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Original poster

Too scared to see GP for 'intimate' issue

49 replies

tophonetheGP · 20/01/2022 16:06

I've got a cyst down below (about 3mm away from the most sensitive bit, unfortunately), its been there years and years - gynaecologist said its a sebaceous cyst and shouldn't cause a problem, they dithered over surgical drainage about ten years ago but decided against it. It hasn't been a problem, not for a very long time, until today . Woken up with it swollen, painful, hot etc .

GP says she's booked me in for examination tomorrow .

I can't, I've had lots of problems there before, and going to the doctor terrifies me . GP said it has to be checked in case I need antibiotics or drainage .

I won't know the doctor I'm seeing - though she did say it will be a female doctor at least - and I'm stupidly scared I'll make an idiot of myself - usually end up in tears . I'm dithering over cancelling and trying to burst the bloody thing myself .

OP posts:

Deadwould · 20/01/2022 17:38

Oh this thread had helped me. I've been putting off setting the gp about something similar for ages now but was too embarrassed. I will go (maybe).

PrincessNikla · 20/01/2022 17:42

@Deadwould

Oh this thread had helped me. I've been putting off setting the gp about something similar for ages now but was too embarrassed. I will go (maybe).

Come on!! you can do it

Shapiro · 20/01/2022 17:49

There used to be a post on Facebook doing the rounds about women who are frightened or embarrassed to see a GP about their neither regions.

‘Don’t be a Diva, it’s only a beaver!’

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General health Women's health

erinaceus · 20/01/2022 17:50

Do you have someone IRL you can talk to about this, and perhaps call for some support before or after?

Definitely tell the Dr at the start of the appointment that you are very anxious, and if you are able to, tell them exactly why i.e. I'm worried about a situation where I ask you to stop and you don't. Hopefully they will take this into account when examining you and keep up good communication if they know what you are anxious about.

I hope it goes okay.

TabithaTittlemouse · 20/01/2022 18:18

Explain why you are nervous before the exam. I’m sorry that you had a bad experience.

You can do it op.

Intothelight123 · 20/01/2022 18:27

I had a sore patch of skin for about 2 years but was too embarrassed to go to my Dr about it.

After getting into a relationship I decided I'd finally go and see a Dr.

It turned out to be VIN3 which was v v almost vulval cancer. If I had gone to my Dr sooner, it would have been much easier to treat. I had to have surgery and a fairly substantial part of my vulva removed.

Please please keep your appointment! You may end up making it so much worse for yourself if not, if even 1 person learns from my experience, it would have been worth it.

vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 20/01/2022 18:30

Could you ask the GP what the most memorable fanny they've ever seen looked like?

incase it was mine

NeedWineNow · 20/01/2022 18:38

Please go OP. I felt decidedly embarrassed when I had to see our lovely male doctor about much the same thing but it was so painful I just had to go. He was kindness itself and I was examined and on my way with some antibiotics before I knew it. I did put my posh knickers on - somehow it made me feel better

HeyUpits2022 · 20/01/2022 18:49

I don't know whether this would work for you, but could you listen to a favourite song through headphones? You could explain to the GP that you're anxious and want something else to focus on.

I bet it'll all be done and dusted before you've got to the end of the song!

I find Sigur Ros (hoppipolla particularly) to be very relaxing.

LoveMae · 21/01/2022 14:05

good luck today OP

Akire · 21/01/2022 14:16

Yes you can smash this

Original poster

tophonetheGP · 21/01/2022 16:29

Thank you

Went to see GP, ended up being there 30 mins whilst they did various tests and stuff - antibiotics for a week then have to go back next week to get blood tests, possibly an ultrasound of the lump I went in with if it’s not gone in a week and a referral to gynaecology to possibly get it removed. They dunno what it is, but said if it’s been there years it’s unlikely it’s anything horrific but might need removing just in case . She was nice enough, said if it comes to removal I can be sedated for that . I’ve also got to get a load of GI investigations done too . Very thorough appt at least .

Doctor was friendly enough - very professional, not too many tears thankfully !

Thanks so so much for all the lovely message, I read them whilst in the waiting room plotting my escape !

OP posts:

Akire · 21/01/2022 16:33

Well done you! Sounds awful thing have lived with for this long. Sounds like be able get to bottom (ha) or it now. 🥇

spiderlight · 21/01/2022 16:53

I'm so glad you went through with it and that it's being sorted.

JackieQueen · 21/01/2022 17:19

Well done!

Shapiro · 21/01/2022 17:21

Well done.

CandidaAlbicans2 · 21/01/2022 17:40

Well done @tophonetheGP, you were very brave not to bottle out

Original poster

tophonetheGP · 21/01/2022 18:06

Thank you! I’m a bit panicked as the GP’s just phoned again saying I’ve got to speak to a doctor again as soon as bloods are done, and they’re now referring me for an abdominal ultrasound asap as well . Goodness knows why/what they think might be wrong .

OP posts:

Akire · 21/01/2022 18:18

Try not panic till you know, think of the chest full medals you get after this They more
Likely covering all bases if lump is unusual and can’t rule out it being rare nasty thing they never see. Either way it’s all good find or rule it out.

mumofone234 · 21/01/2022 20:25

I had to have an ultrasound once, and it was all fine - they're just being extra-careful. It really wasn't that bad.

vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 21/01/2022 20:28

Good for you.

Sounds like you have an excellent GP who is rightly cautious with banjo lumps and bumps.

You've got the hard bit done, an ultrasound won't need you to be legs akimbo. Unless you ask them very, very nicely.

vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 21/01/2022 20:32

Banjo lumps are a nasty business.

I meant fanjo. Obviously.

Ohyesiam · 21/01/2022 20:33

Doctors work by “ ruling things out”, and that’s what they are doing with the ultrasound.
Sorry your having to go through this, Health worries are the pits

Original poster

tophonetheGP · 21/01/2022 22:12

@Ohyesiam

Doctors work by “ ruling things out”, and that’s what they are doing with the ultrasound. Sorry your having to go through this, Health worries are the pits

that’s what I’m trying to tel myself tonight, that they’re just being very thorough/careful .

I’ve had an upset stomach for weeks and weeks and put it all down to stress as I’m only early thirties - she seemed more concerned about that than the lump in some ways . I suppose if she thought that was something nasty she’d have sent me for an oscopy of some sort rather than an ultrasound .

Hopefully the appointments all come through quickly, I’ve got the bloods on Thursday, to hand in two samples same time, GP ringing the Wed after, and she said should hear back about the abdominal scan pretty quickly . Gynae referral will only go through if the lump’s still there next week, but given it’s on year 13 I’m guessing it will be !

OP posts:

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