I'm afraid of the lady doctor :(

kimalee · Jul 1st, 2008, 03:42 PM

I have to go to the gynecologist on Monday, and I admit that I'm afraid! I had a really bad experience with one when I was about 14, and have hated going since (I'm 20 now, and have only been about 2-3 times since then). Am I just being ridiculous? She said I need a pap smear, and I'm not really sure what that is. I also have polycystic ovarian syndrome, so I'm supposed to see the doctor every few months, and I hate going!

Does anyone else feel this way? If so, what do you do to get over it? I'm sorry, I just need to rant!

lovinalotofbags · Jul 1st, 2008, 03:46 PM

I have never felt as bad as you. I just do not like opening my legs up in front of complete strangers. "move down, move down" The group I go to they are all men and are all good looking which does not help. You need to express your concerns to your GYN when you go to your appointment. Please go.

mellecyn · Jul 1st, 2008, 05:20 PM

I had a lot of gyn problems over the past few years, so I got used to spreading my legs in front of a lot of doctors lol.
At the end of the day I don´t care because I know our health is really what matters the most you know ?
Try to express your feelings and worries to the gyno, she/he will try to be reassuring, and remember they see that everyday, it´s their job !

Irishgal · Jul 1st, 2008, 05:22 PM

Just go. Tell her that you are very scared! Paps feel odd but don't really hurt. They are fast, and a great diagnostic tool, very important for all of us gals.

Sez · Jul 1st, 2008, 05:28 PM

I have real trouble with smears because I tense up so much that it hurts like h*ll when they try to put anything in. But I explain this to the Dr/nurse and so far they have been great...the last time the nurse distracted me chatting, and then slipped it in before I even realised she was doing it! You're not alone in hating the experience, and Drs/nurses must be used to that - just explain how you feel and I am sure they will take good care of you. Good luck x

PS I have PCOS too, although they don't make me see a Dr about it...am I missing something? Should I be on some treatment??

keodi · Jul 1st, 2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishgal

Just go. Tell her that you are very scared! Paps feel odd but don't really hurt. They are fast, and a great diagnostic tool, very important for all of us gals.

very true, like irishgal said, go and if you think you'll be too scared or nervous then write a list of question that you might want to ask the Dr.

kimalee · Jul 1st, 2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sez

PS I have PCOS too, although they don't make me see a Dr about it...am I missing something? Should I be on some treatment??

They put me on BC because I didn't have a period in over 2 years. Plus I gained about 35 pounds in those 2 years (without changing my diet and exercising 3 hours a day), and I'm not supposed to eat very much sugar or (bad) carbs because my body can't tolerate it very well. Some people go on some other treatment (I can't remember the name right now), but you may want to ask your doctor about it next time you go.

kimalee · Jul 1st, 2008, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellecyn

I had a lot of gyn problems over the past few years, so I got used to spreading my legs in front of a lot of doctors lol.
At the end of the day I don´t care because I know our health is really what matters the most you know ?
Try to express your feelings and worries to the gyno, she/he will try to be reassuring, and remember they see that everyday, it´s their job !

Yea, you guys are right. But what makes it worse is that my obgyn is an older, stern woman and she kind of scares me whenever she looks at me lol!

artjen · Jul 1st, 2008, 06:09 PM

I know it can be scary but it is so important to go. I just close my eyes until it is over. I absolutely hate going but i know I have to.

weekender2 · Jul 1st, 2008, 06:11 PM

it is important to be comfortable with your doctors, you have to be partners in your healthcare, if you are uncomfortable with her then find another and another until you feel more at ease.

Sez · Jul 1st, 2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimalee

They put me on BC because I didn't have a period in over 2 years. Plus I gained about 35 pounds in those 2 years (without changing my diet and exercising 3 hours a day), and I'm not supposed to eat very much sugar or (bad) carbs because my body can't tolerate it very well. Some people go on some other treatment (I can't remember the name right now), but you may want to ask your doctor about it next time you go.

I did ask a couple of times a few years back and my Dr said if I didn't have any problems from it I didn't need meds...but a couple of people have said this is not necessarily the case, so I am confused. Ah well, maybe I will ask again next time I am there.

elle tee · Jul 1st, 2008, 09:49 PM

Kimalee, no one likes going to the gyno- it's not fun! I am a big chicken when it comes to doctors so I totally understand what you mean. However, please don't neglect your regular checkups. Last time I went, the doctor found two things that required attention- nothing serious, but stuff I needed to be aware of and watch. If you have PCOS, you should definitely be keeping up with your condition regularly.
A pelvic is unpleasant but it's usally over pretty quick. One thing my doctor suggested is to tip your head back. I always try and watch her (sounds wierd, but it's because I get so tense) but she told me to tip my head back, and it helps your muscles relax so it's easier and less uncomfortable to get the exam done.
Also, to answer your question, a pap smear is a quick test that checks your cervix for abnormal cells. The doc will insert a speculum to hold you "open" and then uses a long cotton swab to get a sample of cervical cells. I usually feel a little poke but it doesn't hurt- just a little pressure. It takes like, ten seconds. Then she will send the swab in to a lab to be tested.

Pursegrrl · Jul 1st, 2008, 10:42 PM

^^ Yes, like elle tee said it's no fun but the pap smear is over really quickly. The cervix is the opening to the uterus and the health of it is something we as women have to get checked regularly (kinda like men do with their prostate I guess).

There are no nerve endings on your cervix, so you won't feel much of anything at all. She'll just swab a small sample of your cells and send it to the lab to be screened. Ask her how long it will take to get the results and whether you will be phoned or mailed something so you have an idea how long to wait.

Be sure to tell her you're nervous. Do deep breathing and tip your head back as elle tee recommends - I will also do that next time!

kimalee · Jul 1st, 2008, 10:48 PM

thank you guys so much! it really means a lot to me...I think I'm feeling a little braver.

But I wish I could just go now and get it over with instead of waiting till Monday lol!

choozen1ne · Jul 1st, 2008, 10:51 PM

I know how you feel , I also have Poly Cystic Overy Sydrom and I have to go to the OBGYN and Endocronoglist ( I am pretty sure I spelled that wrong ) and I hate going , I don't like being poked and prodded and I have a hard time asking them question when I am laying on a table half naked

My doctors have me on three different drugs to treat it , I have Glocophage (SP) and Spironoliact and Yasmin Birth Control , I had the lovely wieght gain , and adnormal hair growth and the ton of cyst on my ovaries -not fun at all

Jul 1st, 2008, 03:42 PM	#1
kimalee Mini Nikki addict Location: CA/MA	I'm afraid of the lady doctor :( I have to go to the gynecologist on Monday, and I admit that I'm afraid! I had a really bad experience with one when I was about 14, and have hated going since (I'm 20 now, and have only been about 2-3 times since then). Am I just being ridiculous? She said I need a pap smear, and I'm not really sure what that is. I also have polycystic ovarian syndrome, so I'm supposed to see the doctor every few months, and I hate going! Does anyone else feel this way? If so, what do you do to get over it? I'm sorry, I just need to rant! __________________ There's treasure everywhere! Proud Member of the "Nikkilette 10"

Jul 1st, 2008, 03:46 PM	#2
lovinalotofbags In for the long haul Location: South Carolina	I have never felt as bad as you. I just do not like opening my legs up in front of complete strangers. "move down, move down" The group I go to they are all men and are all good looking which does not help. You need to express your concerns to your GYN when you go to your appointment. Please go. __________________ Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so much.

Jul 1st, 2008, 05:20 PM	#3
mellecyn Take me to LV Location: 300 km from LV somewhere in Europe	I had a lot of gyn problems over the past few years, so I got used to spreading my legs in front of a lot of doctors lol. At the end of the day I don´t care because I know our health is really what matters the most you know ? Try to express your feelings and worries to the gyno, she/he will try to be reassuring, and remember they see that everyday, it´s their job ! __________________ "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete" Buckminster Fuller

Jul 1st, 2008, 05:22 PM	#4
Irishgal I run with scissors Location: In a Bell Jet Ranger	Just go. Tell her that you are very scared! Paps feel odd but don't really hurt. They are fast, and a great diagnostic tool, very important for all of us gals. __________________ Ten thousand blessings to all of our furry friends who are in need of prayers. May they be comfortable, healthy, and blessed with joy and companionship. May their eyes shine brightly and may they know that they are loved.

Jul 1st, 2008, 10:48 PM	#14
kimalee Mini Nikki addict Location: CA/MA	thank you guys so much! it really means a lot to me...I think I'm feeling a little braver. But I wish I could just go now and get it over with instead of waiting till Monday lol! __________________ There's treasure everywhere! Proud Member of the "Nikkilette 10"

Jul 1st, 2008, 05:28 PM	#5
Sez Bag lady Location: London	I have real trouble with smears because I tense up so much that it hurts like h*ll when they try to put anything in. But I explain this to the Dr/nurse and so far they have been great...the last time the nurse distracted me chatting, and then slipped it in before I even realised she was doing it! You're not alone in hating the experience, and Drs/nurses must be used to that - just explain how you feel and I am sure they will take good care of you. Good luck x PS I have PCOS too, although they don't make me see a Dr about it...am I missing something? Should I be on some treatment??

Jul 1st, 2008, 06:09 PM	#9
artjen Young @ Art Location: Arizona	I know it can be scary but it is so important to go. I just close my eyes until it is over. I absolutely hate going but i know I have to.

Jul 1st, 2008, 06:11 PM	#10
weekender2 Black Box Please...	it is important to be comfortable with your doctors, you have to be partners in your healthcare, if you are uncomfortable with her then find another and another until you feel more at ease.

Jul 1st, 2008, 09:49 PM	#12
elle tee Member Location: nyc	Kimalee, no one likes going to the gyno- it's not fun! I am a big chicken when it comes to doctors so I totally understand what you mean. However, please don't neglect your regular checkups. Last time I went, the doctor found two things that required attention- nothing serious, but stuff I needed to be aware of and watch. If you have PCOS, you should definitely be keeping up with your condition regularly. A pelvic is unpleasant but it's usally over pretty quick. One thing my doctor suggested is to tip your head back. I always try and watch her (sounds wierd, but it's because I get so tense) but she told me to tip my head back, and it helps your muscles relax so it's easier and less uncomfortable to get the exam done. Also, to answer your question, a pap smear is a quick test that checks your cervix for abnormal cells. The doc will insert a speculum to hold you "open" and then uses a long cotton swab to get a sample of cervical cells. I usually feel a little poke but it doesn't hurt- just a little pressure. It takes like, ten seconds. Then she will send the swab in to a lab to be tested.

Jul 1st, 2008, 10:42 PM	#13
Pursegrrl Oh! That Joe! Location: Seattle	^^ Yes, like elle tee said it's no fun but the pap smear is over really quickly. The cervix is the opening to the uterus and the health of it is something we as women have to get checked regularly (kinda like men do with their prostate I guess). There are no nerve endings on your cervix, so you won't feel much of anything at all. She'll just swab a small sample of your cells and send it to the lab to be screened. Ask her how long it will take to get the results and whether you will be phoned or mailed something so you have an idea how long to wait. Be sure to tell her you're nervous. Do deep breathing and tip your head back as elle tee recommends - I will also do that next time!

Jul 1st, 2008, 10:51 PM	#15
choozen1ne Member Location: Michigan	I know how you feel , I also have Poly Cystic Overy Sydrom and I have to go to the OBGYN and Endocronoglist ( I am pretty sure I spelled that wrong ) and I hate going , I don't like being poked and prodded and I have a hard time asking them question when I am laying on a table half naked My doctors have me on three different drugs to treat it , I have Glocophage (SP) and Spironoliact and Yasmin Birth Control , I had the lovely wieght gain , and adnormal hair growth and the ton of cyst on my ovaries -not fun at all __________________ Last edited by choozen1ne; Jul 1st, 2008 at 10:54 PM.