OT - getting ready to go see PCP for "woman stuff"

I'm getting ready to go to my appointment with my PCP for all that woman stuff you're supposed to get done once a year, but which I actually get done far less often than that.  I think my last pap test and all that was about three years ago.  I hate this stuff.  I am so anxious I feel nauseous.  With my PTSD symptoms all stirred up lately, it's not a good time.  Unfortunately, it took forever to get this appointment so rescheduling is not an option.  I probably wouldn't be able to get in until Thanksgiving!

 Remember, deep breaths! 

Have you talked with your PCP about your PTSD? Maybe he/she could give you a prescription for something to take before you have your annual exams. I work in OB/GYN and at the largest Naval Hospital in the world and this is definitely something you could discuss with your provider.

Breathe and relax, it's not that bad!  With the new Paps they have out, as long as you test normal you only have to have a Pap every 2-3 years so you're right on schedule.  I know it's not fun, but you will be fine. . . .just keep breathing, in and out.

I definitely wouldn't cancel especially if your doc is that hard to get into.  Just tell yourself after this no more exams for 2 more years, that may help you get through it a little easier.

I understand how you feel. I had a *****y PCP who was very abrasive and mean when she examined me. She used to tell me it was hard to do the exam because of my stomach size and was not good at performing the exam comfortably. It usually hurt.   I avoided getting the exam done for a few years because of it. I found a new and better PCP last year after doing some rsesearch and last year scheduled my annual exam since it was required before RNY surgery. I told my new PCP how much I was dreading it on the day of the exam and I started having a panic attack in the room before hand. She came in and I was crying and said how much I hated this and it's so invasive and do we have to do this and all that. She is a great OB-GYN and said she would be careful. She was patient and quick and gentle  kept asking me how I was doing during the exam and was done super quick. SHe was not judgmental or harsh but was understanding and sympathetic and it made all the difference.

I would tell the nurse and your PCP about your anxiety and tell her specifically what you are afraid of. (Ive always been afraid of having my uteru*****tured by the scissors like instrument they use to do the exam. Scares the **** out of me.) Hopefully they will be understanding and patient. If not you could decide whether to go thorough with it or to leave and do some research to find a more compassionate PCP who knows what he or she is doing. It's worth the wait.

My sister had her OBGYN tell her to 'just relax' right before he put those spreader things in.  She just about punched him.
A pap is a horrid thing, I know but thankfully its over quickly.  Here in Alberta they now say a woman should have a pap every three years instead of annually.  Good and bad, I think...
You'll do fine, and it'll be over quickly.
Giselle

Just remember to breathe!  I have a daughter that gets anxious easily and I taught her at a young age to close her eyes, breathe slow breaths and to imagine a safe place...  Hokey I know, but it did work when my daughter was young and then I would get those peaceful sounds cd's and have her listen to them on headphones to drown out her thoughts.

At any rate Kelly...just breathe

OK, I survived.  I love my PCP.

She knows about my PTSD.  All my doctors know about that.

She did a great job.  And I talked to her about birth control and she agreed that a tubal ligation might be a good idea and recommended a gynecologist - the one she goes to. 

Glad to hear it went OK! I'm glad.

I'm so glad it's over and done with. I think if men had to go through a pap like procedure and a mammogram on their "parts", they'd come up with a new way of testing pretty darn quick!! Just sayin!!