I've got this patient -- 43 year-old guy, overweight, but lifts weights at my gym sporadically. Unfortunately he doesn't do any cardiovascular exercise.
Initially I saw him because he came into the emergency room with atypical chest pain that was probably acid reflux. The pain went away when he belched. Someone nonetheless decided to do a stress test on him, which showed an abnormality.
So he guy sees me in the office. I tell him he probably has some coronary artery disease, but that this pain isn't this heart. He needs to lose weight and exercise by doing some cardio, not just lifting weights.
He tries to lose weight, without much success. He doesn't do the cardio because it tires him out -- guess what, if you're not exercising, yes it's going to be tiring. And, the pain continues.
Finally, to set the issue to rest, I send him for a heart catheterization. I expected some minor abnormalities in his coronary arteries. Instead, his arteries look perfectly clean. The stress test was wrong, and his pain is definitely not his heart.
I see him at the gym still. The pain is much better -- I really think it's acid reflux. And, I saw him on a stairmaster for at least 30 minutes!!!!!! I walked up to him (it's always a little weird running into patients when I'm sweating at the gym myself), gave him a thumbs up and told him to keep up the good work.
Small things make me happy. I hope he keeps it up.
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5 comments:
Even the smallest victory is worthwhile, VeganDoc.
I give *YOU* a thumbs up!
that's wonderful. sometimes, I guess you think it's just not sinking in...but in the end, actions really do speak louder than words.
I see you signed up over at vegginout! Cool! Can't wait to read some of your posts! If you have an interest in modding a board...let me know!
2 Thumbs up to you and your patient!
It must be very frustrating to be in your line of work and have so many people resist lifestyle changes.. I'm glad this man listened!
my father totally had the same experience right before the last new year's eve. he was seen by a couple of doctors who told him he neds to loose weight, no more excuses: 15 kilos must go in 12 months.
unbelievably, he is doing great on his diet!!! i guess that the painful kidney sand he experienced(???) really did the trick!
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