“Orthob*sity” — FFS. [CW: intentional weight loss discussed] A couple months ago, I posted about going to an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with the best hospital in the state to be assessed for total knee replacement. He said I needed to lose 30 lbs first, and estimated I’d be in the hospital for 1-2 days. My BMI is slightly under 40. Well, screw that. Instead, I consulted another surgeon, a local guy with good credentials, and I am now 2 weeks out from TKR done at an outpatient center (so went home early afternoon), and I’ve been walking without a cane for over a week already. I know I’m lucky, but my point is: weight does not determine surgical outcome!. First guy thought I was an infection risk. Jeez, there’s ALREADY a bias against fat orthopedic patients. “Orthobe*ity” is the last thing we need.
This is ludicrous. My insurance company offers a program called Hinge (I get nothing to mention them) that is at home physical therapy type exercise, strengthening, stretching, flexibility. When I did it the first time for back pain it had an optional place to record weight and had a couple weight loss lessons sprinkled throughout. The current version of the program seems completely devoid of weight references. I don’t know if it’s personalized due to my complaints or complete program change. Either way, it provides weight neutral treatment. I think this program is about 90% responsible for my recovery! All this to say… if docs are going to prescribe at home programs… directly work on the problem!
Interesting. My orthopedic experience has been good and the ortho doc offered different options, including total knee replacement, but I opted for a different treatment.
However, after completing a sleep study that apparently did not indicate sleep apnea, an MD referred me for a CPAP, stating the referral was "based on your body type." What?! The machine keeps me awake coughing so I attempted to return the equipment and the company warned me not to return it "Against Medical Advice." The rep stated Medicare won't pay if I don't try harder, mentioned a goal of "weight loss" (not my goal!), and commented the referring MD receives compensation for every month I keep it, so would know if I reject it.
I'm still trying to untangle the mess and tired of healthcare that isn't about health or care.
“Orthob*sity” — FFS. [CW: intentional weight loss discussed] A couple months ago, I posted about going to an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with the best hospital in the state to be assessed for total knee replacement. He said I needed to lose 30 lbs first, and estimated I’d be in the hospital for 1-2 days. My BMI is slightly under 40. Well, screw that. Instead, I consulted another surgeon, a local guy with good credentials, and I am now 2 weeks out from TKR done at an outpatient center (so went home early afternoon), and I’ve been walking without a cane for over a week already. I know I’m lucky, but my point is: weight does not determine surgical outcome!. First guy thought I was an infection risk. Jeez, there’s ALREADY a bias against fat orthopedic patients. “Orthobe*ity” is the last thing we need.
This is ludicrous. My insurance company offers a program called Hinge (I get nothing to mention them) that is at home physical therapy type exercise, strengthening, stretching, flexibility. When I did it the first time for back pain it had an optional place to record weight and had a couple weight loss lessons sprinkled throughout. The current version of the program seems completely devoid of weight references. I don’t know if it’s personalized due to my complaints or complete program change. Either way, it provides weight neutral treatment. I think this program is about 90% responsible for my recovery! All this to say… if docs are going to prescribe at home programs… directly work on the problem!
Interesting. My orthopedic experience has been good and the ortho doc offered different options, including total knee replacement, but I opted for a different treatment.
However, after completing a sleep study that apparently did not indicate sleep apnea, an MD referred me for a CPAP, stating the referral was "based on your body type." What?! The machine keeps me awake coughing so I attempted to return the equipment and the company warned me not to return it "Against Medical Advice." The rep stated Medicare won't pay if I don't try harder, mentioned a goal of "weight loss" (not my goal!), and commented the referring MD receives compensation for every month I keep it, so would know if I reject it.
I'm still trying to untangle the mess and tired of healthcare that isn't about health or care.