Hi everyone,

I don't have a GP, so I'd need to go to a walk-in clinic. I have a few concerns that I want to ask about, but I'm not sure if a clinic would be the proper place to ask since I haven't seen a non-psychiatric doctor in YEARS. Here are my concerns that I want addressed:

1. Asking about potentially getting a pap smear, or whatever it's called! I want to ask if I even need it, because I'm a virgin. But I'm 19 years old and figure that I may need it now, regardless of virginity? (Either way, I'm super nervous about asking that question!)

2. Asking about being tested for asthma, I think I have it, and I think it's caused by allergies combined with exercise.

3. Just today I started having a beating sensation in my left ear. It sounds just like a heartbeat, but is faster and more irregular. I think it may be a form of tinnitus (sp?) It comes and goes, but it's extremely annoying.

Is the clinic the right place to ask these questions?

[ECHOES]

I don't know how walk-in clinics are set up or how they work in Canada.
In the U.S. they are mostly for immediate care of active symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of minor ailments like sore throat, abdominal pain. It is immediate care and the person is then referred to their doctor for follow up care.

[sunrise]

Melissa, since you don't have a GP, I think the walk-in clinic is a good starting place. If they can't handle your concerns, they can refer you to the right clinic or doctor who can.

Probably with the beating sound in your ear, they would want it to persist longer than a day before becoming concerned.

for the ear thing you might want to try an ear wax removal solution. sometimes that can be a symptom of too much wax in the ear & the sounds get amplified (not the right explanation but the best i can do)...

maybe some water got trapped or something..might be a place to start,...

around here the walks would be able to handle all 3 but not give you anything beyond a routine test...some can offer x rays some not.

as far as the asthma...they will listen to your chest, maybe run a basic pulmonary function test (maybe..not all have the equipment) & send you home with an inhaler & directions to use it before exercising...i doubt you will get much of a firm answer. they won't be able to run allergy tests except a blood work.

stumpy

[beautifultea]

I'm in Canada and have had pap tests done at walk-in clinics. Had my first one there. I've used them for my main health care too for awhile when I just can't find an open gp in town. Usually they don't care. Ideally they'd like one doctor to do everything but sometimes that just isn't feasible.

Also when you are at the Walk in and find yourself clicking with a doctor it doesn't hurt to ask if he has a private practice and is taking patients. I've found a great doctor that way.