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Re: Just Wondering....- THANK YOU Dr. Shanahan!
From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Sat, 3 Feb 2001 17:36:49 -0600 (CST)
Thank you for your quick response and for helping me to understand this
part of the exam. I will be sure to mention my history as well as the
fact that this will be my first exam - I hope she doesn't fall over in
shock!
Thanks again for your response.
At Fri, 2 Feb 2001, M. Kelly Shanahan, MD wrote:
>
>At Fri, 2 Feb 2001, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote:
>>
>>I'm sorry my subject line does not give a hint as to the nature of my
>>post, but I just didn't know how to word it!
>>
>>I'm in my mid-30's and will be having my first gyn exam next week. [I
>>know, I know - it's almost 20 years overdue, but better late than never,
>>right?? :o)] Admittedly, I've done way too much research just so that
>>I'd know what to expect. It seems the jury is split on when to do a
>>digital rectal exam - apparently some drs do it on everyone and other
>>drs begin it at age 40 or 50.
>
>I begin around 40
>
> As much as I don't want this to sound
>>weird and as much as I dread this part of the exam, I want my dr to do
>>it because I read that it can offer a more thorough examination of the
>>uterus - which is what I feel I need since uterine cancer is in my
>>family history and even claimed the life of a close relative at a very
>>young age - 40.
>>
>rectals are good to detect blood in hte stool or irregularity of the
>ligaments which support the uterus (and may become nodular if involved
>with endometriosis) and a rectal may make it easier to feel the ovaries,
>but it won't help diagnose uterine cancer
>
>>I guess my question is this: If the dr chooses not to do this part of
>>the exam, do I simply trust that decision because she will know my
>>history by then? After all, I sure don't want to ask for it!!
>
>be sure to mention your history -- and any unusual bleeding you may
>have. If your doctor is concerned (and concern would be based more on
>things going on with you like abnormal bleeding), she will either do an
>endometrial biopsy, a hysteroscopy/D&C or an ultrasound to better assess
>your uterine lining
>>
>>Thank you, and thank you, too, to both the doctors and the women who
>>post here because I've done a lot of reading on this forum and you have
>>all given me the courage and confidence to finally make this
>>appointment!
>
>Be sure to tell the doc it is your first exam so she will know to talk
>you through it!
>
>--
>M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
>S. Lake Tahoe, CA
>
>**this is for educational purposes only and does not supplant the need for you to consult your personal physician.
>*** Private e-mails WILL NOT be answered!!!!
>
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