OK, for those of you that have been with me for the last year, you know the story of my doctor and how she's been anything but supportive. Never a kind word or any type of encouragement. Based on our insurance plan, I've been sort of forced to wait to change doctors until our annual enrollment period, which is coming up in early December. Before you ask, yes I am switching docs on the first day of open enrollment!
Anyway, on to the update......had my 4 month check-up today. I was certain that she would prove me wrong and be supportive, or at least decent. WRONG AGAIN!!!! Again, after not mentioning or acknowleding my weight loss in any way she began discussing my blood pressure. I've been totally off meds for 3 months now (YIPPEE!!!) and the bp is running excellent....averaging 105/68. Who could ask for more? Apparently Ms. Witchy Doctor can!!! She said to me (in not too nice of a tone) "so what do you think has caused your bp to improve?" What? Are you kidding me? I responded (not too nicely) "oh, I don't know, maybe the 94 pounds that I've LOST?!?!?!?" She followed this remark up with telling me that my bp will always be a concern now that I've damaged my heart by having high bp. I was unaware that there was any damage, in fact the ekg I had prior to losing weight showed no damage. She also said that I shouldn't get too excited by the bp readings as my body is more than likely just in a "honeymoon period" and my bp will go back up (note that I never had high bp until I was 75 pounds overweight), oh, and I also need to consider that I'm entering MENOPAUSE and that will cause my bp to spike! OMG!!!! I have no symptoms of menopause and I'm only 39 for heaven's sake! Take into account family history and the fact that my gma was still having periods at 67, my mom had a hysterectomy at 50 and had not entered menopause yet, then yeah, I'm sure I'm in it full swing right now!!!!! Not batting an eye, she asked if I exercise. Again, we discussed this on the last two visits...maybe I was the only one listening? I told her I walk, at a very brisk pace, for at least 45 minutes and/or use my elliptical for the same amount of time, trying to switch it up a bit, at least 6 out of 7 days a week. Her response was that I really should try to increase my activity. She then moved on to my cholesterol levels. At my highest weight and time of worst eating habits, my cholesterol was 147. Based on this I'm expecting my numbers to come back and be good. She's not. She says I did too much damage by being overweight to ever NOT have to worry about my cholesterol, even if I do "manage" to maintain the weight loss. Cool. Thanks for the encouragement, doc!
OK. The day is about over and I'm about over this visit, but dang, shouldn't these people have to go to some kind of school to learn how to treat patients????? Thank heaven's I have you guys to complain to!