Anyone had a colposcopy before? Being referred for one and really annoyed about it (scoliosis, health issues)
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since colon cancer runs in my mother's family, i have one every 5 years.
there is good news and bad news:
the good news is the procedure is better than 5 years ago.
the prep tastes better, and the drugs are better, too.
the bad news: the cost is higher.
one other bright spot: you will lose 5 pounds in two days!
Colposcopy is not the same as a colonoscopy.
And OP - please, find a way to have it done. Cancer is pretty darn traumatic too. And the treatment can be quite a bit more invasive than a colposcopy. I second the idea of getting your doc to prescribe anti-anxiety medication. And maybe a little sedation.
Good for you! Grit your teeth, take those meds to keep you calmer and cry if you want, but it's better safe than sorry.
We women get all the crappy tests don't we? it sucks.
I am going to do it but ask my Dr for some anti-anxiety medication beforehand.
There are different kinds of HPV (my sister has it) and some of them lead to cancer, most don't. You could ask what kind you have to see if you feel at risk.
Second, you need to talk to this doctor, not the new one, and tell her you need the way paved for you. You need anti-anxiety meds and you need the guy to know before you agree to go there that you're not the average patient; you have a very legitimate problem that needs to be taken into consideration. Trust me, I'm "one of those" patients and it's important.
I hope you're fine. Just in case you need further treatment, make sure you're in understanding hands.
I never had a normal PAP until last year. This year's was normal too, go figure. I had a biopsy done of the uterine lining, via the cervix a few weeks ago 'just to be sure' (have a history of fibroids) & it was awful. I've never been referred for a colonoscopy & I'm 51. Not menopausal; not even peri-menopausal.
I understand about the trauma. When I was 17 I was pregnant with my first & had been on my own since I was 16. The only prenatal care I qualified for was through the county clinic where they had med student rotations. During my cervical exam at one appointment, there was a knock on the door & without even asking; the doctor said 'come in!'
It was a group of about 5 male med students; there to 'observe'. I was mortified as the doctor threw back my drape & they all took turns using the speculum. To this day, I don't even remember getting dressed afterward & leaving the clinic. I remember the ceiling tiles; that's all.
... I wonder if you could tell the doctor about your feelings in a few words (no need to go into details) and perhaps get a mild anti-anxiety prescription to take for a few days right before & after the test.
My thoughts exactly. And no reason you can't get a female doctor unless services are severely limited in your area. My thoughts are with you.
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