[splitimage]

Hi everyone,

I hate physicals so I put off having them - my last one was at least 3 years ago - but I've finally worked up the nerve to go and have an appointment this Thurs. afternoon.

Anyway there are 2 issues.

One I used to SI heavily but had stopped until about 10 weeks ago when I had a bit of a crisis and Si'd once. The problem is it's left visible scars that are obviously SI on my arm. no way my Dr. is not going to notice them. I figure my best approach is to be proactive and to just tell her at the start of the exam, look I've got some scars, but I'm not SI'ing now, and I'm getting treatment for it, and I really don't want to talk about it.

Second is the female exam. I've only ever had one pap smear done and that was years ago. My Dr. says I don't need them since I've never had intercourse. Yes I'm a 43 year old virgin with some pretty big hangups due to childhood SA. Anyway I want to ask my Dr. to at least do an external exam of down there, because I've felt some bumps that are whitish in colour around the exterior of my vagina. I'm pretty ignorant about that part of the anatomy, except I'm pretty sure it shouldn't have bumps. I'm just really afraid I'll get triggered by her touching me. I'm just glad that I have a female Dr.

I'm just really dreading it.

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[unaluna]

hey split. good news and bad news the good news is, I would bet the bumps are not anything to worry about, they could be just clogged pores. the bad news is, I once had a dr tell me, when I said I live like a nun (now, anyway!), that yeah even nuns need to get checked - they think they don't because they're not operating the property, but ya gotta get it inspected anyway. I wish you well. my advice, don't let them use one of those new little plastic speculums on ya - they are like those little frog clicker noisemaker things? they bite! but generally things have changed for the better, they do warm up all the stuff now. just lie back and think of... canada?

[Leed]

Hankster is right. Even tho you're a virgin, you can still get diseases of the uterus & vagina as well as the ovaries and this NEEDS to be checked!! The only way they can check this is by examination with the instrument. No, it's not pleasant -- but it's not painful either. I know it's probably a trigger for you but please explain to her -- and she WILL be gentle and understanding. Your health is VERY important --- and we care and so does your doctor. There is NOTHING to be embarassed about, believe me.

I think ALL women dread this exam. But it's necessary so we do it. LOL We'll be with you in spirit -- so FEEL us holding your hand, ok? We'll be right there. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee

[JLarissaDragon]

Hankster and Leed are right. You definitely do need to get checked down there as well. Cancer and endometriosis are potential risks for all women. Ok it is unpleasant and I can understand your hesitancy. If you can get a woman gynocologist and also most doctors will allow you and will even ask you if you would like a nurse present. My current doctor is a woman and she is very compassionate but still has a nurse with her. Any male doctor I have ever had has always had a female nurse with him. It may be as much for him as for you. I know it is hard but it os just one of those unpleasant things that as women we have to do. I wish you the best and I am sure you will be all right, but your health and safety are very important. It is not worth taking risks

Hugs -- Larissa