Internal exam question (NSFW?)

[Mishi]

I think, Mishi, being told off by a nurse would make me fly into a rage! I get a bit defensive about it ^^;; I have actually been told by some Americans before to "grow the fuck up" and just deal with it

It's a phobia for you though, that makes it a lot harder, if not impossible to "grow up and deal with it." People should find some empathy! It would be like asking an arachnophobe to care for a tarantula.

I didn't yell at the nurse about that, because I understand her frustration. I can only vouch for the amount of people that I've slept with. I trust Rugz, but so many people cheat and lie that I can see why she was annoyed that I take his word about his sexual history.

[Sapphire Silk]

Here's another suggestion for the speculum. Can't believe I forgot this one.

Ask the provider to allow you to insert it yourself. I've done that. It really helps; YOU are in control then.

[NorthernZel]

I think I've given the same recommendation for another exam, but again, I recommend that you try to have the appointment as close as the end of the period as you can. The cervix and pelvic muscles will be more relaxed then, so it won't feel that unconfortable.

Having said that, I always ask my doctor to refer me to my gynaecologist as soon more than a simple smear test is required (had to do a biopsy once, and I am due to get my IUD replaced soon), simply because I have a kick-ass great gynaecologist She uses heated speculums, and makes sure to guide one through the whole procedure.

[Pagan]

I think I've given the same recommendation for another exam, but again, I recommend that you try to have the appointment as close as the end of the period as you can. The cervix and pelvic muscles will be more relaxed then, so it won't feel that unconfortable.

Unless you don't have periods anymore. A lot of women are manipulating their BC pills or, like me, taking Amethyst (generic of Lybrel) to eliminate their period. I haven't had one in almost 3 years now I think.

[Der Cute]

I don't LIKE them, but can deal with it. I really like it when there's something on the ceiling to look at when you're on the table during the exam. RK has it right - envision a happy place. Just before you hop on the table, do your square breathing (inhale to your belly, count to four. Hold for four. Exhale to four. Repeat). Scooch your butt to the edge as the doc says, keep breathing and think of the happy place.
Works pretty good for me.
More important IMO is to do breast checks monthly.

[tofu]

humm .. i wonder, is it feasible to take a book? anyone have experience in that? >.> i think i'd be more comfortable clutching my kindle attempting to focus on the text when i finally stop dragging my feet in this department.

[Blue Ginger]

Thanks. Just realised that my doc is gonna be insisting on me having one of these when I get back to Oz. Oh joy.

Will be taking all the advice from this feed on board.

[kpzra]

The key is to talk to your doctor and explain that you are nervous, or whatever. My doctor took her cues from me, if I wanted to talk, zone out, or whatever. There were times I read on my nook, times I just babbled, and times I was really tired and just zoned out. I really liked my doctor, and even though I was pregnant when I started seeing her, the first visit with her was all external so I could get to know her a bit more before we dove in (that was the next week...lol).

I've also had a male doctor who I was comfortable with due to his professional manner. In my doctors practice, you could ask for another provider if you weren't comfortable with the one you were assigned. In fact, I can't wait until we move back to Alaska to be able to see her again, she a GP so she sees my daughter too...in fact she did my c-section too.

[raudf]

I have to admit, I adore my gyn. He has a special drawer where he warms the speculum before insertion! Plus, he'll get you talking about things to get you to forget what's going on. Not to mention the LOL motivational poster on the ceiling for when you lay back. It's AFTER the pap smear that he starts really asking the tough questions and encouraging you to ask questions. All the really tough stuff goes first for him.

One the other hand... it's a lot like being examined by Mr. Rogers.

By all means, talk to your doc before you go in. Most will work with you if you're terrified or have concerns. If they don't, then you'll know you don't want to see them anyways!

[Little Retail Rabbit]

Its really quite comforting to know that I far from alone in all this, I have to say

[kpzra]

I've been told I'm an odd duck because they don't bother me.

[Zaiida]

Ugh just had it out with a gyn and it went so badly I never even got into the gown. Never again.

Hope your one goes better. I still cannot get over that I was supposed to have an ultrasound there and she didn't have a machine . I'll just my PC to do another one instead.

[Little Retail Rabbit]

Oh dear, what happened?

(Gowns bother me. They make feel exposed. I read an NHS leaflet that said you don't have to undress if you wear a skirt. I like to wear long long gypsy skirts in the summer, so thats probably something I would do...)

[Zaiida]

Wow this ended up long, sorry for the TMI but I'm still upset and annoyed.

We butted heads from the get go. I was only supposed to go in for a pap smear and an ultrasound and had mentally prepared for that (I really do NOT like being examined for ANYTHING).

During history taking she went on and on about me smoking ( I vape not smoke, health concerns are not known yet) got huffy when I said my only illegal drug history was 2 joints 15 odd years ago. Was oddly annoyed and surprised that I'm only on one schizophrenic drug for my bi polar and didn't believe me. Didn't believe me when I said I only drink for celebrations and birthdays. Started in on me about what else she was going to add to the exam and I told her straight out that I didn't want to do more and kept harping on about a trans vaginal ultrasound err no thanks. Wanted to run even more tests and I kept saying 'no I'm very uncomfortable about this' and she kept insisting I HAVE to NOW go to the bathroom and get changed and I flat out refused feeling bullied and she knew my abuse history and kept going on at me. Then she said I couldn't get an ultrasound here (then wtf was I doing here?)

She became very annoyed and started pushing hard for me to do this and after nearly 10 mins of back and forth, round and round I started crying and said

Me -'no, no more I'm not doing this this is not what was agreed on'
Doc -'well I'm going to have to tell your doctor about your behaviour' (jesus kerrist are we in high school- reporting me to the principal)
Me - 'fine, my PC Doc and I are having a full assesment in Feb things will be decided then'
Doc - 'your really need to see a psychiatrist, I'll make another appointment for 4 months ok' (oh hell no, we are not getting along at all)
And round and round again making me feel even shittier.
I stood and said 'No I'm leaving'
She actually huffed and looked mad and I turned and walked out crying to pay for the consult.

During the continous back and forth I recieved the distinct impression she was trying to call me chicken without actually coming out and saying so. Really nice.

This was yesterday and I'm still upset. If I EVER do this again they have to knock me out like they did with the last one (surgery). I know I'm over sensitive but sheesh lady, I'm crying and your still agressivley pressuring me.

I hope she's a better gyn/ob to others than she was to me. I really hope I was the exception because she's the only one that does this here but she does explain why most women go to another doc an hour in the opposite direction from her. I just went to her because a doc gave me a referral and I ended up with her. Didn't think to ask another woman about a personal reference.

[dragon_wings]

Damn. So sorry Zaiida. *offers cookies and stuffed animals*