My previous GP did not handle doing the pelvic exam after my treatments. She was actually shaken / upset, which was a bit disconcerting. In part, she didn't know what to do. I ended up back at Juravinski for my tests, and I understand there were conversations with my GP. Sadly, my GP left practice. She was a young vibrant woman and is missed in her field. I credit her with the one who saved my life, as she caught my cancer and sent me for more tests back in 2015.
When I was advised it was time for the pelvic exam t our doctors, they offered the Nurse Practictioner or my new GP. I was comfortable with either, but, thought, what the hell, let's go with the NP.
It was the BEST pelvic exam experience that I have ever had.
Why?
She started with all the history, and was quite thorough in asking questions, seeking to understand.
She then asked about my treatments. I was given the opportunity to share what she would experience when doing the pelvic -- ie, my cervix was basically melted away by the brachytherapy. Scar tissue surrounds the area. She listened to what I said, then confirmed back to me, that she and my GP had fully read all the notes, and that it mirrors what I have said. She said they were started to find out that I did not need a PAP smear, and that they actually reached out to Juravinski to confirm. I was impressed to be honest to note the amount of time and care that they had taken in preparation.
What followed was a good, but gentle examination. I don't need to go into details, but, I will say that she spoke to me throughout, explaining what she was doing, and what she was looking for. In addition, afterwards, she advised some of what I might experience as a result of the tests.
She also advised she saw nothing out of order in the exam -- Woopie!
I had received a followup appointment for the 21st with results from scan, plus other diabetes results, and so...given nothing was urgent,, and this went so well I can say that my anxiety dropped significantly.
When I was advised it was time for the pelvic exam t our doctors, they offered the Nurse Practictioner or my new GP. I was comfortable with either, but, thought, what the hell, let's go with the NP.
It was the BEST pelvic exam experience that I have ever had.
Why?
She started with all the history, and was quite thorough in asking questions, seeking to understand.
She then asked about my treatments. I was given the opportunity to share what she would experience when doing the pelvic -- ie, my cervix was basically melted away by the brachytherapy. Scar tissue surrounds the area. She listened to what I said, then confirmed back to me, that she and my GP had fully read all the notes, and that it mirrors what I have said. She said they were started to find out that I did not need a PAP smear, and that they actually reached out to Juravinski to confirm. I was impressed to be honest to note the amount of time and care that they had taken in preparation.
What followed was a good, but gentle examination. I don't need to go into details, but, I will say that she spoke to me throughout, explaining what she was doing, and what she was looking for. In addition, afterwards, she advised some of what I might experience as a result of the tests.
She also advised she saw nothing out of order in the exam -- Woopie!
I had received a followup appointment for the 21st with results from scan, plus other diabetes results, and so...given nothing was urgent,, and this went so well I can say that my anxiety dropped significantly.
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