To think I still deserve medical attention despite being overweight

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Every time I have a medical issue and seek help for it I get told to lose weight, which is fair enough, I understand that, but that is all the support I get.

For example, I went to the GP recently about crippling pain in my left knee. I can't walk far, I can't sleep, and it often escalates into shooting pains up and down my leg or stabbing pains in the side of my knee which make it really hard to concentrate on anything but the pain.

I was prescribed 3 months of Orlistat. Nothing for the pain in my knee, just three months of weight loss drugs and told to come back after I had lost 5% of my body weight to discuss my knee.

I've been on it for a week now. I still cannot walk or sleep and last night another condition I have had previously flared up which I think is related to the Orlistat/weight loss/diet.

It's something I have had previously, only ever when trying to lose weight. It's like a really sharp, unbearable pain across the top of my stomach. The pain is so bad it causes vomiting and shortness of breath. I would honestly rather spend the rest of my life in labour than to experience that pain again and now it's back. I've only had it once up to now but I know the pattern, it will become more and more frequent until I'm having daily attacks that last hours. If I seek help during an attack, then I know a Dr will take one look at my weight, tell me it is because of all the fatty food I eat, and send me away in tears to buy myself some Gaviscon and lose weight.

It never happens when I eat fatty food it happens when I try to lose weight but they never believe me.

So now I am stuck, I can either be fat and never walk without pain again or I can continue losing weight and have hours of childbirth-like pain every day.

AIBU to think it shouldn't be like this?

Not RTFT but skimmed enough comments to see the negatives.

It’s absolutely wrong of your doctor to prescribe weight loss instead of treating you. What would they do with a thin person who had knee pain? Because despite all the crap people spout, thin people have these issues too, only they’re actually treated for what they go in for. And people wonder why the health outcomes of fat people are often worse…well, actually they don’t wonder - they just blame the fat person for everything and can’t see the disparity. And weight doesn’t affect the joints as much as people think. Your body adapts incredibly well and it’s not like you gain weight overnight.

I am fat and had a bout of knee pain last year which gradually got worse until I couldn’t walk well on it. Instead of going to the doctor, where I knew even if they did treat me, a referral would be a long time coming, I paid for a session with a private physio (a privilege, I realise). I had one session, she said my knees were hypermobile and gave me some exercises to follow. These were really easy and not too taxing as I have ME/CFS. I did them a few times a day and by the second day the pain was gone and movement was so much better. I’ve also never had the pain again.

OP, you absolutely deserve to be treated for what you go in for, not fobbed off with ‘lose weight’.

Sorry, only read OP's posts but I had terrible knee pain recently. It was hot and inflamed though - you haven't mentioned that - but turned out it was gout. Embarassing , but they gave me tablets and the pain was gone in 2 days. I am now drinking less alcohol and trying to lose weight ( overweight but not obese). Knee is fine. Just a thought.

Are you for real?

You are constantly making excuses and blaming others. You don't listen to the doctor, and you claim he/she fobs you off. There is only one person that can lose weight for you and that is you.

Bloody hell OP I hope you have left this thread. Some of the comments you are getting are just awful. Hope you are okay.

This is so true. I was told, with no physical examination, no testing, that all of my pain was due to arthritis, brought on by my weight, to lose the weight, and I'd feel better. Now, almost 20 years later, I am seeing a rheumatologist, who actually took X-rays, told me, "You have NO skeletal changes to indicate arthritis," drew 15 vials of blood, took two skin biopsies, and got a urinalysis, and HEY, GUESS WHAT? I have lupus, and we both think it started back when I was told, essentially, "You're fat, what did you expect?" My rheumatologist is outraged on my behalf! Women in general are so often ignored by the medical profession, our symptoms dismissed. And too many of us die from it.

Ten days on black coffee and water? This is crazy advice. Very few people can stick to that, it’s very bad for you and you are likely to binge eat afterwards!!

The doctor should be treating your knee. Thin people get knee problems too! Go back and say you need treatment.

Orlistat can have limited results but the stomach pain is not normal and also needs a doctor’s opinion.

Losing weight is not easy and it takes a long time. I’ve always struggled with it and over the years have learned you need to cut a lot more calories that recommended, do exercise and stick with it for ages.

Of course knee pain will make moving harder and so you are more likely to gain weight. You need the knee sorting first!

Insist on ultrasound for GB stones. I was misdiagnosed by GP for a year and turned out it was gall stones. Had it removed.

insist on referral to gastroenterologist- it is your right, regardless of your weight. You may need a scope to see if there is a hernia, etc.
also: go easy on IBUPROFEN!! It can be VERY hard on stomach. Switch to paracetamol. Cousin developed Crone’s disease from too much ibuprofen
(also- never mix with alcohol- can cause gastric bleeding)

@LouDeLou Your eating advice for someone who may have gallstones is likely to put them in hospital. Very dangerous advice.

This is terrible advice for anyone.

DO NOT DO THIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

I cannot believe any sane person would ever consider suggesting someone do this. If someone is mad enough to do this to themselves that is their business but to encourage anyone else to do it is totally irresponsible.

The only way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than you use. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, through choice or injury, don't shovel food in. There is no quick "fix" to losing weight and unfortunately if you lose weight fast due to a faddy diet, you will put it on again when you stop the diet.

You need to rethink your whole relationship with food. A mediterranean diet is widely acknowledged as one of the best you can have, with extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source. It is good for heart health and lowering cholesterol. Cut out red meat and reduce or cut out other meats, egg and dairy. There is loads of advice and recipes on line for this.

A weird tip is using smaller than usual plates. bowls etc. If you put a smaller portion on your usual dinner plate it looks "lost", but on a smaller one your mind thinks that is okay. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, just less of it.

As an incentive buy yourself a really nice dress or outfit, a couple of sizes smaller than you are, and aim to get into it, but don't get anything with an elasticated waist.

O/P - I have been here.

You have a right to be treated by the NHS. Doctor's take an oath to "Do no harm" - They -have- to treat you. You pay your taxes, you're a citizen, you're vulnerable, you are ill. Not treating you is unethical and discriminatory. You need to complain to your local health board.

Take yourself to A&E for the pain and tell them you fear you will die without treatment - You could have a wandering spleen, gallstones, appendicitis, and any one could be come sceptic ! They need to take this seriously!

I am appalled at anyone and any GP just telling the poor OP to lose weight! They need medical treatment urgently for the stomach pain!

Don't wait any longer, O/P. It's better to be safe than sorry

Please let us know you've taken yourself to the hospital for the pain in your belly. The pain your leg could be DVT, blood clot etc...

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but MN is not the hospital and none of us here are qualified. Even the qualified amongst us cannot physically examin you online! Please do go to the hospital. Don't leave it any longer.

She's not eating fatty food, she's listed what she's eaten.
Did you miss the eating disorder??! People with a history of eating disorders shouldn't be advised to do fasting FFS

As someone who worked closely with Orthopds - knee issues are more common in over weight people fact!
The only other people I used to see in a healthy weight with knee issues were runners and those that didn't wear correct shoes OR sports injuries.

Gastro pain caused by meds shouldn't be ignored. You are always advised to stop taking it and go straight back to the Gp. If you are not happy with your Gp ask for a second opinion and see another at your practice or as I have had to do in the past Move.

I'm overweight, but my doctor is still helping me with my knee problem, and my shoulders problems. I've had MRIs on my knee and both my shoulders and X-rays on my shoulders. It turns out I have a 5mm by 9mm bone abnormality and fluid in my knee and arthritis in both shoulders, the left so bad that the small joint in the top has completely worn away. I would definitely seek a different doctor's help, if I was you. Not once has my doctor, or the consultants, said I need to lose weight before they will help me!

I am still here. I am trying to ignore the less helpful comments but I won't lie they are a bit triggering. I'm also getting a lot of good advice too (pain diary/physio referral etc) so I am trying to focus on just those comments.

I won't be doing extended fasting, don't worry about that. That is how I ended up in hospital with heart palpitations and electrolyte imbalance. I would strongly advise anyone doing extended fasts to discuss this with their GP or a dietician and to take any unusual symptoms seriously and seek immediate medical attention.

OP, I have IBS so have to avoid trigger foods otherwise I’m in excruciating pain.

If it is IBS or set off by certain foods the good news is you can still loose weight by focusing on eating beige UPF food. My husband lost three stone eating chicken nuggets, fish fingers, oven chips etc. He weighed out his portions to make sure he was only eating a certain amount of calories.

My sister had similar pains before she had her gallbladder out and was diagnosed with IBS. She too said beige food helped her, so I wonder if that's why I can eat chicken nuggets and garlic pizza bread without symptoms but can't eat salad?

I can't calorie count. I take it too far. It starts off great, I eat my 1400 calories or whatever and lose weight but then one day I accidentally eat 1000 calories and find it easy so I start eating that every day, and then 800 calories and then 600, and then I start browsing pro-ana sites for tips...

I'm trying to avoid going down that path atm but I will keep the beige food in mind. Maybe I could try having small portions of beige food rather than counting the calories if the pain comes back.

It has only happened once so far on this "diet" so fingers crossed it was a one off but I am trying to limit fruit and salad and have bought some chicken fillets, veg and fresh soups to have instead, and some live yogurt.

To manage my IBS I was advised to avoid raw, greasy, sugary and diary based foods. A cold salad contains a lot of raw ingredients that are difficult for the gut to digest.

Is there any way you can do a halfway house diet?

A sensible potion of chicken nuggets (read the pack), cooked veg and a yogurty sauce. Mix lots of yoggi with a little bit of mayo and then flavour as you like it, a spoon of ketchup, garlic pickle, brown sauce, mint sauce, fave chutney or whatever you like. Plus as PP suggested a smaller plate.

As others have mentioned, carrying excess weight can affect your weight-bearing joints, but it's a catch-22 situation. Due to the pain, your mobility is limited, which makes it difficult to lose weight. In the NHS, it can be challenging to qualify for surgery if your BMI is over 35. I recommend asking your GP to refer you for a knee MRI scan, as there is no weight issue with this procedure. If appropriate, you could manage the pain with a corticosteroid injection. Additionally, consider hydrotherapy as a gentle option to help improve mobility and reduce pain

YANBU!

I have a spinal injury and am overweight. I constantly get told any pain or difficulty I have is due to my weight and have been denied surgery because of it (I'm a size 16-18). No-one will listen that my injury came first and caused weight gain as I cannot exercise. I'm made to feel like it's all my fault and constantly gaslighted by Drs.

I am truly sorry you've been treated this way, you should have at the very least been given some pain medication.

Don't give up, keep fighting and just don't take no for an answer.

It makes me laugh all the “moral” judgements about weight and all the fad diet advice. Of course the rude comments are making you feel worse and on top of that you still have a sore knee which stops you walking! No wonder it’s hard to deal with.

Your weight is not a moral issue. It’s 2024 and there is medication which can simply fix it. Wegovy or Mounjaro do work. If you had either of these and ate sensibly would lose weight.

But of course it’s incredibly hard to get on the NHS. Which is utterly ridiculous for someone in your situation. You could try going back and arguing for the jab with your GP but the reality seems to be there is a postcode lottery and if you are in the wrong area you can’t get it at the moment.

You could order it online from Boots or Asda. And if I was in your position I would do. It’s worth it to solve the weight. It does take time but it will both make you feel fuller and boost your metabolism. No need for silly fasting regimes.

Although having said that, your stomach pain might be a reason to not get the jab and that does need looking at urgently.

I think the knee does need other treatment but if the doctor is going to bang on about your weight then it’s time to say why isn’t he giving you medication which actually works?

OP has a history of disordered eating/ED as well as the current significant stomach issues so I’m not sure these weight loss injections would be sensible for her.

You sound like you have gallstones- phone urgent care & go through them- my friend did this because her Gp was crap- she was in having her gallbladder removed a few days later, as she had a stone blocking her bile duct.
I on the other hand have a fairly good Gp- I have had Had a quick referral to a private hospital ( NHS) to see about my gall bladder because like you overweight, & pains.