Can Losing Weight Cause Back Pain...?

Aug 12, 2011

You read the title, I know you are wondering what is going to come out of my mouth next.  Well hold onto your panties, I am gonna tell you!  My back has been a bit angry with me, lower right quadrant, so I brought it up to my primary doctor yesterday in my usual visit.  I laughed and asked her if it made sense that I am losing all my weight in my butt, but my belly isn't shrinking as fast, could it be throwing me off balance?  YUP.

For all who know my maniacal swimming routine, I am shrinking in such wonderful ways, I joke "I have swam my ass off - literally!"  Yup, my ass ledge is GONE.  No more will I have to worry someone would put their drink on my ass shelf, it's gone!  But losing my ledge has left my belly swinging & now my back hurts.  Any guesses to the possible fix?!  Can you say: Consult with Surgeon?! Panneculectomy.  Big word that means no more fat apron.

Yup, my doctor is such a great champion of mine, she yanked out FOUR referral sheets, she told me that one surgeon was great, but a bit of a "douche," HER words, so she left him out.  So, Brendita the Gordita may be seeing if she can get 30 pounds lopped off so she can exercise without stress, and relieve the new back pain.  Who ever thought having a big butt kept them from back pain?!  

For those lucky enough not to have a pannus, that would be that ugly fat apron hanging down onto my lap.  They aren't just ugly, they also weigh a LOT.  My concerns were if I am nowhere near a goal weight, am I jumping the gun?  She said it isn't an issue.  My pannus is so long & weighs so much, this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed sooner than later when I end up with a bad back.  To which I said, "Darn!  You want to cut the one thing off my body I like the least?!"  I will keep folks posted - it isn't a done deal yet, but I am hopeful!

My next question - if my boobs were bigger, would it help my back?  Just kidding, I am not going to ask for a boob job... yet!  The nitty gritty of my pannus is more than just weight pulling on my back.  I actually have to put a sanitary pad under mine, otherwise I get menstrual leakage all the way out to my hip - no kidding.  It mostly happens on my left side, it is embarrassing and just plain gross.  So, if you have similar issues, bring it up to your doc.  Be graphic, it may help you as long as it isn't just vanity.  I have documented (with photos) all my rashes, but my doc says mine is obvious, and will be covered.  Now, if I can just get a surgeon who will agree to make me more streamlined!!!

My panus makes clothing a real issue.  My belly is LARGER than my butt, how rude is that?  My first thought is, "OH MY GOD! I'll have swimsuits that finally FIT!"  My foot issue is also getting me another consult, as I am still in constant pain.  Again, my doc shook her head at the fact I have lost the equivalent of an adult woman, and I am still in pain.  I have mostly given up hope of getting the tendon repaired, I just want the bone spurs shaved down.  I told my doctor that I would be happy to give up my "Parking God, Odin" for pain relief (my Handicap Placard).  I only use it when I cannot find normal parking, anyway.  So, who knows, this may end up being the year I get all my complaints resolved, even the one where my neighbor's cat sneaks through my cat door... Well, maybe not all my complaints.

The moral to my story, if you are pushing through life and making as many changes as you can, others will notice and maybe even help you along the way!  Having a doctor who sees ME, not just my weight, has made me an ally in my struggles.  If you do everything you are asked to do, people will see your struggles.  Stay positive!

Brenda : )~

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