Small town GYN Adventure
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Went to a new GYN. This is always an adventure. I procrastinated as long as I could. They actually called me!!!!!!
I kept hoping to go back home (we've moved) to the GYN I loved. This wasn't happening. I'm at one of those milestones they tell you have to do this test or that test. They need them for baselines later.
The waiting room was cheerful, feminine and still cold and intimidating and as the woman sitting me next to me said - "Looks like every woman in town is here". I'm used to urban anonymity - here women were comparing notes on school sports, teachers, when the baby is due, how is so and so all while jumping everytime someone's name was called. Nobody sat back and relaxed. I was surprised by the number of young men accompanying their pregnant wives and girlfriends. The only broad relaxed smile was on the face of the woman who was finished and leaving.
The staff were polite, busy and stuck behind the glass windows. (The birthing center where I gave birth to my youngest and the midwife's offices are the only places in the GYN world that were truely warm and where I haven't had that pins and needles feeling.)
The mammogram was .....a mamogram - breast squishing - but the tech was kind. If you haven't gone lately it was better than I thought it would be.
The internal was intrusive and quick, PAP test included but I had to laugh - they covered the stirrups with little embroidered smiley face socks. The women staff know its not fun.
I asked about bone density tests for a baseline. They said my insurance might not pay because I am not in menopause and not close. My mother entered menopause in her 60's. Ever heard of this??
The outcome surprised me. They asked a lot of questions about miscarriages and births - more detail than ever before and a lot of Mom, Grandmother and great grandmother questions. The GYN said there are tons of DNA and Genetic tests available now to test for things that weren't even available 5 years ago. Very interesting. Ended up with a number of unexpected tests that could lengthen my life and predict problems.
Well survived to tell about it. So make your appointment now. Looking forward to hearing the adventure.
ok, I'll think about it .... I used to be very good about keeping up with my yearly exams, but have slacked off lately.
I don't think my annual exam is due til June thankfully, but I guess it's time for the mamogram thing (I think they might have mentioned that the last time) I'll make sure to see if I need it or not yet.
Thank you for this health-conscious posting !!! Reminding us to all take care of ourselves, if we don't, no one else would and where would our darling families be then ?
Eww! This is one of the appointments I dread. I keep getting phone calls from the clinic to come in for a check up and I politely reply, "No, thank you." I know, I know, I have to go in. I will soon.
Hi Everybody,
Thanks for resonating with the GYN adventure. After I posted my visit (haven't got results yet) I found this article. Probably would have encouraged me before I went (although I did go with a list much to their amazement). Maybe this will support you if your putting off going or getting a mammogram.
http://living.health.com/2008/10/13/have-your-best-gyno-visit-ever/
uh, yes, I fall into the category of "puttig off going to get a mammogram" .... there's just not really a good way to think about it, except that it COULD save your life .....
I'll check out that link (thanks by the way !) and see if I can possibly get to it sooner rather than later.
I've had my share of waiting on results, THAT is the not-so-fun part ..... let us know how it goes in that area as well.
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