I've gotten so desensitized to casual fatphobia in a doctors office that most of the time I don't recognize it in the moment, and sometimes not even for a few weeks. I just get a moment of "hey, wait a minute, that was fucked up" out of nowhere.
I recently remembered a moment from about 4 months ago and I'm kind of shocked it was said and it took so long for me to realize it. Last year, I got diagnosed with a type of arthritis that is genetic. I am in constant, debilitating pain. I asked my doctor if I could have a temporary handicap parking permit until we had a treatment sorted, as being on my feet for more than 10ish minutes starts to become excruciating. And he said no. He said "I'd rather see you walking that distance". And like... I know moving my joints is good for my condition, but I haven't been able to go grocery shopping in over a year. If I have to go into the pharmacy and stand in line to get a med? Limping and hunched over by the time I exit the store. And I just can't help but think this wouldn't have been said to someone half my weight.
Anyway, things like this are very frustrating and I really appreciate this blog and that I can send this ask to people I know will Get It, even if the exact situation isn't relatable to everyone. Thank you<3
That truly is just....wild that a doctor knowing your situation would say that to you. I do think if you had been a thin patient of his that he would have responded differently. That's so fucked up. Is there a different way for you to get that parking permit? Or do you have to go through him? The next best option I can think of would be to use one of those scooters, but those aren't at every store, and fat people who use scooters endure so much fatphobia and bigotry. You deserve better medical treatment than a doctor who believes stereotypes and disproved myths.
-Mod Worthy
