Couch 227 - The Safe Couch

SlumberKitty · May 20, 2021, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comrademoomoo

SlumberKitty, you can exercise a lot of control over the procedure. Your friend can stay in the waiting room. You can tell the nurse to stop at any time. You can tell them to go slower, to stop, to show you the equipment they use. You can breathe through the experience. You can be an active participant, don't let them bluster through you. You can try this time, not finish the test and try again at another time. Take security items with you, essential oils, a blanket, a donut, a bottle of whisky.

Thanks, comrademoomoo. You had me laughing at the whisky! Though I do plan to take a xanax! I think I will take a blanket with me. I hope I remember. And I'll use my anointing oils tomorrow.

atisketatasket · May 20, 2021, 04:36 PM

This Couch just busted its last spring. Who’s going to start the new one?

LonesomeTonight · May 20, 2021, 04:39 PM

Hugs, Kit. Do you have any sort of anti-anxiety as-needed medication you could take before the appointment? Like Ativan, Xanax, hydroxyzine (not a benzo but used to help anxiety), etc.? I know this will be difficult to do, but taking slow, deep breaths (also challenging in a mask, which I assume you'll need to wear) and doing your best to relax your body can help. Also, ask if your doctor can talk you through what she's doing (like, "right now, I'm doing x, it will only take a few seconds"), or, if you prefer, if she can talk about something else. Like, I know you love the children you're supporting through the charity. So maybe you could talk about them, for example? Silence would be the worst, I think.

Also, just try to think of it as "I just need to get through a few minutes, then they'll leave me alone about this for 3 years." (The actually test literally only takes a couple minutes, if that.) I agree that if you can only get partway through, then need to stop, it's OK. But at the same time, you got yourself there, so it you can just try to get through it, then it will be done. And you can feel proud of yourself for getting through it. Maybe come up with something to reward yourself with afterward, too.

SlumberKitty · May 20, 2021, 04:48 PM

Thanks LT. I'll try these suggestions.

SlumberKitty · May 20, 2021, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atisketatasket

This Couch just busted its last spring. Who’s going to start the new one?

I made one.

LonesomeTonight · May 20, 2021, 04:49 PM

So, speaking of similar tests, today--this gets both a TMI and trigger alert:

Possible trigger:

I had to do a pelvic, then transvaginal ultrasound, basically to screen for ovarian cancer, because my mom had it at 40 (I generally get them annually, but this was 6 months late mainly because of COVID). Though they have to bill it as "painful periods" for insurance to pay. The first test, had to drink 32 oz of water an hour before. Once, I didn't drink enough, and they sent me back out to drink more in the waiting room. This time, the radiologist was impressed by how full my bladder was. Like, well, I guess that's some sort of accomplishment for me this week?

So they do the external scan, then I go pee, then come back in. Then, it's an internal scan with a dildo-like wand that lasts about 10 minutes. As the radiologist is clicking and typing things into the machine, and I'm trying to read her expression. Got results this afternoon, that I just have a "simple 3.5-cm cyst," which shouldn't be anything to worry about ("complex" or "solid" could lead to additional screens or possible cancer testing). I appreciated that my doctor let me know today, especially considering she's a new one (my previous one left the practice and went to a location pretty far away).

stopdog · May 20, 2021, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unaluna

Ugh. I am in a fix. I have had a uti since yesterday, i just got a scrip called in - next time, do not call my doctor, go straight to doctor on demand - fingers crossed they will door dash it, i am half falling over with heat and pain, and i still have to clean my space for the cooling changeover tomorrow. I am a super wimp, no doubt. Heaven help us if anything serious physical should ever befall me. The tiniest tummy ache and i roll up into a little (well maybe not so little) ball.

Leeches, cupping, and a good bleeding will fix you right up.
I hope you feel better soon.