Paul X
Paul X gained weight after his health deteriorated, though he is not sure what has caused this. Although Paul knows how to lose weight, this is not easy for him, as he does not eat regularly and finds exercise painful. Paul feels that strains on the NHS have affected his care. He would like healthcare professionals to offer more personalised support, and help him manage his weight in the context of his wider health conditions.
Although he has always been a heavy drinker, Paul X worked an active job and did not suffer from weight issues until his health deteriorated several years ago. Since then, Paul has gained around 2.5 stone, and is not sure what has caused this. Paul was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation around 7 years ago, but has been fitted with a pacemaker to manage this condition. Paul also suffers from asthma, sleep problems, and gout. He has concerns about his memory, and the protein in his urine. Paul currently takes around 25 tablets a day, and wonders if this could have caused his weight gain, I’m one of these that if a doctor says‚Jump. I say, How high?‚it’s only over the last few years that my weight’s suddenly spiralled that I’ve brought these even into more questioning about, Is this responsible for my weight gain?. Paul has also given up drinking because of his gout, and questions whether this too may have contributed to his weight issues.
Since his health problems have worsened and his weight increased, Paul has found he is unable to do many of the things he did before, I’m always the go to guy.’ If there’s a problem that needs doing, come to me and I’ll sort it. I can’t do that anymore. His weight gain is having an impact on his daily life, making getting dressed, personal care, and walking a challenge. Changes to his health and weight have had an impact on how Paul sees himself, because part of me won’t, can’t accept it because that’s not me, this is somebody else. Don’t know who this is, I don’t know who’s staggering around on crutches, I don’t know who he is. The guy that can’t do anything. [sighs] Who’s that?
Although Paul knows how to lose weight, he feels his health conditions are a barrier to doing this as he finds exercise painful. Similarly, Paul cannot control his weight with his diet. Paul’s eating habits have always been sporadic. He grew up in difficult circumstances where there’s nothing in the cupboard to eat, so instead of eating meals, Paul only tends to eat when he is hungry. This means that Paul often does not eat throughout the day, so it’s very difficult to eat less.
Because of his health conditions, Paul is unable to work. Paul initially used his savings to support his family, but after 3 years, he applied for financial support from the government. However, Paul was listed as fit for work, and had his application refused. Paul now receives a housing benefit which is a help, but does not cover his rent.
Although he is grateful for the health service, Paul feels strains on the NHS are impacting his care. He has had difficulty communicating with his hospital, and has also found it hard to get an appointment at his GP, The days of sitting down with a doctor and going, Now tell me all about it. Tell me all your worries. Again, gone. The only advice Paul has received from healthcare professionals about managing his weight has been through a leaflet. Paul feels more personalised care is needed, I need to eat right, and I need to exercise. It’s not rocket science. But then maybe for me what I’m saying is I need somebody to break that down even further‚I would like my exercise to be more structured towards me. He asks healthcare professionals to listen without prejudice, and respect their patients, I really have felt like a naughty boy sometimes. And I’ve done something wrong and I’ve been called to the Headmaster’s office. I’ve been treated like a ten-year-old and I’m not a ten-year-old. I’m a fifty-seven-year-old struggling with his health and health and weight is part of that.