The scene: I had waited for two hours to find out what I thought was an ear infection was actually just inflammation. "Aspirin" was the doctor's good advice. Great. However, as I have regular back problems due to what the French call a "strong chest" (I prefer the expression to American equivalents), I thought I would ask the doctor for a physical therapist recommendation. Physical therapy is far more common in France than in the States (Kinestherapy?)... essential what I wanted was a referral to the equivalent of a chiropractor.
Me: Oh, while I'm here, would it be possible to get a prescription to see a kine?
Doctor: Do you have back problems?
Me: Well, I don't have serious back pain, but I cannot sit straight for long periods of time due to my "strong chest." I would like to re-teach my back to sit up straight without pain.
Doctor: (staring at my boobs) What size are you?
Me: I don't know, in French terms. I've never found a bra that fit me in this country.
Doctor: So you're too big for the stores? (still staring)
Me: Yes.
Doctor: Ok, that's what I needed to know. (Glances down again). Yes, that is considered a health problem, from a strictly medical standpoint. You have two options.
Me: Yes?
Doctor: One, you can start swimming. You need to counteract the weight in front with muscles in your back. So you need to build up the muscles. A kine can help you learn which muscles to use, but you need to build them up.
Me: I hate swimming. What's the other option?
Doctor: Quite simply, you can have a breast reduction.
Me: No.
Doctor: It's a fairly easy procedure and is entirely covered by insurance. (Glances down again). You'd be a good candidate.
Me: I don't want surgery.
Doctor: Well, then start swimming.
The whole conversation made me feel a little guilty about having boobies. Still, I'm going to see what the kin�/chiropractor/PT says.
hey odessa, i hear you on the guilt issue. did you see a wacky californian chic waving at you any time in the last 2 or 3 weeks? i was just in paris recently ;-) that was me ;-)!!! just kidding about the waving. my husband and i had dinner at a little italian place and hung out later at scott's bar -just one street over from odessa street!it's a fabulous area! ;-) i just wanted to say hi and i like your blog!
cheers, a
wow.
I also suffer from the "strong chest" syndrome. I don't even attempt to find bras here...
That said, I would totally consider a reduction. Oh, how I would love to be able to find bras in a french dept. store. Not to mention wear those cute lil' strappy summery tanks.
But I'll probably wait until I have had (or decided not to have) kids, because I've heard horror stories about your boobs getting even bigger and not going back to their normal size, which is exactly what I don't need!
I hate French doctors. Ok so my generaliste is cool but man do I pity you if you have to see a specialiste in Paris :(. I don't have a poitrine forte but I'm also home feeling slightly ill and very frustrated about doctors and paperwork right now...nice to know someone else is on the same page:)
If you don't like swimming, yoga is good for toning your back and core muscles. But I think you already do yoga. Maybe you should focus on certain poses?