Negative Body Image

[DoylerOz]

Hi there,

Sorry for this post. It is a bit self indulgent with all the problems everyone has. I have been waiting over a year to see a neurology physiotherapist. My neurologist wants a specialist assessment done as they don't want to go down the route of a muscle biopsy as I have problems with blood clotting. So until this is done I am waiting for some form of treatment for my temporary diagnosis of IBM. Rather than continue waiting I have booked a private appointment with a physio.

It is on Monday and I noticed on the appointment email it says to wear shorts. This is my moment of indulgence I apologise. I am getting all worked up about this. I have been chronically ill for 26 years. And in the last 8 years my weight has escalated rapidly. The thought of wearing shorts is stressing me out. I had intended on wearing leggings and a long tshirt. Please somebody tell me shorts are not necessary. I know this is trivial. But my body self esteem is down around my ankles.

Stressed xxxx

[Jo-Goode Administrator]

I can't see why you can't just wear your leggings and T-shirt, that you feel most comfortable with.

If they ask why your not wearing shorts, say you don't own a pair.

[DoylerOz in reply to Jo-Goode]

Thanks Jo. I know it is silly. But I don’t want to arrive like a wally but I want to be comfortable xx

[Jo-Goode Administrator in reply to DoylerOz]

I've always worn jogging bottoms or leggings when seen a physio

[Echoblue]

I go to my physio in normal clothes and pop shorts on under my trousers. Then in the privacy of the treatment room peel off my trousers (carefully as you don’t want to flash! 😳🤦🏼‍♀️!) when treatment is over I pop the trousers back on over the top to go home. No one else is any the wiser. Depending what part they are working on physios do find it important to see the way certain muscles/parts of the body move/where stiffness is particularly impacting etc and a pair of leggings can hide that from view.

I do find regular physio (acupuncture and hands on manipulation of muscles) invaluable to assist my keeping continued mobility. Good luck.

[gillianTS]

I feel you will be fine with leggings and long top, I have worn these and have been asked to remove leggings, last time I decided to get a knee length wrap dress and wore leggings underneath this worked better for me and just took the leggings off if required. I do recall a few years ago the same request being made to wear shorts and I decided I would just take them with me and the physio never asked me to get changed or anything. I think it depends what the physio is assessing and whether you are having treatments.

Don't worry about this it really is going to be worth it,you have waited so long to get this assessment, I am just sad you have ended up having to pay for this privately which is sadly the case for quite a few people. Please make sure you ask for a copy of your report.

[Hidden]

I have had lots of physio and never have I worn shorts, I wore loose comfy clothing like wide leg jogging pants, not that I jog at all. Don’t stress about the shorts just say you don’t own any. I’m sure it’ll be ok.

[DoylerOz]

Well I wore a pair of baggy black harem pants that could be pulled up and all good. So silly I know but my mood is so low. Just getting a shower this morning had me crying. So tiring. I wish I had a bit of the old me back.

Thanks so much everybody. It is great to talk to people that understand what is happening.

Big love 💕 xxxx