I have been having issues of the female nature. I am over 50 now and it is expected. But, every time I go to my gyno, he wants to do another procedure or lab test. I already feel like a guinea pig with all my other doctors.
Well, today he was not available, the midwife was. The midwife and I discussed my latest “procedure” results and the doctor’s recommendations. I was not surprised in any way about the recommendation for a “scopy with possible biopsy”. I said, okay, let’s talk about that…..
I explained in a nice way that I am at some Dr. office every week. I have labs pulled every month for my various conditions ( I made sure to emphasize the last point) and that I will be having this next round of procedures at my convenience during the next section of time off in the spring. The midwife and I agreed that since the issue at hand had not changed in a year and me being overly sensitive to procedures, that I could wait. So, I felt good there.
Now, to check out and scheduling the procedure. I was highly pressured to have it done in the next three weeks. I repeatedly told them no. I wanted to make sure to have a week where no other commitments would interfere should I need additional recovery time due to the procedure that would require a sedative, local anesthesia and someone else to drive home. I then explained that I did not want to miss any extra work time in case I needed some extra days. They still wanted to schedule me during winter break. I explained I already had three doctor appointments during that time. Then they tried explain I would only have a little cramping after the procedure. I explained as calmly as I could that I was to only experience a little pressure during the last procedure which ended up feeling like I was stabbed in the uterus with knives and bled for two days. I did tell the nice lady that should I have any problems or felt I could handle the procedure any earlier, I would reschedule it.
She acknowledged that I wasn’t going to give on that point. She gave my pre-procedure scripts and directions. She even gave me an envelope to place the information in.
I want you to know that I have decided that I am no longer going to be bullied because the doctor wants to procedures done before the end of the calendar year. I am not on Medicare or Medicaid. My deductible has only been met once in the last 12 years, and I am still paying off my portion of it over a year later.
I am also learning that with MCTD things didn’t normally cause discomfort or pain, now do. So a little cramping means I will need a heating pad and some heavy-duty drugs. A little pressure means I will want to scream. You will feel a pinch means that it will equal being stabbed. Blood pressure cuffs cause me to make a face.
Please understand that I prayed before I went in that I would remain calm and grateful for the staff in the office. I know it helped. The one lady who does check out asked the front desk to help me since I don’t speak enough spanish for her. I was totally happy with that. It made check out easier. I am so glad that God kept me in check. It would have been so easy to get nasty and bitter.
What to take away from this? Unless the doctor expresses that the problem is urgent, do your procedures at your convenience. Also, take the time to mentally prepare yourself for the “news” and dealing with pressured staff.
I am moving forward, but at my pace and convenience. Like I explained to the young lady that helped me. My time is precious. I did not explain to her why. It is of no concern of hers that I feel the pressure every day that it may be my last.
May you walk tall, confident and with gratitude with God in your journey dealing with doctors and your condition(s).
