I am just back from my annual gynecological exam and I am inspired to blog about it. I do not go into gross anatomy here, but I do use some casually graphic language. I cover some serious issues, yet I've tried to cloak it in a thin veil of humor.
When I called to make an appointment back in the summer, I was told that I could come in November. The timing was dictated by the rules and regulations of my healthcare provider. Lesser attention, I now see, was put on my personal records.
The first thing my doctor asked me when he reviewed my chart was why had I waited a year to come back. (did someone turn up the heat?) He spewed off a bunch of results, "slightly abnormal pap in april 07," "slightly abnormal in august 07...." (growing hotter still) He asked if I'd had a colposcopy before. I told him that I had and that he peformed it. I picked up a vibe of concern; I felt that funny my insides felt a little funny. (warmth spreads up the back of my neck)
I like and respect this particular doctor. He tied my tubes a few years back. He's the only man I will see in this practice. The other male doctor who started the practice gives me a version of the creeps. He once took a phone call while he was examining me and told his pal on the other end, "I'll have to call ya back. I'm in Virginia." I nearly died, but on the flip side, this is great material to file away for a future writing project. Obviously, that doctor will never visit my Virginia again. His privilege has been revoked.
Back to me............
I didn't feel nervous at all until the point where i emptied my bladder prior to the exam. Then all these thoughts swirled in my head - "what if he feels something, what if something hurts, am i ok, I'm at that age when things start happening..." I was scared, because even though I exercise, eat my greens, and have an overall great health history, it just seems like sickness can just creep up on you. I am well-schooled in cervical cancer facts, and know many women who have triumphed over all different stages of it, and yet there are a few cases that just seem to spontaneously appear and progress despite paps and check ups. I swallowed the fear, and breathed myself back to a more relaxed state.
So here's my status as it was clarified today. I've had three very low level abnormal paps and no presence of HPV. I am already scheduled for a colpo in two weeks. The doctor says there very well may be no progression, but just to make sure.... On a very positive note, my blood pressure is 110/70 and I weigh exactly the same as last year.
P.S. To commemorate my first pap of year 45, I wore a navy plaid pair of Victoria Secret cotton briefs with a pink dog pattern and pink lace inserts.
P.S.S. After I paid my co-pay, the receptionist handed me the "What Every Woman Should Know About HPV" brochure. Find out more: www.hpvtest.com
