Posted on 03/08/2006 9:48:08 AM PST by presidio9
One of the things I've done in the past was counsel pre-GPB patients. And yeah, you'd be amazed at how many 400+ folks there are out there.
And they are very immobile.... their joints are collapsing, they have breathing issues, enlarged hearts, on dialysis, CHF etc.
It's like a circle...it's hard to find out which came first...the immobilization or the weight. And they are all at a point where exercise is impossible and their metabolism is down to a 3 digit kcal expenditure. Either way, they have one foot in the grave and they know it.
...interesting to have some professional perspective here.
btw, I am not quite as harshly unsympathetic as I may sound. I am sorry that so many people are unable to get control of themselves before they get into this deadly situation. What I am fierce about is that it is fundamentally ~their~ problem and they should not be a burden on the taxpayers.
Many of these people have "enablers" who have helped them get into this situation. They may be beyond help but a tough love message ("society will not subsidize your dysfunctional lifestyle") might help others who have trouble taking responsibility for their lives.
...interesting to have some professional perspective here.
btw, I am not quite as harshly unsympathetic as I may sound. I am sorry that so many people are unable to get control of themselves before they get into this deadly situation. What I am fierce about is that it is fundamentally ~their~ problem and they should not be a burden on the taxpayers.
Many of these people have "enablers" who have helped them get into this situation. They may be beyond help but a tough love message ("society will not subsidize your dysfunctional lifestyle") might help others who have trouble taking responsibility for their lives.
You're not saying anything different than many of the chartroom discussions we've had. Honest. :)
She was born July 10, 1957.
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