In reviewing my notes from an initial visit, I had commented that she had:
- positive factors predicting good outcome: very pleasant, still working, non smoker, nice skin (marker for overall connective tissue quality), smart, well motivated
She had one major negative factor- she is morbidly obese, with a height of 6' 0", and a weight of 350 lbs
We discussed different treatment options, including physical therapy, injections, and surgery, but I emphasized that the main predictor of a patients outcome is the patient themselves, and not their anatomy. It would be easy to focus on her weight, but she has so many wonderful positives, we made a point of focusing on those, while giving her specific tactics for weight loss.
I saw her again today, and she was just as wonderful as I had remembered her ..... except that she was 30 lbs lighter in a period of just 4 months!
- she is working with a dietician
- she is exercising regularly
- she is focusing on portion control
Such a wonderful reminder that when we bet on our patients and give them an opportunity to optimize their health, they can do amazing things.
Thank you Ms Amazing (.... you know who you are) for being so wonderful!
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