Doctors suck

[Thaibox]

I had to go to the doc this morning because my back has pretty much given up on me(2 crushed discs) after years of trying to avoid surgery. I simply asked him if we could resolve this problem soon because I want to get on with my life, and I'm tired of laying on the floor, or having to put off squats for weeks at a time because my back won't let me, waking up at all hours in pain, etc, etc.

His response was this....

"Well, what you need to do is consider a lifestyle change."

Me:"Sorry, that's not an option. I'm a lifter, thats what I do."

He gave me a hard demeaning look, and continued...

"You'll just have to become a quick wirey guy, instead of a big bulky guy. Your body cannot handle what you do to it. Have you ever thought about taking up swimming?"

Me: "No, I'm a lifter sir."

Another condesending look.

After this, he rushed through the appointment, and simply told me to continue pain meds until I get a new MRI. Then he managed to slip in one more comment about how I should rethink my 'lifestyle.'

Why can't people understand that some of us have passion for a particular thing that we are NOT willing to give up. There's no way to get them to understand, and its frustrating as hell. Don't other people have heart or are they just sleep walking through life?

Doctors suck. He is essentially employed by me to assist me in continuing with my life, the way I choose to live it(not him). Instead, because he spent an extra couple years sucking off his college instructors, he thinks he has gained the right to tell me HOW to live instead of HELPING me to live.

"small wirey guy"....... wtf?

Sorry guys, I had to vent to people who would understand. Grr

 

[wonderstanding]

curious, how did you crush two disks?

sounds like it might be time to change to a more understanding doctor.

Forrest

 

[Thaibox]

I crushed the discs with years of being stupid

This isn't the first doc that has been like this. But, your right, I'll have to find a new one. Maybe I'll spot a 300 lb doctor walking around with 8% bodyfat sporting a 'born to lift' shirt

 

[wonderstanding]

could you elaborate a little? I'm a relative novice when it comes to lifting/training, and welcome any information you care to share to help me avoid injury...

I'm 6'4", so of course I'm not "supposed" to do deep squats, my lower back will always be bad, etc. etc.

but, I've learned from people here that deep squats are better for my knees and will help my lower back, etc.

and due to using a PL style bench (thanks again to this board!) my rotator cuffs will hopefully give me years of trouble free service!

thanks,

Forrest

 

[Thaibox]

Actually my injury occured from martial arts originally. Lifting has made it much stronger and kept me from having to get surgery for a long time. However, I have done stupid things in the gym that piss it off. Forgetting my form on squats for just a fraction of a second, or rounding my back doing deads. Bent over rows and cleans have probably been the biggest culprit for me.

I'm 6'2", so I've heard all that same crap that you have been told. Goind parallel is actually harder on your knees than going deep. However, the back stress part of this has some merit. The curve at which your back is put into at the base of a deep squat is placing a lot of stress on your lumbar. This can be worked around by nothing less than perfect form. Strengthen your erectors and other support muscles(and flexbility), and stress will be considerably removed from vulnerable parts of your lower back.

As far as physical therapists and doctors are concerned, deadlifts are a horrible thing. They saved my ass, and are by far the best lift I have ever done. My erectors are like granite pillars thanks to them.

Just keep excellent form and don't get greedy with the weight. You'll avoid injury.

 

[JOKER47]

"You'll just have to become a quick wirey guy, instead of a big bulky guy.

I'm sorry for laughing TB, your situation is not funny, but a comment like that from anyone is just sounds utterly ridiculous to me.

I hope everything works out for you. Is this guy a sports doctor? Dealing with athletes in particular? If not, do you have the option to look for one? Just a thought...

.02,
Joker

 

[teen1216]

Sorry to hear Thaibox, definitely look into a new doc. I admire your passion by the way.

 

[WarriorPL]

Sounds like my hand doctor.
When i went to get my wrist checked and X-Rayed two weeks ago, he told me to stop lifting and playing rugby altogether because it's not for a person my age and i will continute to just hurt myself. I laughed and i told him the same thing, that i will not change my lifestyle. What did i do with my bad wrist? I continued to go heavy and it's 100% fine now.

Doctor's are morons when it comes to lifting and lifters. I've never been to a doctor who knows what he's talking about when it comes to working out.

 

[Thaibox]

Thanks guys. My buddy recommended a doctor to me that is very sports oriented, and is covered by my insurance. My buddy was very candid with him, even telling him about using gear. The doctor was only supportive and simply asked him to come to see him during and after his cycle, just to make sure things are okay. I'm making an appointment with him tomorrow. I can't wait to see someone that will actually talk with me and not down to me.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

I can't wait to see someone that will actually talk with me and not down to me.

T,

Sounds like this Dr. could be a positive one. Keep it real with him/her.
I understand your situation man. Good luck and stay calm. It would be hard for me to listen to a little guy telling me not to lift or to make a "lifestyle change". Very hard.
I am interested to know how it will all pan out.