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Original poster

Dr this lunch time, quick help please. maybe triggering

20 replies

Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 10:20

I am see my gp this lunch time due to a lump I've found in vagina and a possible suspected prolapse.
I'm nervous because I'm a survivor of child sexual exploitation.
I've worked up the courage to go but I had flashback in the night, I rarely get them now and so I've not slept and definitely feeling the after affects of the flashback.

I won't cancel, but should I tell the gp about my past and the flashback when I am there. I know they are pressed for time, will she have time for me to mention that as well as all the physical symptoms and then examine me? I'm second guessing myself because I am tired and anxious.
Could anyone help?

OP posts:
LewisFan · 30/01/2020 10:22

She absolutely 100% will have time to hear your story, as much as you want to share.

It will help her to help you through the appointment

I hope yleverything turns out ok

KnifeAngel · 30/01/2020 10:22

Definitely tell the doctor. She can then be aware if you freak out during an examination.

LewisFan · 30/01/2020 10:23

*everything ffs

Original poster
Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 10:25

Thanks. I'm OK with examinations. I've had three kids and I had a smear the other week! But I don't normally go when I've just had a flashback...
Argh. Bad timing.

Thanks so much for the quick advice.

OP posts:
Scootingthebreeze · 30/01/2020 10:27

Perhaps write it down as briefly, but completely as you can, or a bullet point list of what you want to explain?
I hope the appointment goes ok for you

Mrsjayy · 30/01/2020 10:27

Yes tell her before she examines you she won't need anything indepth if you don't want to, good luck Flowers

LeekMunchingSheepShagger · 30/01/2020 10:42

Absolutely tell the Doctor Flowers

Original poster
Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 13:39

Thanks all. Well I went in planning to tell her, but it wasn't my usual gp and she was quite abrupt. I left feeling like I didn't say what I needed to about my issue and with a referral I don't want. Not sure what to do now!

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 30/01/2020 15:42

Ah that is rubbish maybe make another appointment for that Dr say you are more comfortable with her.what was the referral

TerrifiedandWorried · 30/01/2020 15:46

You could write to the doctor you feel comfortable with perhaps?

Original poster
Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 15:54

Referral is to the gynae at local hospital. They are all men Sad

I'm thinking of going to a women's physio myself and paying for it.

OP posts:
cjt110 · 30/01/2020 16:10

Can you write it down, make another appt and hand it to the GP. I know when I have had issues with my MH, it's been easier to write down, print and hand it to my GP to read rather than say it myself.

Original poster
Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 16:16

Thanks for taking the time to reply Smile. I don't really have any issue saying it. I'm far on in my recovery and have had and still in lots of therapy. It was firstly that I wasn't sure she would have time and then secondly when I got there, I didn't feel like I could tell her about my past. She was very hurried and I didn't feel comfortable explaining that I had injuries and they might contribute to my issues now..

I will see if I can get an appointment with one of the female Gps I have seen before and then failing that a physio. It's so frustrating cos I got myself prepared for it and I was so afraid, shaky and nervous about the conversation not the exam.. and now I have to do that all again.
Good news though, she things the lump is a skin tag and benign. She said gynae would remove it. I don't want to go to gynae..

OP posts:
slipperywhensparticus · 30/01/2020 16:18

Are their no women gynecologist at all? How odd

Leah2005 · 30/01/2020 16:20

You can ask for a referral at a different hospital. My mum did this and when we got there it was a male Dr. We refused to see them and by the time we got back home the hospital had been on the phone offering another appointment the next day. You don't have to say why, you are allowed to say you will not be examined by a man.

keepingbees · 30/01/2020 16:21

Don't you get a choice of hospital to have your gynae appointment at? I would enquire where you can see a female, you're perfectly entitled to request this.

Original poster
Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 16:43

Really? I didn't know that. I've seen male ones on the past. At hospital at gum clinics. Why are they always men? And I just don't want to do that any longer. I find it harmful to my mental health.
I didn't know I could request a woman gynae.
That changes things. I'll wait for my referral letter and then I'll request it. I may take the letter to my usual women gp.

Thanks, that's a huge relief!

OP posts:
Kanga83 · 30/01/2020 16:46

You can absolutely request a female gynae, I would ask your GP to put it into the referral letter rather than than wait for the online self referral.

Original poster
Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 16:50

Thanks @Kanga83 I am going to ring surgery tomorrow and ask for a call back from my usual gp and take it from there.
Feel much more confident about asking for a female now I have mm backing! I really didn't know I could ask for a female. Our local hospital is small and they are all male Dr's. There are other hospitals nearby though and I have no issue traveling.

I don't have an issue with male Dr's, I've seen plenty, even had mastitis diagnosed by male Dr's twice. Consultant for dc3 birth was a man too. It's just more intimate exams and treatment.
I had post assault exams by males when I was a teen. I didn't dare ask for anyone else. You think that they would have offered d

OP posts:
Original poster
Chipsahoy · 30/01/2020 17:08

A woman

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