[krisakira]

Could be TMI...

I have had a cut (fissure) on my skin between my vulva and an.us, which is the perineum. I have had it for probably more than two weeks. I have been trying to get it to heal, but I showed it to my husband today and he was pretty freaked out by it, saying it ought to be checked out. So I thought maybe I should go to my gynecologist for it. I will have to call him tomorrow. Thing is I have been sexually assaulted and abused in the past and I have really been avoiding going to the gyno. I went there to get an IUD put in and a year after that to get a pap smear. I was supposed to go every year since getting the IUD but it has been 2 years since the last visit. Every time I go, it hurts so bad to get that thing put in me, and they crank it up so much it hurts. I can't imagine how much it would hurt to have that device put in when I have this horrible cut on the skin that is supposed to stretch. But I don't know what else to do, and where else to go to get it treated. I am so scared and I don't want to go! I tense up every time that device is put in me and it is miserable! Any tips on how to calm down and perhaps ways to tell the doc that I have a sexual abuse history? It is so painful to use the bathroom and wipe my area with toilet paper. HELP!

[IzzyMeadows]

Get something else to focus on. As for telling them abiut your past you could write a note and hand it to them if you don't want to say it. I wouldn't think they'd do a full exam if that area is open since that'd pull on it. Do you have an anxiety medicine? That might help with tensing up or explain your past and ask for something or the anxiety? (Make sure you don't drive there if you decide on that) Pain wise it is easier if you can relax those muscles.

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[RomanSunburn]

For future reference, you could ask them to use the smallest one they have. You could also sign a release and have your T/Pdoc tell your gyno about your past. It hurts a lot for me when I go, too. I concentrate on taking deep breaths. I think talking with my gyno during it also helps. I have a pretty cool gyno, though. For instance, I teach crochet classes, and she joked about coming to one of my classes and promising not to talk about my vagina.

In regards to the fissure... I agree, since it's been there two weeks, it's time to go to a doctor. If you tell them why you need the appointment when you make it, they'll know up front you're not going for a pap smear. When you get there, you can talk about scheduling a full exam when your cut has healed.

In the meantime... drink lots and lots of water. I hope you feel better soon!

[Auntie2014]

I think calling GYN is a good place to start. When you call for appointment tell tell them what is going on health wise. They might tell you to call GP. I really doubt that with what you described they will be doing an internal exam. Also when you go in for appointment you can tell the assistant that does the vitals stuff about your concerns and ask that they let doc know in advance. My GYN knows my history and always has nurse stay in room with me and tells me what he is going to do before he does it.

[Raging Quiet]

I can relate to your post.

I tell the doc/nurse that I'm not comfortable and a nurse usually holds my hand. I saw my GP that prescribed me diazepam which I take half an hour before an appointment. I try to control my breathing and think "in 30 mins I would have survived this and can buy myself something nice" when having a Pap smear, I ask for the smallest spectrum. Being relaxed can definitely make it much better. I ask for a female to.

Take care xx