Posted by Lindenblüte on October 24, 2006, at 10:04:15
Hi all,
I have a fear of getting the annual gynecological exam. I'm 27, and I haven't gotten an exam since I was 20. I know it's really bad, and irresponsible of me not to have a Pap smear and all that stuff. It's just that I'm generally healthy down there, with the exception of recurrent bladder/kidney infections (for which I ended up having to see a urologist about when I was 21)So? I guess it's time to get an exam.
Two issues here.
1) psychological- Now that I'm seeing T, and learning more about how my childhood affects my current thinking and feelings, I think I *may* be in a better place to understand why a gyno exam makes me so anxious. I will be careful to request a particular person at the clinic I've been going to for several years. She is kind.In addition to the gyno exam, I am also anxious about getting my basic bloodwork done. Dinah's thread (above) reminds me that many "silent" diseases, like diabetes and heart disease can be thwarted if they are monitored and treated early and consistently. Besides having my blood pressure checked (normal) and my weight (normal BMI, but on the heavy side, and my waist is too big, and I know I have high body fat). I know NOTHING about my bloodsugar, my cholesterol, or my triglycerides. My diet is all over the place, and I have not been doing regular cardio or strength training exercises. I'm scared of what doctors may find. I'm scared that I might chicken out and not request the labwork, even though I should probably get it checked at least once as an adult?
2)Medical. I'm 27, female. What tests do I need?
My vaccines are all up to date (that much I DO know!).I had my thyroid function tested in May. It was smack in the middle of the acceptable range.
Heart disease- not prevalent in my family (grandmom has arrhythmia and congestive heart failure that began to be a problem when she was 78, but it's under control now). Both parents have normal blood pressure and cardiac function.
Diabetes- my mom has some tendency to be diabetic, but she's obese, and hypothyroid. When she gets her thyroid function under control and eats a lean diet, she is okay. (never has taken medicine for diabetes). Dad had diabetes for 6 mos when he was taking predinsone. Resolved when he quit it.
Cancer- family history of colon cancer (grandmother), lymphoma (sibling), skin cancer (father. I had skin cancer screening last year, and a mole removed for cosmetic reasons (that was also negative for s.c.)
Neurological- grandmother had Parkinsons, father had childhood epilepsy. father and grandmother have had strokes.
Other- I have at least one copy of a common gene that makes my blood more likely to clot than the average person. Father has 2 copies and has lots of blood clot problems. (this is the reason I don't take oral contraceptives, plus, they make me crazy!!)
So, what kind of check-up do you guys think I should ask for? Here is my list so far.
1) gyno exam with pap smear
2) cholesterol screening
3) triglycerides screening
4) blood sugar screening
5) breast examany others? please feel free to add to my list. Thank you SO much :)
-Li
poster:Lindenblüte
thread:697289
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20060818/msgs/697289.html