This month I decided to get the things I hate to do out of the way.... I am so late on these tasks and if we do move out of California - I would absolutely hate to go to a stranger..
I am guessing this list will be for Women Only - whenever I mention girly stuff to my husband - he still squirms.. you would think after 21 years of marriage and two daughters he would be immune..... funny boy.
My yearly look see with my gynecologist.... Okay - I'm late on this check up.. about five (5) months late.... I do have a good excuse kind of ... sort of.. You see my gynecologist quit... He just up and left one day to Minnesota or some foreign country like that.. So now I have to find a new gyno - but in the mean time I made an appointment with my oncologist gynecologist....
About six (6) years ago - I was diagnosed with a rare form of treatable cancer... But because of this - I am suppose to see a gynecologist every six months.... (I'm late...) What makes the appointments awful is this.. Not only do I have to put up with the metal crowbar with the god awful click to open areas that should be closed.... (I am always fearful I might sneeze..) The doctor performs a vinegar test on me... What that is - he saturates my vulva with vinegar and shines a bright light and uses a huge microscope to get a better look... (lights camera action)... What the vinegar does is turns any abnormal cells white... If there is something he does not like - then it's biopsy time... Let me tell you - when I walk out of the place - I go very slow.... man it hurts... I feel like I had won the lottery if I don't have a biopsy...
Ultrasound - In addition to the gynecologist appointment - I have an appointment for a trans vaginal ultrasound. As you can imagine that won't be fun... Years ago - I had a cyst on my left ovary - it was supposedly the kind that you get during ovulation - but now I feel it all the time... Sometimes it's very painful that radiates to my back and sometimes it's just a dull ache... Because of all my "girly" problems (and there are a lot) my oncologist has told me several times that whenever I am ready he could perform a hysterectomy to take away my pain... My excuse has always been I don't have time... Then when my monthly bill comes up - I curse myself for not having it done..... Not sure if now is a good time either... if we move...
Colonoscopy this a lot of fun! NOT.. Okay - I know I am only 44 years old and I really am not a hypochondriac... About 4 years ago - my family and I went to the Bahamas... While there I noticed blood in my stool... At first is was a little and then it got pretty heavy... When we got back to the states - my doctor had me get a colonoscopy - What was found was three (3) very large polyps - the kind that can turn into cancer - They even gave me pictures (no, I will not share them -ick) ... Thankfully they were all removed... I went the following year and one was found and removed. I was told to come back in two (2) years... Well two (2) years was last September... What is awful about this - is not really the test... I'm sleeping during it or I don't remember it... What is awful is the prep work the day before.... drinking thick snotty water that is suppose taste like lime... and cleaning out the bowels... YUCK!!!
So I have been the great procrastinator and now is the time to take action... I'm guessing that after everything is done... I will breathe a sigh of relief - knowing that all is done.....
I had laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, which they found out I had after I had a cyst rupture but then the pain returned and staaayyyyed. I haven't had the pain since the surgery! And I've had 2 colonoscopies -- they found a precancerous polyp when I was 25. Fun times! The prep was different for me the 2nd time though -- I just had to take pills! YAY!! (Well, same OUTCOME though... Oh, I am so funny!) ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time keeping up with my yearly appointments, and after hearing what you are having, I'm a bit ashamed. I did have a hysterectomy at 40 for a large fibroid tumor. I haven't regretted it!
ReplyDeleteWow, I am sorry you have to go through all of that
ReplyDeleteI go to a woman gyno and will never look back. My first two gynos were men and everything you said was them. Then I found a woman who has heated stirups for your feet, and a warmer for the spreader thingy, and TWO gowns for you to change into, one for the top and one for the bottom. Oh how I love my gyno, it's not so bad to see her!
ReplyDeleteYou are a good,brave woman to keep on with the follow-ups. They are important even if they are time consuming and uncomfortable. When you consider the alternative, it's a no-brainer.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mothers' Day. Rosemary
I've heard that there is a non-invasive substitute for a colonoscopy in the works, possibly in the next couple of years. I'm holding out for that.
ReplyDeleteHATE the vinegar deal and more than that, I HATE cervical biopsies. So painful.
Get yourself to the doctor ASAP!!!!
ReplyDeleteDo you know that I spent this week on those very things...well all but the colonoscopy...next year for that...my hubs had the same situation as you and now he has to go regularly...keep it up ...early detection is KEY........damn it...after 40 there's so much to keep up with....Have a wonderful day...enjoy..!
ReplyDeleteKelly Dear,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to wish you a happy mother's day and check on you. You can now take tablets instead of that water with the colonoscopy. Ask for them instead. Much much better. I had the same thing you did and so now.....every other year.....yuck
Happy Mothers day. I mentioned you in my post. I hope to hear from you soon. Blessings.