lose weight fast on bike?

[OakLeaf]

I mentioned going to Gainesville, as maybe a one time consult. Of course, not for regular care, but it's not that unusual for people to go to a major medical center with a lot of expertise in one area, get a decent diagnosis and have them recommend a doctor where you live. It's too bad the med school isn't in Tallahassee, which would be closer for you.

FSU has a medical school too ... still, I'm not convinced that's a good approach in most parts of the country. IME, teaching hospital faculty can be at least as insular in their approach, and as protective of their turf, as private physicians - if not more so.

Unfortunately Swan it sounds to me like what's really lacking is a primary care doctor who will look at you as a whole person, talk to you like a human being instead of a piece of meat, pull all the pieces together and have the assertiveness to stand up to the specialists ... which is a pretty rare thing. After all my years as both a disabled persons' advocate and as a patient myself, I'm no closer to knowing how to find a good doctor. Word of mouth, either from patients or from doctors, seems to be pretty much useless. Sometimes I get lucky and I stick with those ... other times I have bad luck and at best, waste time and money, at worst aggravate whatever I'm dealing with.

I'd suggest a cranial osteopath, which I've been having great success with, but there isn't even one of those closer to you than Tallahassee.

For all that word of mouth has never worked for me ... I do have a friend who used to live in Ft Walton Beach, and I could ask him if he knows anyone ... and I'll try to remember to ask my DOM when I see him tomorrow.

[Crankin]

I do mostly agree with you, Oak. And this shows how long it's been since I lived in FL, when there was no med school at FSU. I do really agree that a PCP who sees you as a whole person is the key.
I guess I recommended the find an expert approach, as I had a really good experience when I visited 2 different rheumatologists at the Brigham. While they did do a couple of additional MRIs, etc, they pretty much told me my local doctor was on track, he was good, and I was doing the right thing. And one referred me for PT, which was the best thing that could have happened. So far, I've done better at finding specialists that appreciate my lifestyle, than a PCP.

[Kathi]

Short and bra cup size has nothing to do with back pain. Your cup does not support your boobs the support comes from the band. I too was having back pain, thought it was because I wasn't lifting upper body weights. Turns out my bra band was too big, and the cups too small. I went from a 30D to a 28FF and I'm 5'1". It took some used to a tighter band but the back pain went away.

[Becky]

+1! I had a very similar experience.

Short and bra cup size has nothing to do with back pain. Your cup does not support your boobs the support comes from the band. I too was having back pain, thought it was because I wasn't lifting upper body weights. Turns out my bra band was too big, and the cups too small. I went from a 30D to a 28FF and I'm 5'1". It took some used to a tighter band but the back pain went away.

[Swan]

Jeez D: I'll go get a proper fitting soon, then... I have often thought longingly of a reduction, but I don't think I can get past the scarring and nerve damage.


I started weight training btw : ) And since starting this thread I've managed to shed that last half-pant-size needed to fit into a size 16 in any brand. Woohoo! Coming from a size 21, this feels great!


Edit: apparently the closest Nordstrom is 8 hours away. *huffpuff* I've tried Victoria Secret fittings, but it wasn't very professionally done...

[Crankin]

Good work, Swan.
A good fitting will help, and you might want to find a real lingerie store. They usually are good and have a large variety of sizes.
I wouldn't eliminate the possibility of a reduction. Many years ago, I had a teaching assistant who had one, just before I met her. She went from a FF to a C or D. She totally eliminated back pain and was able to sleep on her stomach for the first time in her life. I can't emphasize what a change this was in her life and insurance paid for it all.

[Swan]

I don't think I've been able to sleep on my tummy since I hit puberty lol I'll think about it. If I shed the weight and these big ol' things are still hanging around, I'll start making calls and pick up pamphlets.

[OakLeaf]

Short and bra cup size has nothing to do with back pain.

Not completely ... better fitting bra makes an enormous difference, and I'm all for that, but it's still a whole lot of weight out in front of your spine with no bones or muscles directly supporting them.

Kinda like wearing a hydration pack backwards. You can loosen the shoulder straps all you like and let the weight rest on the hips - which will make a huge difference - but the weight is still going to throw you off balance.

[Kathi]

If you're full busted, cup size D and up, a firm band supports the bust. According to the Brastop video in the link bra straps support 20% of the bust while the band gives most of the support. A well fitting bra actually improves posture because the back is not supporting the weight of the bust, the bra is. I can often tell if a band is too loose because I can feel it twist on me when I move.

When I look at old pictures of me I'm appalled at how poor my posture was due to ill fitting bras. Recent pictures show an entirely different person.

[goldfinch]

My sister was very, very large breasted. She had back and neck problems and her doctors were pretty sure it was from the weight of her breasts. She had reduction surgery and no further problems. Her insurer even agreed that it was a medical necessity and not cosmetic.

FWIW.