Doctors, Weight Issues, and Empowerment!
From: Penhead (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 13 Nov 2001 08:18:09 -0600 (CST)
Hi All!
I am very recently diagnosed with PCOS and IR (I just started taking
Glucophage yesterday). This board has been a HUGE help to me and I am
VERY grateful.
I just recenlty had an apt with my new endocrinologist and decided to
share some info. I am overweight (and have been for most of my life)
and am very sensitive about it. After doing some research online, I
stumpled upon a suggestion from a writer, Hanne Blank, to write a letter
to the MD before the apt explaining the situation. I was so empowered
by this!! So after much thinking, I did it!! I first sent the letter to
my OBGYN who was GREAT about it. Then I sent it to my endo who was also
very impressed and it allowed us to openly discuss the situation and my
needs. So I thought that since so many of us struggley with weight
issues that I would share my letter (with identifying info blacked out).
To me it was just a symbol of me taking charge of my medical care and my
mental care. I talked with a friend of mine who has other medical
issues to which she is incredibly sensitive. She is sending one to her
doctor as well. I just think anything we do to empower ourselves and
each other can't hurt!
My letter is below!
Best of luck to us all!
--
Penhead
------------------
Dear Dr ____________,
------------------
Hi! I am a new patient of yours. Prior to my first appointment, I
------------------
wanted to share some information with you. I ask that this information
be made part of my medical chart with your office. This is my first
appointment with your office; I was referred by my OBGYN, ______, with
____________OBGYN. Your practice comes highly recommended from her.
Prior to my appointment I feel it necessary to provide you (and anyone
else who may be seeing me at your office) with some information
regarding my medical needs.
Dr _________ referred me to you because she feels that I have poly
cystic ovarian syndrome. After an initial exam with her on September 6,
I had a pelvic ultrasound with Dr _______ in _____ which did indicate
that my right ovary is not functioning normally and has a poly-cystic
appearance. Additionally, I had Day 23 blood work performed that
indicated that I was not ovulating and the my insulin level was higher
than normal-indicating possible insulin resistance. My other blood
levels were in the normal range. I initially had my appointment with Dr
___________ because my husband and I had not been using birth control
for over 1 ½ years and have used home ovulation kits, yet have had no
luck in conceiving. It was my belief that I am not ovulating. With the
2 home ovulation kits that we used and the ClearPlan fertility monitor
(which I also used for 2 months), my cycle never “peaked”.
In addition to my medical needs I wanted to make you aware of some other
aspects that will assist you in treating me. I have a very strong
preference not to be weighed. I spent most of my teenaged years on
diets and being weighed weekly. I find, as do many overweight people,
that being weighed tends to be a very traumatic and depressing
experience and makes me feel powerless and hopeless. And having studied
human nature and counseling extensively in graduate school and college
(and having been a mental health therapist for years), I know the
importance of self-preservation. If there is a pressing medical reason
that I should be weighed, please talk to me about it. I am not an
unreasonable person. However, I see no reason to subject myself to
emotional distress for the sake of gathering statistics. I am well
aware of the existence of weight loss diets and weight loss surgery. I
have dieted for much of my life and you may rest assured that if I ever
wish to avail myself of medical assistance for weight loss, I know that
you and/or other experts are available.
I do exercise, eat a balanced diet, take multi-vitamins, brush my teeth,
vote during elections, drive safely, call my mother regularly, and seek
medical care when needed. I am looking forward to enjoying the benefit
of your professional expertise in protecting my health and well-being
and trust that you, as a professional, will support me in doing so
regardless of my size or weight. If you have any questions for me about
my weight, weight acceptance, or anything that comes up during my visit,
please feel free to ask. I am not open to harassment, but am very open
to dialogue. I look forward to working with you and hope that you can
help me.
Sincerely,
![[ PCOS Discussion Forums ]](../../images/pcos_at_obgyn.gif)