Originally Posted by
Frank_B
Went for my annual physical today. I’m up 45 pounds since last year and since this was a new doctor I don’t normally see, he saw on my chart the weight change. My BP was also high (140/80) but I struggle with it. Rip read my story on the running podcast, if you want to hear it. Thanks Rip!
Anyway, my doctor asked me if it was mostly muscle I’d gained. A fair question since he’s never seen me before. I told him yes. He then asked what I did to gain the muscle. I told him squats, deadlifts, bench, and press. He sort of let out a low whistle and then said to make sure I don’t lift over 150 pounds because the valsalva could cause an aneurysm - especially the squat and the deadlift. I told him that I pressed 150 over my head yesterday, for reps, and did not die. He told me that I’m asking for trouble. I didn’t know how to respond, but then I remembered an article from Dr. Sullivan (sp?) and asked him “How do you empirically know that?” He didn’t really have much to say, to be honest. He just changed the subject to COVID.
He asked if I was staying home, socially isolating, and wearing a mask. I told him, “No. I’m not particularly concerned about any of this. I’m not a social butterfly but I go to the gym and I go out to eat. I’ll wear a mask if the business I’m patronizing requires it.” He did a good job, but I could tell I pissed him off. He then began to lecture me that being overweight (I’m 6’2”, 222) and high risk because of my blood pressure that I would likely find myself on a ventilator.
He then told me an anecdotal story about 6 of his friends who went to dinner and all got COVID. One of them, he said, was in the hospital for a week. I told him, “I know the risks. Just as your friend did. I’m good with it.”
He then said, “I need to check you for a hernia.”
He didn’t find one, but said “I’m surprised. Usually guys lifting heavy have a hernia.”
Then I left. On my way out the door, he dropped his pen and I got the amusement of watching him try to squat down to pick it up. He needs to squat more.
The more I play it back in my head, the more annoyed I become. The entire experience made me feel like he was annoyed that I had a say in my own health and well-being.