Obesity Discussion Forums

[Thinwannabe]

One of my problems is suffering from panic attacks. I limit my visits to my doctor for several reason. One being my panic attacks but those attacks are doubled knowing when I get to the office I will not fit in any of the chairs.

Every chair has arms and just was too small. It is so embarssassing. I have asked the staff to bring me out an office chair or to have a bench or something for me to set in. So far I have been ignored.

Are they any laws that require Doctors offices (being most are labels as Private practice) to have handicap seating?

It is very painful for me to stand. I had a total knee replacement on my left knee. My right knee is getting bad also having to bare the burnt of weight while my left leg was so bad. Also my huge belly makes my back hurt when I stand for very long.

God I hate being so obese. I am going to counciling for my depression and weight. Due to a lot of circumstances I pretty much gave up all hope of ever being productive again and more or less waiting for my life to be over. Thankfully I am slowing getting better on that part.If I could get the offices I have to visit to have larger seating maybe I could get my health in order a little better.

I put off going to a dentist for a year. I just this week called and drilled the lady taking appointments about seating and about me fitting into the dental chairs. She swears they are big enough.. I hope so.. I am very nervous about going.

Ack I am rambling and really did not know where to stick this post. The question being about what rights obese (handicap) people have about seating ...

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by Thinwannabe

One of my problems is suffering from panic attacks. I limit my visits to my doctor for several reason. One being my panic attacks but those attacks are doubled knowing when I get to the office I will not fit in any of the chairs.

Every chair has arms and just was too small. It is so embarssassing. I have asked the staff to bring me out an office chair or to have a bench or something for me to set in. So far I have been ignored.

Are they any laws that require Doctors offices (being most are labels as Private practice) to have handicap seating?

It is very painful for me to stand. I had a total knee replacement on my left knee. My right knee is getting bad also having to bare the burnt of weight while my left leg was so bad. Also my huge belly makes my back hurt when I stand for very long.

God I hate being so obese. I am going to counciling for my depression and weight. Due to a lot of circumstances I pretty much gave up all hope of ever being productive again and more or less waiting for my life to be over. Thankfully I am slowing getting better on that part.If I could get the offices I have to visit to have larger seating maybe I could get my health in order a little better.

I put off going to a dentist for a year. I just this week called and drilled the lady taking appointments about seating and about me fitting into the dental chairs. She swears they are big enough.. I hope so.. I am very nervous about going.

Ack I am rambling and really did not know where to stick this post. The question being about what rights obese (handicap) people have about seating ...

It's a catch 22, but at the end of the day I think it's important to remember that your health should take priority over everything, no matter how embarrassing of a situation you feel you will be in. By avoiding taking care of your health, you're only going to compound issues in the long run, which will require even more doctors visits down the road.

I am not aware of any handicap seating requirements for doctors offices, although buildings have to have handicap access. Any chance you could call the doctor's office ahead of time and have them bring you out a better chair before you get there?

[William Wallace]

That is a tough situation. People are not very accomodating at times. I would not skip doctors/dentist appointments over this though, they are too important.

[Mark_C]

Don't lose hope! It will take time, but you'll get better!
I too have very bad knees, and I see no reason why they can not arrange better seating for you - They should be ashamed, not you!

There are many good people here that can help you through everything.
Good luck!