Topic: How to answer medical questionnaire for a gym membership?
dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
I'm planning to joing a gym (yay!). I went and got the application form, etc..and also got a questionnaire I have to fill in, which amongst other questions asks:
"Do you ever feel faint or have spells of dizziness?"
AND
"Are you currently taking any meds which the instructor should be made aware of?"
AND
"If you answered yes to any questions, talk to your doctor first before joining."
Well, my doctor knows about these things I have (sometimes feel dizzy or faint temporarily) and, I don't see why the instructor needs to know if I'm on antibiotics.
WE (lyme patients) know that we get these symptoms that might otherwise be alarming, AND we also know that we should be working out to improve our health..........so, should I just not tell about these issues in order to avoid the hassle of having to try to explain all about chronic Lyme (to someone who's probably not interested) AND having to make another doc's appointment which is probably going to be a waste of time?
Not sure what to do and would appreciate opinons.
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
If you anwser yes to any of those questions, they may ask for a doctor's note to clear you before you start exercising.
I had already joined a gym before I was dx. with Lyme.
I was able to walk on the treadmill one time before getting really sick.
My husband does use the membership daily, so it isn't a waste of money.
I am not sure what I would put if I had to fill out the form today.
I wanted a massage,(at same club) but was told I had to get cleared by a doctor before I had it.
That was after I disclosed I had Lyme.
I guess it is always a good idea to have your doctor clear you before starting any type of exercise program.
I wish I could be more helpful.
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
I don't think you need to disclose anything to them that you don't want to. They're just covering themselves so you can't sue them saying you didn't know exercise could affect your condition.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006
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dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
Thanks to both of you.
Parisa, duh don't know why I didn't think of that, it's so obvious. Here I am worrying that I'll get caught like a kid cheating on their homework when in fact they don't care about ME, it's THEM they're worried about.
DLL Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I still like to make sure the employees of the gym are CPR certified.
My husband was next to some lady on the treadmill the other day when she collapsed.
He said the staff immediately checked the ABC's.
Airway, breathing, circulation.
Makes me feel better to know that if by chance I have a syncope episode or pass out or whatever, they wont just stand there and watch me for entertainment.
Have fun exercising!!!
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
Thanks Geneal.
I'll call my doc and see what he thinks.
DLL
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
I want to echo what Geneal said about having CPR certified staff available.
I have a friend whose mother finished exercising at her gym and then collapsed. If it weren't for the quick action of the staff and the paramedics she would not have made it.
The doctors were really shocked that she came through it at all, given what had happened.
With all the possible problems we can have I think it's best to get a doctor's note from the beginning, so they know what is happening if you collapse, or something else.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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great to see you thinking of joining a gym - thats good news are things on the up?
when i joined my gym - i didnt declare anything -just ticked NO to the lot! as thought it would only cause complications & they might refuse membership. (My risk i know but to get ONE letter out of my GP costs �25!!) & they might require regular letters stating my health is in ok condition to exercise
AS the others have said - its only for legal reasons so we cant sue them if anything happens to us whilst exercising.
hope the workouts help you Posts: 83 | From UK | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
If you join a gym, do you have to actually go to get the benefit? I have been paying for quite a while.... and have not had much benefit. Von
Posts: 258 | From Washington State | Registered: Nov 2005
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Von,
I am going to check with my LLMD on this, but our gym has an olympic size heated swimming pool and a seperate sauna for men and women.
I probably will only be able to swim a couple of laps, but I'd like to try.
Also want to try the sauna..
On rainy days when I can't walk outside, and my children are at Mother's Day Out, I try to hit a treadmill there.
I am not speedy gonzales, but I do walk for 30 min.
Maybe your gym can offer you something different, other than weight lifting or aerobic activities.
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Let them know you have Lyme! Educate them! Someone else might be suffering quietly and you may provide a service with your honesty.
Just on the paperwork, but if it brings up questions speak honestly.
And, if you are having a great day at the gym good, but if you are having a slow day, then that's ok too
Those are my thoughts,I was completely open at my gym. It has created a lot of lyme awareness and people even use me as a resource, when I'm there. And they are glad to see me, and I them!
Posts: 663 | From NH USA | Registered: Sep 2004
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