessary negativity toward someone who was already

knocked down to the ground with all the crap that was going on.

>

> I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this dimwit,

but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when I say I hurt

24/7.

>

> Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>

> Jane iN TN

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't agree that that is always the case. I think overweight people with an

injury or disease can also get depressed. Food might be a comfort factor. Yes,

thay have to want to lose the weight but might not have the desire or will. It's

not fair to catagorize them into most of them. They might need to get into some

kind of counseling with a psycholigist or therapist. Depression is a big factor

when dealing with a injury/disease. I've been there, done that. IMHO, just

saying.

Cheryle, WI.

>

> From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

> Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>

> I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

> after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

> finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

> the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

> would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

> probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

> bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

> toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

> that was going on.

>

> I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

> unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

> very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

> dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

> I say I hurt 24/7.

>

> Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>

> Jane iN TN

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah I have to agree with Cheryle on this one! , not to be mean or

anything, but I do not think too highly of your post. You make overweight people

look lazy. I am overweight and I am not lazy! I worked 9 years with this pain. I

did not want to give up. I am trying to lose it, but now that I am at home 24/7

and can't do anything but lay in bed, I find that food is my comfort!

Apparently, you are not overweight. Have you ever heard the expression, " You do

not know what it is like to walk in other peoples shoes? "

Dawn

> >

> > From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

> > Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

> > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> > Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

> >

> > I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

> > after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

> > finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

> > the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

> > would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

> > probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

> > bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

> > toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

> > that was going on.

> >

> > I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

> > unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

> > very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

> > dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

> > I say I hurt 24/7.

> >

> > Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

> >

> > Jane iN TN

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

well u all...i have walked the world in ur shoes and turned my life

around..from a wheelchir and 300 lbs size 28 to 100lbs and a size 0...so im the

one who made the statement....when u have an inappropriate relationship with

food it causes prblems...food is not supposed to comfort u..it is supposed to

nourish ur body....food doesnt cmfort someone with back pain...it causes them

pain until they realize that surgery is not an easy fix...the difference is i

dont take it personally when a dr says lose weight...i dont equate that

negatively nor take it personally...

i have done the work it takes..cant blame it on anyone but myself......

as an aside...i respect what tracy has said...BUT because some overweight people

equate there weight with self worth they feel attacked.....

tracy stated a fact....for those that want to live in a fantasy world be my

guest

deb rn

deb rn

----------

Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

- Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

In Chinese medicine, there is a difference between hunger and " desire to

eat. " " Hunger " is a function of spleen qi, which is responsible for

digestion and metabolism. " Desire to eat " is a function of the stomach yin

If there is yin deficiency, you will experience lack of desire to eat, even

if you are hungry. If you have stomach heat, you will be ravenously

desirous of eating even if you are full. I get like that. I eat too much

greasy and spicy foods, and occasionally drink alcohol, all of which

contribute to stomach heat.

However, this can be easily treated with acupuncture and herbs. As can back

pain.

SO angry about my surgical report.

>> > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

>> > Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>> >

>> > I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed

>> > doctors

>> > after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

>> > finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded

>> > on

>> > the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than

>> > he

>> > would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I

>> > think

>> > probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding

>> > of his

>> > bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

>> > toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the

>> > crap

>> > that was going on.

>> >

>> > I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This

>> > seemed

>> > unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who

>> > isn't

>> > very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of

>> > this

>> > dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me

>> > when

>> > I say I hurt 24/7.

>> >

>> > Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>> >

>> > Jane iN TN

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

How do you know if I have been over weight Dawn? I HAVE struggled with it, and a

lot of it due to turning to food when I was in pain. I'm sorry if you have been

offended by my words, but I think people here who've known me for a while know

that I am a straight shooter, but conscious of people's feelings and have

empathy. I said the things I said because they are TRUTH, wether or not they

hurt feelings. The truth is if people who were over weight lost the weight, they

would also lose a tremendous amount of back pain, but the more time goes by, the

more you will be left with as irreversable damage occurs. Now, I have NEVER said

that overweight people with back pain are lazy... but perhaps aren't dedicated

enough. And I'm sure you won't like me saying that either. But if you take a

hard honest look at yourself, you have to realize that more could be done. It's

hard...BLOODY HARD!!!! Probably the hardest thing ever to do...but that doesn't

stop the necessity

of losing the weight. It takes more dedication than to hang on to a job while

in pain...and I know that from experience. You must walk...everyday...go to a PT

and PUSH YOURSELF beyond everything.

At some point, you have to take responsibility for your own health and pain. The

docs can only do so much. You have to help yourself! No one but you is

responsible for your weight. And no one but you can decide that enough is

enough....and that you are ready to do what it takes. Even if it seems

impossible. I assure you, it is not.

---

________________________________

From: " dawn.brooks05@... " <dawn.brooks05@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 1:22:00 PM

Subject: Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

Yeah I have to agree with Cheryle on this one! , not to be mean or

anything, but I do not think too highly of your post. You make overweight people

look lazy. I am overweight and I am not lazy! I worked 9 years with this pain. I

did not want to give up. I am trying to lose it, but now that I am at home 24/7

and can't do anything but lay in bed, I find that food is my comfort!

Apparently, you are not overweight. Have you ever heard the expression, " You do

not know what it is like to walk in other peoples shoes? "

Dawn

> >

> > From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

> > Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

> > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> > Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

> >

> > I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

> > after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

> > finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

> > the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

> > would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

> > probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

> > bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

> > toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

> > that was going on.

> >

> > I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

> > unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

> > very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

> > dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

> > I say I hurt 24/7.

> >

> > Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

> >

> > Jane iN TN

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Of course Cheryle, and I wasn't categorizing anyone. I HAVE BEEN THERE! THAT

makes me an expert and it gives me the right to say it out loud. I struggled

with depression when I was in pain too. But we all have to take responsibility.

We need to get help for the depression. No one is going to help if you don't

take the first step...but I have to be honest...adding another pill

(anti-depressant) is only going to add to symptoms and/or mask the problem.

Exercize is the best anti-depressant. Exercize is good for weight loss. Weight

loss and exercize is good for pain. Period. Honestly, we ALL make excuses

because we get caught in a funk...and when in that funk, we know what we need to

do...but it feels too hard and impossible to undertake. So we make excuses to

ourselves...I'm depressed from the pain therefore I eat. I eat therefore I gain

weight. I hurt so I can't exercize. I don't exercize so I gain more weight. I

gain more weight and become more depressed.

A vicious cycle. And we are our own victim. We are the  ones it hurts, but I

think it hurts us most on the inside. The constant lack of will-power to do what

we need to do to get better takes a toll on our self-esteem. We give up hope and

throw in the towel. And isn't it easier to go to a doc and have him do an

injection and take pills for the pain and pills for the depression. But it

doesn't help does it? not in the long run. Eventually the injections stop

working, the pills stop working, the weight balloons and we aren't helped at

all...and are usually feeling even worse, cuz now we have NOTHING to stop the

pain.

At some point we must each say " enough is enough " . A sort of 'Rocky' moment for

some. Only youu can make the changes you need to feel better. And that is the

honest truth!

--

 

________________________________

From: cheryle.timm <no_reply >

spinal problems

Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 12:29:45 PM

Subject: Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

I don't agree that that is always the case. I think overweight people with an

injury or disease can also get depressed. Food might be a comfort factor. Yes,

thay have to want to lose the weight but might not have the desire or will. It's

not fair to catagorize them into most of them. They might need to get into some

kind of counseling with a psycholigist or therapist. Depression is a big factor

when dealing with a injury/disease. I've been there, done that. IMHO, just

saying.

Cheryle, WI.

>

> From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

> Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>

> I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

> after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

> finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

> the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

> would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

> probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

> bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

> toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

> that was going on.

>

> I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

> unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

> very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

> dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

> I say I hurt 24/7.

>

> Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>

> Jane iN TN

>

>

[Guest guest]

In Chinese medicine, there is a difference between hunger and " desire to

eat. " " Hunger " is a function of spleen qi, which is responsible for

digestion and metabolism. " Desire to eat " is a function of the stomach yin.

If there is yin deficiency, you will experience lack of desire to eat, even

if you are hungry. If you have stomach heat, you will be ravenously

desirous of eating even if you are full. I get like that. I eat too much

greasy and spicy foods, and occasionally drink alcohol, all of which

contribute to stomach heat.

However, this can be easily treated with acupuncture and herbs. As can back

pain.

SO angry about my surgical report.

>> > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

>> > Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>> >

>> > I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed

>> > doctors

>> > after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

>> > finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded

>> > on

>> > the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than

>> > he

>> > would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I

>> > think

>> > probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding

>> > of his

>> > bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

>> > toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the

>> > crap

>> > that was going on.

>> >

>> > I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This

>> > seemed

>> > unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who

>> > isn't

>> > very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of

>> > this

>> > dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me

>> > when

>> > I say I hurt 24/7.

>> >

>> > Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>> >

>> > Jane iN TN

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

Lazy no. But you can use the same rationale for continuing to drink,

take drugs or remain addicted to any number of things that will only

make you feel worse about yourself and will take a terrible toll.

Something positive has to happen in your head to convince you that

taking steps to loose weight will make you feel better about yourself

than giving in to self-pity and harmful, addictive eating of comfort

foods. I think there are support groups that can help, even if you're

bed-bound? Call Overeaters Anonymous or Weight Watchers. They might be

able to help or direct you to a better source of help.

On Jun 12, 2009, at 1:22 PM, dawn.brooks05@... wrote:

Yeah I have to agree with Cheryle on this one! , not to be mean

or anything, but I do not think too highly of your post. You make

overweight people look lazy. I am overweight and I am not lazy! I

worked 9 years with this pain. I did not want to give up. I am trying

to lose it, but now that I am at home 24/7 and can't do anything but

lay in bed, I find that food is my comfort! Apparently, you are not

overweight. Have you ever heard the expression, " You do not know what

it is like to walk in other peoples shoes? "

Dawn

>>

>> From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

>> Subject: SO angry about my surgical

>> report.

>> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

>> Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>>

>> I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed

>> doctors

>> after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that

>> he

>> finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has

>> expounded on

>> the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work

>> than he

>> would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra

>> assistants. I think

>> probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra

>> padding of his

>> bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary

>> negativity

>> toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all

>> the crap

>> that was going on.

>>

>> I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This

>> seemed

>> unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher

>> who isn't

>> very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of

>> this

>> dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes

>> me when

>> I say I hurt 24/7.

>>

>> Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>>

>> Jane iN TN

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Deb,

Congratulations. You said it all after walking the walk.

On Jun 12, 2009, at 3:08 PM, Debra f wrote:

well u all...i have walked the world in ur shoes and turned my life

around..from a wheelchir and 300 lbs size 28 to 100lbs and a size

0...so im the one who made the statement....when u have an

inappropriate relationship with food it causes prblems...food is not

supposed to comfort u..it is supposed to nourish ur body....food

doesnt cmfort someone with back pain...it causes them pain until

they realize that surgery is not an easy fix...the difference is i

dont take it personally when a dr says lose weight...i dont equate

that negatively nor take it personally...

i have done the work it takes..cant blame it on anyone but myself......

as an aside...i respect what tracy has said...BUT because some

overweight people equate there weight with self worth they feel

attacked.....

tracy stated a fact....for those that want to live in a fantasy world

be my guest

deb rn

deb rn

----------

Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

- Re: SO angry about my surgical

report.

In Chinese medicine, there is a difference between hunger and " desire to

eat. " " Hunger " is a function of spleen qi, which is responsible for

digestion and metabolism. " Desire to eat " is a function of the

stomach yin

If there is yin deficiency, you will experience lack of desire to eat,

even

if you are hungry. If you have stomach heat, you will be ravenously

desirous of eating even if you are full. I get like that. I eat too

much

greasy and spicy foods, and occasionally drink alcohol, all of which

contribute to stomach heat.

However, this can be easily treated with acupuncture and herbs. As

can back

pain.

SO angry about my surgical

>>> report.

>>> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

>>> Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>>>

>>> I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed

>>> doctors

>>> after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing

>>> that he

>>> finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has

>>> expounded

>>> on

>>> the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work

>>> than

>>> he

>>> would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra

>>> assistants. I

>>> think

>>> probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra

>>> padding

>>> of his

>>> bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary

>>> negativity

>>> toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all

>>> the

>>> crap

>>> that was going on.

>>>

>>> I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This

>>> seemed

>>> unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher

>>> who

>>> isn't

>>> very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of

>>> this

>>> dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who

>>> believes me

>>> when

>>> I say I hurt 24/7.

>>>

>>> Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>>>

>>> Jane iN TN

>>>

>>>

[Guest guest]

Well said .

________________________________

From: andrea dean <aodean@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 4:55:35 PM

Subject: Re: SO angry about my surgical report.

Lazy no. But you can use the same rationale for continuing to drink,

take drugs or remain addicted to any number of things that will only

make you feel worse about yourself and will take a terrible toll.

Something positive has to happen in your head to convince you that

taking steps to loose weight will make you feel better about yourself

than giving in to self-pity and harmful, addictive eating of comfort

foods. I think there are support groups that can help, even if you're

bed-bound? Call Overeaters Anonymous or Weight Watchers. They might be

able to help or direct you to a better source of help.

On Jun 12, 2009, at 1:22 PM, dawn.brooks05@ ymail.com wrote:

Yeah I have to agree with Cheryle on this one! , not to be mean

or anything, but I do not think too highly of your post. You make

overweight people look lazy. I am overweight and I am not lazy! I

worked 9 years with this pain. I did not want to give up. I am trying

to lose it, but now that I am at home 24/7 and can't do anything but

lay in bed, I find that food is my comfort! Apparently, you are not

overweight. Have you ever heard the expression, " You do not know what

it is like to walk in other peoples shoes? "

Dawn

>>

>> From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

>> Subject: SO angry about my surgical

>> report.

>> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

>> Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

>>

>> I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed

>> doctors

>> after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that

>> he

>> finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has

>> expounded on

>> the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work

>> than he

>> would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra

>> assistants. I think

>> probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra

>> padding of his

>> bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary

>> negativity

>> toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all

>> the crap

>> that was going on.

>>

>> I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This

>> seemed

>> unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher

>> who isn't

>> very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of

>> this

>> dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes

>> me when

>> I say I hurt 24/7.

>>

>> Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

>>

>> Jane iN TN

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

I did have the lap band surgery 2 years ago and I only lost 67 pounds in the

first 4 months but then they started doing all the epidurals which contain

steroids and they send my sugar out the roof (which makes me gain weight) and

then I have to increase my insulin (which causes me to gain) and then they put

me on Lyrica 3 times per day and that really put the weight on me. I have put

back on 40 pounds. And then I got ulcers from all the celebrex and other gerd

problems and they had to open my band all the way so they could do all the

endoscopies. They have now ok'd me to get it filled again but I have so many

problems throwing up now that I am afraid to get it filled again. I also need to

get back to exercising but with all my neck and back problems, it's very hard to

it. I can walk for awhile but my hip and leg go to burning so bad and then my

calf goes to throbbing and I can barely get back home. Don't know what to do.

It's a vicious cycle. Good luck!

[Guest guest]

I've tried everything, when I was first injured, to avoid medication and

orthopedics all together. I went to a chiropracter for about 8 months. She

adjusted my lumbar and cracked my lumbar and neck. Then she did heat and

stimulation after the adjustment. I was on glucosamine/chondroitin, ibuprofen,

Aleve, Doans back pills, (what a joke). I was injured in '92. I didn't get to a

orthopedic doctor until '94. You see, I was a single mother of two children and

no one was going to support them but me. I worked two more years after the

injury. 12 hour days, three days a week. I was a process tech (glorified

inspector) and pulled production, weighed production, boxed it up and stacked it

all on a skid until full, sat at a microscope and verified acceptable

production. Every half hour this all had to be done while keeping up with 4

plastic injection molding machines as well as documenting every procedure

accurately. In doing so, for the next two years I did so much damage to my

sciatic nerve, that I started losing the feeling in my right leg, from the knee

down. When I finally got to a ortho doctor, he ordered a myelogram and came into

the hospital room later that night and told me I had the largest herniated discs

at L5 and S1 that he's ever seen in his practice. Holy Jebus! I had workmens

comp trying to call me a liar. I said to Dr. Gross (that's his name, really) " so

I'm not full of sh*t " ? He said " maybe you are but not aout this " ! I was in

surgery within 2 weeks. I had to an autologous blood donation or I would have

been in surgery right away. After I came out of surgery, I was completely numb

from the hip down from releasing presure which he told me that my right leg

flopped around to the or table. Hmm, attractive picture. With time, physical

therapy and some good old self determination I got the feeling back down to the

knee. That was just the first surgery. The second one was fusion with wire, bone

and collegen and an implanted stimulator. That failed as my body reabsorbed the

bone. He didn't do anterior and fusions at the time so, I was sent to a

specialist who did. He didn't believe that I could be in so much pain and still

sit upright, talk, carry on somewhat normal activities. What ever that is. So he

ordered a lumbar discogram. The most horrendous pain I have ever felt.

Especially when the doctor administering it, got to S1. It felt like lightning

had shot down my leg. I begged him to stop. He made me hold on for a few seconds

more. I didn't cry a lot back then but I did that day. I did the ct scan and the

x-rays. Went back to Dr. Zindrick a week later. He asked me what I felt. I told

him the others were bearable but not S1. He slapped the film onto the light and

he said " because there's no S1. The disc is gone " . I was scheduled for surgery

in two weeks.. No more feeling in my right leg from the knee down. Ever. I'm

still trying to figure out where S1 went. Maybe it stepped out for ice cream and

forgot to come back. All in all I had three surgeries in '94, '95 and '96 and

physical therapy for 5 years. I went back to work. Even tried to do the same

job. My doctor said in all likelihood, I'd probably be able to maybe get in 4

hours. If I'm lucky. I switched to a less physical demanding job. Administrative

assistant to 4 department heads. No bodies, just talking heads. I worked 9

hours a day. In '01 my left shoulder and the left side of my neck started to

have severe pain. I worked 6 more months until I finally went back to Dr. Gross

and he ordered a myleogram. C5 and C6 were herniated. The same procedures,

again. Steroid shots, yedda, yedda, yedda. Finaly that all led to surgery and

fusion of C5/C6. Took care of the pain and I returned to work and failed

miserably. Had to cash in my chips and file for SSD. It took me 5 years, being

turned down 5 times and finally getting a lawyer and literally being homeless,

sleeping in church basements through PADS. Public Action To Deliver Shelter. I

was to determined not to ask for help from family. Through PADS I was given help

with meds, rides to appointments, etc. I moved into the shelter for a month

after being on the streets for a month and a half. Until a girlfriend of mine

found out and demanded I stay with her and her family. Not mentioning I had a

newer husband at the time whose only job was to kick the crap out of me and try

to break my neck after surgery, every chance he got. Through self determination,

help from my family and a wonderful friend I got off the streets, got away from

my wasband and finally got my SSD after 5 years of going thorough Hell to get

it. I may not be rich but my kids, family and friends are healthy and happy and

I am going to a wonderful pain management clinic. I am the richest woman in the

world. I don't ever worry about the woulda, coulda, or shoulda's, I just worry

about the what I'm gonna do's. I've learned that self determination can cause

just as much harm as good if you don't get the help you need. Whether it be

mental, physical or financial. If you don't ask for help sometimes self

determination can lead to self destruction but that's just my opinion. I could

be wrong.

Cheryle

Beloit, Wisconsin

> >

> > From: rnping3 <janetatumcharter (DOT) net>

> > Subject: SO angry about my surgical report.

> > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> > Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 7:29 PM

> >

> > I know that in my introductory post I shared that I have changed doctors

> > after having been with the same one for ten years. Since doing that he

> > finally released my surgical reports, and in each one he has expounded on

> > the fact that I am overweight and that caused him much more work than he

> > would ordinarily have had. That also made him need extra assistants. I think

> > probably padding the report would be for the benefit of extra padding of his

> > bill for Blue Cross, but that really seemed like unnecessary negativity

> > toward someone who was already knocked down to the ground with all the crap

> > that was going on.

> >

> > I am not Shamu the Whale, but I do admit to being overweight. This seemed

> > unnecessarily crass, but I may just be a special education teacher who isn't

> > very well versed in surgical reports. I really am glad to be rid of this

> > dimwit, but would SO like to be in the care of someone who believes me when

> > I say I hurt 24/7.

> >

> > Your thoughts are appreciated, group members. Thank you

> >

> > Jane iN TN

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I hear you, . I've had my weight go up and down more than a

rollercoaster at Six Flags. It's like being stuck on a merry-go-round. A vicious

cycle. One pill can make you sick and one can make you eat. I've found, for me,

that the ones that do help put the weight on. Neurontin does that. I gain a lot

of wster weight from retention. In one week I went from 143 to 151 and back when

I stopped it. It really helps with the sciatica, for me. So we have a catch 22

with these meds. Damned if we do and damned if we don't. Steroids do the same

thing. The thing is, that it is harder on our bodies to have the extra weight.

I'm going through menopause and have gained in my abdomen. That pulls on my

lumbar causing the low back pain. Bigger boobs cause stress on out thorasic and

neck and shoulders not to mention having to wear bigger bras that cause stress

on our shoulders. It seems like we woman can never catch a break!

>

> I did have the lap band surgery 2 years ago and I only lost 67 pounds in the

first 4 months but then they started doing all the epidurals which contain

steroids and they send my sugar out the roof (which makes me gain weight) and

then I have to increase my insulin (which causes me to gain) and then they put

me on Lyrica 3 times per day and that really put the weight on me. I have put

back on 40 pounds. And then I got ulcers from all the celebrex and other gerd

problems and they had to open my band all the way so they could do all the

endoscopies. They have now ok'd me to get it filled again but I have so many

problems throwing up now that I am afraid to get it filled again. I also need to

get back to exercising but with all my neck and back problems, it's very hard to

it. I can walk for awhile but my hip and leg go to burning so bad and then my

calf goes to throbbing and I can barely get back home. Don't know what to do.

It's a vicious cycle. Good luck!

>

>

>