And if it was only the Hokey Cokey (is that the right spelling), I was referring to. I was going to call it ‘They Don’t Like it Up ‘em Mr Mainwaring’ but I’m not sure many people remember Dad’s Army and it’s probably a bit near the knuckle.
Anyway, I don’t normally get initimate on this blog, partly because I don’t want to embarass myself or others, but I feel the need to share tonight.
This past year I have been battling with the old hormones and my monthly cycle has been up and down more than a yo-yo. In fact at least a yo-yo is pretty consistent.
My lovely lady doctor referred me for more tests which I went for today. Not that she thinks there is anything sinister, more to put mine and her mind to rest.
So I duly went with my husband today.
Well, and this is the reason for sharing, the things us women have to go through. The doctor was very pleasant, asked me lots of questions and then it was time for one of those examinations. I don’t think I need to explain too much about that as I’m sure you will get the picture - after all it was the gynaecology department.
I was lying on the bed waiting for the embarassment of it all, when he declares that he will also check the upper wobbly bits.
I’m not joking - if his clipboard had said ‘check if they hurt when I squeeze them’, then he got a tick in that box. I thought he was going to do the usual breast examination but instead just squeezed them. Well that’s what it felt like.
I mean he didn’t even buy me a meal first!
I told my husband about it afterwards and he put the reasoning in place for me. He then started to laugh and told me that he had nearly burst out laughing when the doctor got up from his desk to examine me.
Apparently as he stood up the doctor began to undo the belt on his trousers. He obviously saw my husband looking and quickly explained that he had a piece of equipment (ahem) that was upside down on his belt and was undoing it to put it right.
I know it’s not one of those subjects you usually talk about in public but the indignity we have to suffer as women. And this is just to rule out things.
Anyway I have to go back for a scan and a hysteroscopy (which sounds delightful) at some point. But my reasoning is that 20 minutes of indignation is worth far more than not checking these things out.
PS Here is Bill Bailey’s version of the Hokey Cokey
September 17th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I think you’re right to feel indignant and I’m glad you had your husband with you. Of course you have to get things checked out, but I can’t help thinking there are times when doctors do more than necessary. I was sure my GP gave me too many internal examinations when I was pregnant, first time round. After that pregnancy, I had a miscarriage and it didn’t occur any more. Perhaps you could ask for a nurse to be present.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
OMG.
Hope the tests go well…can you ask for a woman doctor next time?
Cx
September 17th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Hi Jackie
There was a nurse present. I don’t think they are allowed to do examinations without one present these days. It still doesn’t make it feel any better though does it?
Sorry to hear about what happened with you. I said similar to my husband afterwards. I know they want to be thorough but you wonder if any further damage is done.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Hi Cathy
I really wanted a woman doctor, but when we got there, there were only two consultants on and they were both men. The doctor I had was the head of the team.
There’s no harm in asking for the next set of tests though is there?
September 17th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Poor you, Sue - sending hugs! Hope all well and that the next set of tests runs more smoothly …
A
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September 17th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Thanks Anne, me too!
Sue xx
September 17th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Sue I soooo know what you’re talking about with the old hormones! But this is a very funny story, if awful for you, and I hope the writing of it helped in some way.
Have you had a blood test to check hormone levels? They can tell alot from one (much less invasive too…)
I wish you and your innards well - with love and sympathy, Livvy x
September 18th, 2007 at 6:53 am
Hi Livvy
Thanks for that. Yes, I’ve had my hormone levels checked which proved ‘normal’. Although I have been told that you need to check it more than once at different times.
Hubby and I have both been convinced it’s hormones and this doctor yesterday thinks it is. He still wants to do the other tests to make sure. I suppose it’s better safe and sorry.
Sue x
September 18th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Not sure what to say, Sue.
Hope the results make you fee more reassured.
C ♥
September 19th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
I’m having a hysteroscopy done on Friday, I hear it’s no biggie really and I’m sure yours will be pretty simple since it’s not operative. I’ve had that, you get minor cramping but otherwise it really isn’t all that bad. Just remember to take pads with you coz you leak afterwards!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Thanks Misslionheart.
September 19th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Hi Anns
Thanks for stopping by and for the info. Hope yours goes well too.
September 20th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Hi Sue, what an experience! I really hope that the tests go well for you. I think you are right that it’s better to get things checked despite the physical discomfort and embaressment. NB x