Hot Like Ebola!!!: Warning! Post of a Graphic Nature!

Alright, it isn't that graphic, but if you don't want to know about the female doctoring needs of Jeni, please stop reading.

Even though I have had terrible bleeding and pain issues since I was in high school, I never saw an ob-gyn until freshman year of college. At that time, I determined through divination (and the admonishment of the 8 girls with whom I lived) that a 19 day heavy period was not, in fact, normal. So I went to this RN recommended through student health services, and I was appalled. She was cold, harsh, uncaring, and rushed. She did not believe me when I said I was not sexually active, saying "Oh, come on. You're 18! You don't have to lie to me." She determined through palpation that I had ovarian cysts "about the size of two oranges", but still insisted I have a transvaginal ultrasound to "make sure." Thanks for that. After all this, she gave me The Patch and told me to buck up.

That summer, I decided that the skin rashes caused by The Patch were causing unhappines in my life, so I looked for a doctor in L.A., where I was living. My sister recommended her ob-gyn through the difficult and complicated births of her two kids, as well as the cryoablation and emergency hysterectomy that followed. His name is Dr. Ian Taras, and I am not afraid to give it to you because he is a wonderful man. He treated me with nothing but kindness and patience, even taking the time to (gasp!) explain what he felt I should do and have done. I saw him several times, the last being right before getting married to Matt, when I asked for (and unembarassingly recieved) advice for a 21 year old virgin. I even emailed him a few times to ask about birth control and other issues, and he always responded promptly and kindly.

But, since moving up to Spokane, I have not had a gyno exam. Dr. taras finally told me he couldn't keep extending my b.c., since I had no immediate plans to go down to L.A. and it had been 15 months since my last exam. Boo.

I have seen two other female doctors here, and it has been the same as with that first terrible nurse.

So now I have to find a doctor in Spokane. Since living here, I have had many experience with doctors (pyloric gastroparesis, kidney infection, toothpick in foot), and almost all of them have been terrible (rudeness, misdiagnosis, tons of unneccesary tests, etc.). Needless to say, I am not all that excited about finding a doctor to look at my girly bits. This problem is compounded by the fact that all of the girls my age are in college, and therefore know nada about where to find a doctor here. I just don't feel comfortable asking one of the old ladies at my church (or, worse, one of my profs) where she goes to get her hoo-ha examined.

Any suggestions?

*Sorry for the spelling error. Something about my computer won't let Word open right now.

:: submitted by Jenevieve, 5:14 AM
id="comments">6 Comments:

Shop around. As a medically wary person, and believe me I am very, and one who doesn't trust OBs especially, shop.

First, can you find a midwife associated with a doctor who can do surgery and prescribe things? They are usually a good "front man" and work with more compassionate doctors.

Second, set up "talking only" appointments--if you don't like where the conversation is going, then don't see them.

Third, talk to local moms and see who they liked for birth experiences.

I hope you find someone. I truly, really, know how hard this is.

Running2Ks, at 2:45 PM

I feel for you. I never saw an OB/GYN until I was 22 - there was simply no need to! I wasn't sexually active and I didn't need anyone to stick something up there. Needless to say the first experience wasn't exactly fun. I hope you find a good doctor - good luck.

Anonymous, at 3:44 PM

"hoo-ha" :D
Girly, sometimes a girls just gotta do what a girls gots to do. Ask someone who looks like they may have some sense and then ask.
Good Luck :)

Anonymous, at 6:54 PM

why don't you stop taking the pill altogether.. thats what I have done. I have ovarian cysts as well, and was having bad effects from the pill....anyways...I spoke to quite a few of my girlfriends (i'll tell you who if you really want to know) who have been using Natural Family Planning (not the pull out method, not have a baby in a few months method), a really effect and hard to learn but once you learn it way. I have read the book....Taking charge of your fertility by Weschler (i think). Anyways the ladies who have been using it for years, one for 7 years....another for 5 years..another 2 years....love it.
You'll still need a doctor but at least you won't be on the pill!!!

Unknown, at 10:14 PM

..."not have a baby in a few months method". Amy Souza (I started typing Leid...), you make me smile. I miss you!

I am actually (thankfully) not on the pill right now. I use Nuva-Ring, which is still hormonal birth control, but much, much lower doses. Because we are paranoid about having kids, we also use condoms.

I would try natural planning, but I don't think I am disciplined enough. Especially since children, while wonderful, would seriously inhibit one's ability to make it through vet school.Is that what you and Justin are doing?

Jenevieve, at 10:43 PM

yes, natural family planning....but it has taken awhile for me to learn what my vag. mucas looks like and about how taking my temperature works.I must say I have learned an awful lot about my body and it has been soooooo interesting!!!

AND i might add....that 2 of my friends who use NFP did get pregnant although they knew if they did it they would and they went ahead. i suppose that this method does take some self-control.....we'll see how it goes.

Unknown, at 1:04 AM

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