[nicoleb2]

I need to go see my ob/gyn doctor for my "annual" physical. I have not gone for close to 5 years, but now I HAVE to go because my IUD is reching it's life expectancy..

I have scars all over my stomach, and some current ones that are going to take quite some time to heal.

How do I go in, and have this physical, which requires removing all of my clothes, and exposing all of my SI scars?

I have been putting off the exam for years now because of this issue and I don't know how to get past it.

[theGirlNextDorm]

I'm not really sure, but I guess the best thing to do would be to be honest. I don't know what your situation is exactly, but perhaps you could use some help? Your doctor will most likely be concerned and may refer you to a p-doc or something. Your primary doc in the meantime might give you something to help heal the wounds and prevent scarring. The important thing is your health, physical and emotional. If I may, I imagine you have dealt with SI for a while now, and you deserve to be free from it. It may make you feel better but it can't really help you. Your doctor is most likely a caring person who will understand how to help you. Let them! You have the support of us PC peeps.

[nicoleb2]

I already have a pdoc and a t, so we are working on it... and working on it.... and working on it

Wish I had the answer because I've been thinking about the same for my arms. I have a dr's appt on the 15th & so scared that they will be revealed. All I can say is we have to just get thru the appt accepting that our scars will be seen. Good thing for us is that we can honestly say we are getting help...although it doesn't minimize the fact that we still do it. Sorry I couldn't be more of help to you. Take Care & keep us posted on how it went. *hugs*

[anna342]

I don't know if it'll help but I've actually found that most people aren't really that bothered, or at least don't show it. If they ask anything, which is unlikely, I doubt they'd say anything if you just said 'they are self harm scars' or even mention that you have mental health problems. If they have to press on your tummy they may ask if the scars hurt, but that's probably about it.

Remember, whoever it is seeing you has got to keep confidentiality and also you're unlikely to have any contact with them outside of that appointment. Them seeing the scars will not change anything about who you are, your future or anything like that.

Sometimes you just have to just get these things done, they aren't nice, but less than an hour later you are back in your regular life. I tend to book early appointments so I don't ruin the day before hand with it and just keep telling myself, in ... minutes this will be done.

[Sannah]

I have never had a gyn appt. where the doc looked at my stomach. Your upper body will should stay covered.