Thursday, July 26, 2007

Doctor's Orders!

I don't think I will ever get use to having to remove my clothes for those dreaded doctor's visits. You would think after all my children, this would change. NOT. I still feel the boiling hot, rush of blood to my cheeks as I lie on the examining table. The objects hanging overhead do nothing to distract me. In fact, I think they are more of a reminder of where you are and why, as was the situation with me the last time.


I am just as nervous each and every visit no matter how confident I appear as I stroll through those giant doors. This time was no exception. I signed in and sat down only moments before they called me into the back. The nurse showed me the paper gown I had been chosen to don, whereupon I nervously asked the wisest question of the moment "Do I have to take off all my clothes?" Before she could answer I acknowledged that I knew I did *blush* *blush* and didn't know why I asked that. She just smiled and said that everyone always ask that same question. At least this made me feel a little better knowing I wasn't the only one.

She walked out of the room and I turned around to remove my clothes and vanity. I put on the little paper gown and smiled to myself upon remembering my last visit where I had made an already embarrassing situation worse. How? You may ask. Well, I, being the creature of habit that I am, remembered that "the split always goes in the back" right? Wrong! Seems the split goes in the front and no one had thought to tell me.

Now that I had totally went against manufacturer's intentions *gasp* I was even more uncomfortable when the dr. had to tear it open at the neck. You know,....for the other part of the exam. Even though he was very understanding about it I was feeling....well.......I'm going to go ahead and say it......a little "blonde." There. I said it. *smile*


Thankful for no major problems, I followed up with the mammogram as he suggested. Ladies, I must say that I have heard "horror stories" about these. I went in expecting to have nothing left on my chest, but pancakes! Now, I am no expert since I have had only one before this one, but mine were not as painful as I had prepared for. I don't know if it's the fact that I have such a wonderful technician (thanks Renata) or that I have experienced far worse pain associated with previous surgeries that this just paled in comparison. I was a little sore afterwards, but nothing major.

I mentioned to Renata some of the stories others had expressed to me about mammograms. Some of you may even have gotten the satirical emails about them. I have and found them to be quite funny. She laughed at first, but then she said something very wise. "YOU CAN HANDLE A MAMMOGRAM MUCH BETTER THAN YOU CAN HANDLE BRE*ST CANCER."



Although I shared my embarrassing moments on the lighter side, I hope all my friends will take the message seriously and GET THOSE EXAMS!!

13 comments:

Blog is no more said...

Hey Debbie! You are not alone in the embarasment of the exams! And um, don't they keep those rooms warmer than the rest of the building?? It seems hotter to me in those rooms!!

I agree, mammograms are not too bad, they do leave me a lil sore as well. Imagine my horror when on my very first mammogram they found not one, but three lumps!! After the hoopla, biopsy and worrying, they were just fibroadenomas. WHEW!!

Anonymous said...

I hate getting naked in front of doctors, male or female, but I definitely prefer female. ( A good reason why not every woman should be a SAHM.) Anyway, thanks for the PSA, lol.

Amelia Antwiler said...

*LOL*
I have one of *those* appointments on Monday. I almost feel like I should apologize for not loosing the weight I put on during the last two babies. *L*

Marilee said...

Wow Debbie I love what you have written above on the "Leave your comment" thing! How did you do that?

I agree with your take on the whole exam/mamogram thing. I was expecting something horrid when I got my first mamogram because of all the stories I'd heard, but actually it wasn't bad and I have never had one since that I would classify as anything more than somewhat embarrassing and a bit uncomfortable at times.

I have gotten much better about the embarrassment over the years, but I think it's because I worked alongside medical professionals for quite a few years and I know how it all works from the other side of the paper gown too. Really, for them it is nothing more than part of their daily routine and they have no desire to prolong things anymore than we do.

But still... when it's ME who's naked under that (ever shrinking) paper gown, it becomes VERY personal!

I just ACT like I'm not a bit embarrassed and that I'm as confident as I'd LIKE to be... it does help and it usually helps me to ask all the questions I would stay silent about if I only focused on my embarrassment.

Now... if I could only be that confident all the time...

Ahhhh, but I am when I set myself aside and just bask in the joy and boldness of JESUS!

It's ALL about JESUS!!!

And just think... one day soon we will have perfect bodies that will never again need medicine, needles, or examinations!!! I can't wait!!!

LOVE YOU! Marilee

PS Thanks for the smiles and giggles you gave me with your humorous words!

Denise said...

I hate mammograms, but they are very important. Thanks for the reminder my sweet friend.

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

My first mamogram is next spring when I hit the delightful four-oh! However, after bre*stf*eding both Vikings for more than 12 months each over the last 3 years - there's not much left to squish! ROFL *wink*

But, seriously, amen, amen, amen to what your tech said - after participating in Relay for Life, I have a whole new understanding what cancer is "about".

Melanie said...

I'm pretty sure we all HATE those exams! Especially sitting naked in the cold little room with a tiny piece of paper covering your body. I know I always get all red too!

Lisa said...

Good for you getting checked out! I just got my results from my July 2nd mammogram. WOO HOO! All good!

Unashamed said...

I just love being naked in front of the doctor. They don't call me "unashamed" for nothing.

Bwaahaaahaaaa!!!

Actually, I'm glad you posted about this. It's about time for me to book those exams and I have been know to need a kick in the pants to follow through on them. (Sheepish smile)

Pearls of Wisdom said...

Dearest Debbie,

Thank you so much for this post and reminder. I know what you mean and I am one just like you in not liking these exams .

Hugs and Love,

Angel ():)

Sharon said...

I think you and I went on the same day, however, I've still got my paper to call and make the appt for the mammogram. Okay, so you reminded me (or was it the Lord?) ;-) I'll call first thing Monday morning and make the appt.

It's not really that bad. I've had them since I was 35 (has it really been 10 years?!!!) My aunt had br*ast cancer and it finally got her, so the Dr wanted to start me early. It has never actually hurt until last year. She must have been new. I ended up bruised. I'll say something this time if it hurts again!!

Thanks for the reminder.
:-)

Dapoppins said...

My doctors have all been female and I am still uncomfortable with the nakid...

eph2810 said...

I so agree with you -- we should get those exams :) - Your technician was very wise sharing that with you.

You know, what is funny. The first time I have ever put on a 'gown' for my exam, I had it on the wrong way too :) - I am glad that I am not the only one who did this - hehe...

Thank you for the reminder that we should take care of our bodies and get the exams done once a year.

Blessings to you and yours...