Reimche

First of all, I invite anyone with a similar story to reply here. Maybe someone with some influence will read these stories and strive to make a difference in the way obese people are treated by the majority of doctors out there.

I live in the southern California area and I am looking for a doctor who will not use the fact that I am obese as an excuse not to take my symptoms seriously.

I understand the link between weight and health, I really do. But since I'm one of those people who is never successful no matter what she tries, either nutritionally or through exercise, I need someone who can deal with the reality of the situation in a caring, compassionate manner.

With my first chronic illness, I spent eleven years trying to get the proper tests done, and was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian disease. During those eleven years of excruciating pain, I was told, among other things, "Your only problem is your weight," "I can't cut out a pain," and "You eat too many tacos and hot dogs because your husband wants you fat."

By the time I found a doctor who would take my symptoms seriously, I had to have a complete hysterectomy.

My second chronic illness began eleven years ago, and I have once again wasted a lot of time looking for a compassionate and competent doctor - someone who won't insult me, but rather focus on my symptoms. I was finally able to convince someone to do an MRI of my back two years ago, and even though the diagnosis was clear, I've yet to find anyone who will take responsibility for anything beyond prescribing pain medication, which in my case, is like putting a bandage on a bullet wound.

I have yet to be referred to a specialist of any kind, yet my vertebrae are degenerating as I write this. I have severe spondylosis in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar sections of my back, two bulging disks, and several fractured vertebrae. I spend up to 18 hours a day in bed. Everything I do is a struggle. I have not been able to work for the past four years.

You'd think someone in the "caring" profession would be able to put their prejudices on the back burner long enough to help someone who has very little quality of life.