What to expect at my Dr. appt.

Hi Cecilly

I can understand your nervousness and uncertainty. have no idea what you should expect, but I would ask the doctor to explain what she is going to do, before doing it, and to tell you what she is doing and observing as she does the exam, if that would be helpful for you.

It might be helpful to take another trusted person into the consulting room, but not necessarily into the examination cubicle. That way that person will hear the conversation and will be able to 'debrief ' with you afterwards, over a juice or coffee, what was said. These are very stressful situations, and having another pair of ears can be very useful if your ears go into survival mode and you cannot remember, afterwards, what was said.

I would ask her not to do any pulling, pushing or shoving too, as you don't want to upset your pelvic structures any further, if there is any risk of this. Don't assume that because she is female that she will automatically be aware of this or treat your body as she would expect her body to be treated. Medical training is medical training, and gynaecology is gynaecology, whatever anyone says.

I would also make a written list of questions you might want to ask her, and things you want to tell her, so your mind doesn't go blank at the time. Give the list to your companion as well, and discuss the list with him/her beforehand, so s/he can prompt you if you have left out any critical questions. Also, writing down the questions will be good preparation for you, because it will help you to be clear about why you are going, and what you want to come away with.

Once you have some positive plans in place it is often easier to go to the consultation with a positive attitude and a clear head.

Remember, it is your body. You are the one who can say, "stop", at any time, or express your discomfort or pain, if you have any during the examination.

Hope it goes well.

Louise

Wouldn't it be great if there was a career path for 'doulas' for women who are going to a gyn consultation? Or for any person who is having a face to face consultation with a doctor of any specialty. It would be an observer role, able only to listen and prompt the patient in a pre-planned way.

Louise

Hi Cecily,
Good question - and good luck with your doctor's appointment. I think it's a good idea to have a pre-appointment think and go in having some idea of what to expect, given the intimate nature of these appointments.
I guess it's difficult to be specific as all doctors are individuals and therefore different and also this is an internationl forum so there are cultural and national differences to consider as well.
However it is probably safe to say that generally the approach will be the usual mainstream medical approach,which views the pelvic organs as being supported by the pelvic floor. Therefore the main concern and treatment options will revolve around strengthening the pelvic floor muscles via kegel exercises and failing that pessaries or surgery.
With this in mind the doctor will examine you, probably whilst you are lieing on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the bed by your buttocks.
In my experience the female doctor examined me by putting her fingers in my vaginal passage to have a feel and also took a look with a little torch. After this initial examination she diagnosed a bulge in the fron of my vagina and a uterine prolapse. She referred me on to the Consultatant Gynaecologist for further examination. She said I would probably require a pessary, but that as I had an acitve sex life she would not recommend surgery for me at this stage. The doctor was very respectful and nice and I found her very supportive emotionally and in many ways. She also signed me off sick at work in increments up to 6 months in total, which really did help a lot. (I have since left that unhealthy work environment). However, as she was working within the normal medical paradigm. When I discussed the Whole Woman approach with her she said I had to be careful or I could risk my vagina falling out. As I was feeling very vulnerable at the time this scared and upset me. She also said if I taught this approach I would be on my own - I would probably not get referrals from local doctors. So although she was very supportive in many ways, she had been trained/was working within a system that sees prolapse very differently to the WW approach. So even though I have a lovely, experienced, excellent doctor in many ways, she was not as supportive as I expected.
THe follow up consulatation with the male Consultant Gynaecologist was a mixed experience. He was very professional and respectful but minimally engaged or supportive of me as a person. He diagnosed a mild uterine prolapse (I had practiced WW exercieses in the wash room just prior to the examination as I didn't want pessary/surgery - and I do think that reduced my symptoms at that point in time!) He suggested kegels until/unless it got worse and then I would require surgery. I felt so unheard and dehumanised after that consultation I burst into tears after my meeting and examination with him.
Obviously every woman's expereince is goint to be different, and different with different people at different times. However, I do think it helps to hear about each other's experience.
Fortunately I continued with the WW approach and although I have to manage my prolapse I am leading a normal, happy, healthy life.
Thinking of you - and good luck!
wholewomanuk

I don't know what to expect, but as I am going to see a gyno next week I looked on line and found some questions from Mayo clinic. I already sent them before, I am going to prepare myself using this template.

Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staff

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Write down any symptoms you've had, and for how long.Make a list of your key medical information, including any other conditions for which you're being treated and the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.For rectocele, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Are there any other possible causes?
Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
What are the goals of treatment in my case?
What treatment approach do you recommend?
Am I at risk of complications from this condition?
What is the risk that this problem will recur in the future?
Do I need to follow any restrictions?
Are there any self-care steps I can take?
Should I see a specialist?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

What symptoms are you experiencing?
When did you first notice these symptoms?
Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
Do your symptoms include pain? If yes, how severe is the pain?
Does anything in particular trigger your symptoms, such as coughing or heavy lifting?
Do your signs and symptoms include urine leakage (urinary incontinence)?
Have you had a chronic or severe cough?
Does your work or daily activities involve heavy lifting?
Do you strain during bowel movements?
Are you currently being treated or have you recently been treated for any other medical conditions?
What medications are you taking, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs as well as vitamins and supplements?
Do any of your first-degree relatives — such as a parent or sibling — have a history of rectocele or any other pelvic problems?
How many children have you delivered? Were your deliveries vaginal or cesarean?
Do you plan to have children in the future?
Do you have any other concerns?

Is doctor collecting pap smear? I imagine, it might not feel too comfortable. How about the tests for pregnant women w prolapse. Are they the same?
Thanks a lot!