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AIBU?

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Original poster

To feel shamed by this question?

43 replies

HappyHen17 · 02/11/2025 16:14

Please be gentle as this has really left me feeling like crap and I’d like to know if there’s any real reason for the question that I was asked. I’ve had hip issues for ages and finally decided to use my birthday money to go to a private physio as I’d waited so long on the NHS. During my examination she asked several questions about my stretch marks and how I’d got them-I had some big weight gain and loss in my early 20s relating to difficult circumstances, plus pregnancy. I left feeling really uncertain about why I was asked and really self conscious about how I must look to professionals. I’ve always enjoyed massages and as the hip issues are still not resolved, one would be useful but I feel so insecure. Does anyone know if there’s a medical reason for the question as that may help me to feel better about it.

OP posts:
barbismyfriend · 02/11/2025 17:27

My physio has never seen my stretch marks because they’ve never seen me when I’ve not been fully clothed! Is this normal??

SpiritAdder · 02/11/2025 17:25

Shininglightshiningbright · 02/11/2025 17:23

I totally agree with you.

I just think generally think people should adjust their mindset going into a medical appointment so that if you don't understand - what or why you they are asking something - or anything at all in fact to do with your medical condition or possible outcomes , treatment etc then ask.

Show quote history

Yes I agree if it is mindset instead of brain fog or forgetfulness 🙃

Shininglightshiningbright · 02/11/2025 17:23

SpiritAdder · 02/11/2025 17:07

Some of us don’t think of questions until after we have left the appointment 😅
Asking on here isn’t evidence that the physiotherapist refused to give op information.

Show quote history

I totally agree with you.

I just think generally think people should adjust their mindset going into a medical appointment so that if you don't understand - what or why you they are asking something - or anything at all in fact to do with your medical condition or possible outcomes , treatment etc then ask.

SpiritAdder · 02/11/2025 17:07

Shininglightshiningbright · 02/11/2025 17:01

I'm sorry I dont understand your point.

Op has been asked questions about her stretch marks and she doesn't understand the relevance of these questions to her current medical condition.
.L All i'm saying is it's her body and her medical problem so if she doesn't understand why they are asking she should question them as to the relevance and significance

She is a human being, she has a right to know why.
In the past I've been treated as an unfeeling, inanimate object by medical professionals but I won't accept that now.
So.please explain your point as you seem to be saying she has no right to understand her medical treatment.

Show quote history

Some of us don’t think of questions until after we have left the appointment 😅
Asking on here isn’t evidence that the physiotherapist refused to give op information.

SpiritAdder · 02/11/2025 17:05

Yes it is relevant to know whether someone has gained & lost a lot of weight (including pregnancies). When you are overweight/pregnant, you cause more wear and tear on your joints, especially the hip, knee, and ankle. It can also affect your feet- causing pronation which in turn can cause issues with knees and hips.

I know it’s a sensitive issue for you. Please be reassured it’s part of your medical history.

OverlyFragrant · 02/11/2025 17:03

Wondering if you might have EDS or hypermobility syndrome which can manifest (including myself) in having an unusual amount of stretchmarks.
Very relevant for them to ask imo.

Shininglightshiningbright · 02/11/2025 17:01

Overdonecabbage · 02/11/2025 16:45

You want a medical view
and you view their enquiries as intrusive

bloody hell I wouldn’t be a hcp

Edited
Show quote history

I'm sorry I dont understand your point.

Op has been asked questions about her stretch marks and she doesn't understand the relevance of these questions to her current medical condition.
.L All i'm saying is it's her body and her medical problem so if she doesn't understand why they are asking she should question them as to the relevance and significance

She is a human being, she has a right to know why.
In the past I've been treated as an unfeeling, inanimate object by medical professionals but I won't accept that now.
So.please explain your point as you seem to be saying she has no right to understand her medical treatment.

rainbowunicorn · 02/11/2025 16:49

Bloody hell, we really are at the point of being offended by everything, aren't we? A medical professional asking questions to help them to understand your issue and you take umbrage. Maybe use your words and ask them to explain the connection instead of getting huffy and posting on here.

Overdonecabbage · 02/11/2025 16:45

Shininglightshiningbright · 02/11/2025 16:33

When I was younger I put up with a lot of remarks and intrusive questions from medical professionals which upset me greatly.
Now i'm older I would challenge things that I don't understand. So in your case I would have directly said " why are you asking? " or " what bearing does that have on my situation ".
I would hope that the reasons for the questions are as pp have explained but honestly please ask. It's your health. Your body. Totally your business.

You want a medical view
and you view their enquiries as intrusive

bloody hell I wouldn’t be a hcp

Davros · 02/11/2025 16:34

Lots of NHS physio is online. My sister resolved her sciatica by using it. Good luck, don’t feel crap 💐

Shininglightshiningbright · 02/11/2025 16:33

When I was younger I put up with a lot of remarks and intrusive questions from medical professionals which upset me greatly.
Now i'm older I would challenge things that I don't understand. So in your case I would have directly said " why are you asking? " or " what bearing does that have on my situation ".
I would hope that the reasons for the questions are as pp have explained but honestly please ask. It's your health. Your body. Totally your business.

MrsPrendergast · 02/11/2025 16:33

Anything which can affect the joints needs to be ruled out or in

Linzloopy · 02/11/2025 16:32

If you had been several stone heavier for a number of years, that would definitely have affected the stresses on your hip joints. I was asked if I had had any major weight changes when I saw a consultant about a back problem.

BlackCatGoesHome · 02/11/2025 16:29

Stretch marks can be a sign of Ehlers Danlos syndrome

BollyAndHen · 02/11/2025 16:28

Stretchmarks can be a sign of a connective tissue disorder. DH is slim and has stretch marks due to such a disorder.
Edit: Just to add that it was a physio that realised he had the disorder, he was sent after years of problems with his knees.

Overdonecabbage · 02/11/2025 16:27

She wanted to know about your weight gain op

and very very sensibly

Redpeach · 02/11/2025 16:21

I would have thought weight issues and hip issues could be linked?

ShesTheAlbatross · 02/11/2025 16:21

I’d assume she was asking because they can be from weight gain which I guess could affect your hips. Although from a healthcare professional I would think they could just ask about weight gain as it’s a legitimate question.