Hey everyone, just a rant here. I know this is more for the Break Room, but I just started back working and can't quite pay for a premium membership yet. It's not really a rant, more a pathetic whine
Today I finally get my rear in for a physical. With 4 kids, sometimes I forget to take care of myself. So, I'm feeling good about going in to get myself checked out. First thing when the NP comes in, she looks at my kids and says, "Couldn't you get anyone to babysit for you?" Well, if I could, I would have done that, instead of dragging a 5 year old, a 2 year old and a 5 month old in here. So, she asks her nurse to play with them while I get checked out. Because, you know, that is what we nurses do.....babysit.
So, I get on the scale. I'm pretty happy to see that I'm back to my pre-preganancy weight. Now, granted, I can stand to lose a few pounds (okay, I'll be honest, maybe 15 or 20), but I just have to watch my eating habits....nothing major. My NP sits down and we start talking. She says to me, "So, what do you want to talk about, besides the fact that you're overweight." Well, thank you for that. But what I really want to talk about is me quitting smoking. I ask about trying Wellbutrin but I get shot down because I'm breastfeeding (okay, get that) and that I should "just do a program because you have to really want to quit, you shouldn't need any meds or patches." If I didn't feel I needed that, I wouldn't ask for it. I also asked about medication for my migraine. Since I was pregnant and now breastfeeding, I haven't been on my regiment of Neurontin/Relpax. The answer I got was just to try other things instead of meds. Once again, if they worked, I WOULD DO IT! While filling out my lab slip for blood work, she says to me, "they just have an obese dx code here, I wish they'd have one for overweight" OKAY, I GET IT ALREADY!!!
In the end, I walked in hoping that I'd get relief from my headaches and on my way to quitting smoking, and walked out of there feeling like a fat, nicotine addicted loser, no better off than when I came in, except now I feel like my image of myself has been horribly distorted all this time and I should be really concerned about getting this weight off. I never thought of myself as really overweight, and I fit in the same size I have for years. But, I guess the truth hurts, and that's what's really bothering me.
Anyway, like the eternal optimist I am, I walk out of there, get myself some Nicorette gum, and go on the Weight watchers website to check out what they have to offer. And then, after hearing my DH won't be home until late, struggling with my kids who are just fighting all day long, getting them all out to Vacation Bible school and volunteering there while trying the nurse my 5 month old, I go out and get myself a BLT hoagie and a pack of smokes.
Hey everyone, just a rant here. I know this is more for the Break Room, but I just started back working and can't quite pay for a premium membership yet. It's not really a rant, more a pathetic whine
Today I finally get my rear in for a physical. With 4 kids, sometimes I forget to take care of myself. So, I'm feeling good about going in to get myself checked out. First thing when the NP comes in, she looks at my kids and says, "Couldn't you get anyone to babysit for you?" Well, if I could, I would have done that, instead of dragging a 5 year old, a 2 year old and a 5 month old in here. So, she asks her nurse to play with them while I get checked out. Because, you know, that is what we nurses do.....babysit.
So, I get on the scale. I'm pretty happy to see that I'm back to my pre-preganancy weight. Now, granted, I can stand to lose a few pounds (okay, I'll be honest, maybe 15 or 20), but I just have to watch my eating habits....nothing major. My NP sits down and we start talking. She says to me, "So, what do you want to talk about, besides the fact that you're overweight." Well, thank you for that. But what I really want to talk about is me quitting smoking. I ask about trying Wellbutrin but I get shot down because I'm breastfeeding (okay, get that) and that I should "just do a program because you have to really want to quit, you shouldn't need any meds or patches." If I didn't feel I needed that, I wouldn't ask for it. I also asked about medication for my migraine. Since I was pregnant and now breastfeeding, I haven't been on my regiment of Neurontin/Relpax. The answer I got was just to try other things instead of meds. Once again, if they worked, I WOULD DO IT! While filling out my lab slip for blood work, she says to me, "they just have an obese dx code here, I wish they'd have one for overweight" OKAY, I GET IT ALREADY!!!
In the end, I walked in hoping that I'd get relief from my headaches and on my way to quitting smoking, and walked out of there feeling like a fat, nicotine addicted loser, no better off than when I came in, except now I feel like my image of myself has been horribly distorted all this time and I should be really concerned about getting this weight off. I never thought of myself as really overweight, and I fit in the same size I have for years. But, I guess the truth hurts, and that's what's really bothering me.
Anyway, like the eternal optimist I am, I walk out of there, get myself some Nicorette gum, and go on the Weight watchers website to check out what they have to offer. And then, after hearing my DH won't be home until late, struggling with my kids who are just fighting all day long, getting them all out to Vacation Bible school and volunteering there while trying the nurse my 5 month old, I go out and get myself a BLT hoagie and a pack of smokes.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day.....
:rotfl: :rotfl:
This is so hilarious! I just can't believe how unprofessional this NP was. I am over weight myself and when I'm ready to tackle this issue, I will, but sometimes that's not the hot issue in your life right now. I loved the BLT hoagie. You go girl!
First of all, I agree with everyone else who has posted. Sounds like there are a lot of people on here with great advice.
Just wanted to reiterate though... get yourself another doc. I am 23, 5'8", 135-140 pounds (depending on the day!) and every time I went to a particular gyno I used to go to, she would remark on my weight. If I gained a pound!!! which I can do simply by drinking a glass of water before I go, or if I actually ate breakfast before the visit, she would say... "hmmm... you're gaining weight, maybe you should watch that!" And when she would ask if I was getting excercise, I would say, "yup, still doing pilates," and she would go "Humph, I meant some real exercise." I put up with that for two visits, and switched docs. I was going for her to make sure I had a good pap, get a refill on my bc, and not to lecture me on my exercise habits which she didn't seem to like. With my busy schedule, I'm lucky to get any exercise (besides running around at work!) Any doctor who makes you feel bad about yourself is not worth it. Doctors are supposed to help you reach your goals for your own health, not to criticize you for not fitting every cookie cutter image of healthy lifestyle.
One step to take on the weight issue (think of it as getting fit rather than losing weight, cause you might get fit and weigh the same because of added muscle) would be, if you have a parking deck at work, always walk up and down to your car rather than take the elevator and park on a level higher than 1 or 2 to help you get a little extra exercise. Take little steps towards your health goals, and you'll be more likely to succeed.
I'm sorry but did your HCP want you to be THINNER!!!!!!! you are by no means overweight!!!!!!!! My goodness your BMI is 21 :angryfire Weight management is important but counseling someone that is perfectly normal to "watch it" is terrible. I hope that her younger less knowledgeable pts. aren't taking her seriously anorexia comes to mind :angryfire :angryfire
Hey everyone, just a rant here. I know this is more for the Break Room, but I just started back working and can't quite pay for a premium membership yet. It's not really a rant, more a pathetic whine
Today I finally get my rear in for a physical. With 4 kids, sometimes I forget to take care of myself. So, I'm feeling good about going in to get myself checked out. First thing when the NP comes in, she looks at my kids and says, "Couldn't you get anyone to babysit for you?" Well, if I could, I would have done that, instead of dragging a 5 year old, a 2 year old and a 5 month old in here. So, she asks her nurse to play with them while I get checked out. Because, you know, that is what we nurses do.....babysit.
So, I get on the scale. I'm pretty happy to see that I'm back to my pre-preganancy weight. Now, granted, I can stand to lose a few pounds (okay, I'll be honest, maybe 15 or 20), but I just have to watch my eating habits....nothing major. My NP sits down and we start talking. She says to me, "So, what do you want to talk about, besides the fact that you're overweight." Well, thank you for that. But what I really want to talk about is me quitting smoking. I ask about trying Wellbutrin but I get shot down because I'm breastfeeding (okay, get that) and that I should "just do a program because you have to really want to quit, you shouldn't need any meds or patches." If I didn't feel I needed that, I wouldn't ask for it. I also asked about medication for my migraine. Since I was pregnant and now breastfeeding, I haven't been on my regiment of Neurontin/Relpax. The answer I got was just to try other things instead of meds. Once again, if they worked, I WOULD DO IT! While filling out my lab slip for blood work, she says to me, "they just have an obese dx code here, I wish they'd have one for overweight" OKAY, I GET IT ALREADY!!!
In the end, I walked in hoping that I'd get relief from my headaches and on my way to quitting smoking, and walked out of there feeling like a fat, nicotine addicted loser, no better off than when I came in, except now I feel like my image of myself has been horribly distorted all this time and I should be really concerned about getting this weight off. I never thought of myself as really overweight, and I fit in the same size I have for years. But, I guess the truth hurts, and that's what's really bothering me.
Anyway, like the eternal optimist I am, I walk out of there, get myself some Nicorette gum, and go on the Weight watchers website to check out what they have to offer. And then, after hearing my DH won't be home until late, struggling with my kids who are just fighting all day long, getting them all out to Vacation Bible school and volunteering there while trying the nurse my 5 month old, I go out and get myself a BLT hoagie and a pack of smokes.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day.....
Up in my neck of the woods, the MD's find it appropriate to tell everyone that they're overweight, without tact, in a not-so-pleasant tone of voice. It is not abnormal for them to withhold surgery until a patient loses weight, etc. What really gets me is when the MD insulting the patient weighs about 400 pounds, and he's a cardiologist.
I'm sick of ignorant pigs in healthcare. Stand your ground.
I understand the idea of doc's hitting all the hot-button health issues. They see you a few minutes a year and try to cram all the data in that they can.
What chaps my buns is that in their double-booked-half-the-time exam, they start dispensing advice without considering your individual circumstance, physiology, etc. Any attempt at squeezing in an explanation or two (in the hopes some action can actually be tailored to your specific needs) is met with a myriad of reactions that, oddly enough, always skips the one associated with "understanding."
Perhaps its a function of getting older, but I just don't have any expectation that the doctor/NP/PA I'm going to see is any wiser, smarter, or insightful than my plumber or auto mechanic. "Let's see, you are overweight and need more exercise." To which I reply, "Really? You're ugly and need a nose job. Now tell me something I don't know."
I just wish that for something that is second only to my mortgage for aggregate cost, I could get a dram more consideration/service.
***This rant was brought to you by, "Consumers for Reasonable Acting Physicians (CRAP). We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.***
Up in my neck of the woods, the MD's find it appropriate to tell everyone that they're overweight, without tact, in a not-so-pleasant tone of voice.
While i don't believe rudeness would be a problem-solver, sugar-coating isn't effective either, because some people can be morbidly obese, and be in denial that they ARE.
Kinda like a pt. we had a month ago that complained (about everything else as well) about the OR bed being "too skinny for the average person like myself" (HER WORDS). She was 513 pounds!! The surgeon said "this bed is designed to withstand 600 pounds" and went to write post-op orders, one of which included a dietary consult from patient education (oh yeah, the comment card from THAT was something else...). The pt. immediately comment on his "rude" remark. I think she expected that there would be a special bed wide enough for her, but a wider bed means that people would be bending and stretching their body over to reach the operative site (not the best idea in sterile technique). Plus, our average adult pt. is 170-230 pounds, and the bed works just fine for that as well.
I didn't say it was, and don't think it is. What I'm trying to get at is that I think you can health teach, communicate, etc., with people without treating them like crap. I'm pro-civil, anti-crap.
as one who just started my FNP program I am appalled at the way you were treated by this provider. You are very gracious and forgiving to just see other providers in the practice - I would run posthaste to another provider.
As for quitting smoking, I did it many years ago (had started as a high school punk kid) and had tried unsuccessfully several times before finally doing it. Here is what finally worked for me - admittedly a little unconventional but then again so am I:
A close male friend who wanted to quit and I decided to do it together. We were each others' support system those first few weeks - if we found ourselves about to break we would call each other no matter what time of the day or night. We gave each other pep talks and positive encouragement. The first 2-3 weeks were the absolute worst, then we needed the support less and less (but good to know it was still there). As added incentive we had $$$ on the line whoever "gave in" first had to buy the other one a very nice bottle of wine, dinner or whatever the choice up to a limit that we had agreed upon. (this was almost 20 years ago so the limit would be laughable today). Anyway, he cracked, I didn't - and I am smoke-free 19 years later with no drugs, patches, etc. needed.
As for weight loss, however...that is my bane. i just like to eat too much and exercising is such a challenge with my crazy schedule!!! I have thought about Curves - they are in my area - but their hours are very limited and not convenient for me. I try to be outside doing yard work or walking whenever I can but it is still not enough. I just bought a set of Pilates "cards" at Barnes & noble recently that I am going to try - maybe doing just a few exercises a day targeting different areas. I have found over the years that I dont like videos for some reason.
Anyway, sorry to be so long. Keep your head up, OP, and don't let that witch of a NP get you down!!!! :flowersfo
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.
WOW..not very goal oriented NP there huh? My MD at least is, and doesn't point out the probelms as much as the solution we both think that will work for me! And he knows I am an RN and sympathizes with caregiver stress and lack of time for self...let alone taking care of myself correctly..LOL!
I would opt to find another PCP to care for you, someone more 'on your team' than this one! A practitioner and patient (sorry...I know we hate being called patients..LOL!) must have a trust and open communication...I feel this has been obliterated already (for me it would be!!!). I could not feel open to talk to this practitioner anymore, let alone feel they have my best interest or health in mind!
Good luck to you, I too am an overweight smoker (about 20 lbs to loose!) and had practitioners just like the one you described...I left them by the wayside...
2. Day of the appointment, after 3 or 4 reminder phone calls like some telemarketer on speed, you shower, shave allllll the way to the bikini line, check for grey pubic hairs, butt nuggets and varicose veins while contorting over your hand held magnifying mirror (which really does make your butt look 10 pounds bigger) and then smooth on your favorite moisturizing lotion, you want to look your best in that fashionable paper gown, right girls?
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hey everyone, just a rant here. I know this is more for the Break Room, but I just started back working and can't quite pay for a premium membership yet. It's not really a rant, more a pathetic whine
Today I finally get my rear in for a physical. With 4 kids, sometimes I forget to take care of myself. So, I'm feeling good about going in to get myself checked out. First thing when the NP comes in, she looks at my kids and says, "Couldn't you get anyone to babysit for you?" Well, if I could, I would have done that, instead of dragging a 5 year old, a 2 year old and a 5 month old in here. So, she asks her nurse to play with them while I get checked out. Because, you know, that is what we nurses do.....babysit.
So, I get on the scale. I'm pretty happy to see that I'm back to my pre-preganancy weight. Now, granted, I can stand to lose a few pounds (okay, I'll be honest, maybe 15 or 20), but I just have to watch my eating habits....nothing major. My NP sits down and we start talking. She says to me, "So, what do you want to talk about, besides the fact that you're overweight." Well, thank you for that. But what I really want to talk about is me quitting smoking. I ask about trying Wellbutrin but I get shot down because I'm breastfeeding (okay, get that) and that I should "just do a program because you have to really want to quit, you shouldn't need any meds or patches." If I didn't feel I needed that, I wouldn't ask for it. I also asked about medication for my migraine. Since I was pregnant and now breastfeeding, I haven't been on my regiment of Neurontin/Relpax. The answer I got was just to try other things instead of meds. Once again, if they worked, I WOULD DO IT! While filling out my lab slip for blood work, she says to me, "they just have an obese dx code here, I wish they'd have one for overweight" OKAY, I GET IT ALREADY!!!
In the end, I walked in hoping that I'd get relief from my headaches and on my way to quitting smoking, and walked out of there feeling like a fat, nicotine addicted loser, no better off than when I came in, except now I feel like my image of myself has been horribly distorted all this time and I should be really concerned about getting this weight off. I never thought of myself as really overweight, and I fit in the same size I have for years. But, I guess the truth hurts, and that's what's really bothering me.
Anyway, like the eternal optimist I am, I walk out of there, get myself some Nicorette gum, and go on the Weight watchers website to check out what they have to offer. And then, after hearing my DH won't be home until late, struggling with my kids who are just fighting all day long, getting them all out to Vacation Bible school and volunteering there while trying the nurse my 5 month old, I go out and get myself a BLT hoagie and a pack of smokes.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day.....
I feel as if I should apologize for this idiotic nurse practitioner. I, too, am an NP and am so sorry for her unprofessional behavior. That was truly heartless.
Pleas seek out someone else, physician or NP who can give you the time you #1 deserve and #2 pay for. You can quit smoking and lose weight. Maybe not lose the weight now, secondary to the fact you are breast feeding and probably need the caloric intake in moderation (but no hoagies....ha ha). Quitting smoking, you will have to do that without the aid of meds, unfortunately (breast feeding). But, you can do it. Please go to sites for this and get some info.
:angryfire Good luck, and so sorry for the abrasive attitute and unprofessional snobbiness of this "NP". Makes it look bad for the rest of us.
Here's my exam horror/humor story. I went in for my pap, having put it off for two years because I am insanely hung up about people seeing my privates (don't even ask about my sex life -- or lack thereof). I get all set up on the table, Dr. has the speculum in, I'm shaking and sweating, Dr. reaches over to grab the swab, hits the end of it, it goes "boing" and flies right over the exam table and lands on the floor. OK. So she opens the drawer to get another swab and goes "Uh-oh" -- words you really don't want to hear in that situation. Well, there were no more swabs, so she had to go to another room to get them, so she said, "well, we have two choices here, I can take this out and go get them or I can leave it in." I said "go." And then just lay there staring at the ceiling getting more and more giggly about my predicament until by the time she came back I was beyond caring what happened to me. :chuckle
Well as long as we're sharing horror stories (maybe this should be its own thread) I had a very similar experience. Except ... Dr. turns around to get something she forgot to bring to the table with her, I cough and the speculum shoots across the room making the loudest noise imaginable. Dr. just looks at me in amazement and says, "Well, that's never happened before." I wanted to die! I will forever be known in her office as the woman who can launch a speculum with her Kegals, I'm sure. :rotfl:
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.
Oh man...I think I will add to this too. The first time I met my current MD was all preped for the ol PAP. So he came in, obviously rushed, and just got down to business! The nurse in the room was talking to me when all the sudden I sat up in the stirups and said "Hi...I am _____ your patient, and I can't say you are seeing my best side, so I thought I should let you the better side before begining!" and busted up laughing as I extended a hand through my bent legs to shake his!
The nurse just about died laughing, and the MD was almost in tears laughing so hard. Okay...never try the ol spec when the patient and the MD are laughing (kegals again!). OH man did that pap take forever!!!!! LOL!!!!!
He told me after that he ALWAYS introduces himself no matter how busy he is because he remembers that with almost every pap. Oh great...a vision of my privates and laughing...just what I wanted to have remembered of me! LOL!!!!!!
While filling out my lab slip for blood work, she says to me, "they just have an obese dx code here, I wish they'd have one for overweight" OKAY, I GET IT ALREADY!!!
ValerieB
61 Posts
:rotfl: :rotfl:
This is so hilarious! I just can't believe how unprofessional this NP was. I am over weight myself and when I'm ready to tackle this issue, I will, but sometimes that's not the hot issue in your life right now. I loved the BLT hoagie. You go girl!