How to Talk to your Doctor


I was so angry when I heard the atrocious treatment you received from your doctors. I had my gall bladder removed and was terrified until I decided to take a pro-active approach.

I called the doctor's office and told the receptionist that I was a big woman, over 300 pounds and that facing surgery was very frightening for me. I asked her which doctor she thought would be most sensitive to my needs. I took her recommendation and made an appointment.

When the doctor came in to examine me, I addressed my weight before he had a chance. I asked him if performing surgery on someone my size would be an issue for him. He was quite kind and told me had performed this surgery very successfully on people of my size and larger.

When the hospital called to do my intake, I again addressed my size. This woman was one of us and went out of her way to make things go smoothly. I would ask for an extra large gown, tell the nurse I needed an extra large blood pressure cuff, etc. Basically I refused to be intimidated and when faced with my honesty, most people responded kindly.

People in the medical profession perform a service. You are entitled to the best they can offer. Refuse to accept less than kind. I have been "shamed" enough in my life. We deserve the best and it is out there. We will help you find the courage to ask for it!

(Debralee is now climbing down off her soapbox .)

Debralee