The High Price of Obesity

Earlier this season on The Biggest Loser there was an episode in which they showed a married couple what their obesity cost them over the course of their life time. Cash in the back of an armored truck. LOTS of cash! I don't remember the exact amount but I think they underestimated! Thinking about what my injuries (complicated as they are by obesity) combined with various ailments that could be resolved by losing weight (blood pressure for one) is costing me ... medical bills, prescriptions, time lost from work, etc. ... LOTS of money! It's pretty scary!

I saw Dr. Movva today and he told me to buy a knee brace (no easy feat with legs the size of mine) and stay off my leg for the rest of the week. If it isn't better next week he will send me in for an MRI to see if there is damage above and beyond arthritis. He gave me my last Ortovisc injections while I was there. I just sat and cried through the whole blasted appointment! He kept saying "hopefully you will feel better soon" while I was pessimistically wondering why I have to wait til next week for an MRI which I will then have to wait for the referral and scheduling. And then the reading of films and potentially a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. More waiting! I'm just frustrated! And I hurt. And I'm weepy!

I left the doctor's office (with my work release in hand since I'm supposed to stay iced and elevated til next week) and went in search of a super-sized knee brace. Not wanting to walk any more than necessary I began my search by calling the pharmacy that we regularly use. Nothing in stock but she was willing to look in some catalogs. That didn't sound too promising so I drove to the pharmacy that the doctor had specified as being the most likely place to find one. The lady measured my thigh which was about 8 inches larger than the 3X Brace would accommodate. She suggested using a ace bandage. I was underwhelmed by that option and asked if she could recommend anyplace in town that might be able to help me. Her only suggestion was Soft, Inc. so she gave me their address and phone number. I limped out to my truck and debated whether I should call my doctor and scream "I told you so" or call Soft. I decided to call Soft. The very helpful lady there asked me a few questions and said she thought she could help me so I drove there and sure enough they found a knee brace that fit even my leg! It may be a 4X and the largest they carry but being able to find one in stock that would work for me made me feel a little more human. I acknowledge that part of my obesity is my own darn fault but part of it is genetic predisposition and in our culture even the part that is my fault can be deemed an "illness." I hate being treated as almost sub-human because I have needs outside the realm of the norm. Anyway .... that's a soap box that I will dance on another day! The lady showed me how to put on and adjust the brace and $132 later I was off and ... well ... limping!

Called work to update them on what the doctor had said and the fact that I won't be back til Monday. Charlotte and Alicia were both very caring and supportive. I am blessed!

Went to my usual pharmacy to pick up a few prescriptions (Ka-ching!) and came home to hang out in a recliner with my friend the ice quilt. Talked Joe into going to the bank for me in an effort to stave off any bouncing checks.

Salmon is in the oven and wild rice on the stove. I feel like crap and I'm still frustrated but I will hang in there!