WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1998: Selective reporting of medical history (was elective abortion)

Selective reporting of medical history (was elective abortion)

From: anon (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 29 Oct 1998 18:24:36 -0600 (CST)

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I had an abortion when I was 19. It was the best choice for me at the time, but I am not comfortable discussing it with anyone. I told my husband (who was not in the picture at the time) that I had a miscarriage. I told my OB/GYN because a prior pelvic exam showed my cervix showed "activity." Meaning by looking at me the doctor could tell. I have worked in doctor's offices and I know that the medical info is not really confidential. Nurses, clerks, etc look at it and talk about it.

What I'm getting to is that I have not and I will not tell any other doctor about this. It is my business and has nothing to do with any medical problem I might see a primary care physician for.

I also was treated for situational depression as a teenager. There was physical and sexual abuse in my home. I went through years of therapy and am fine (not just my opinion, my doctor's). I used to tell doctors about it and was told things like, "your migraine headaches are related to depression." When my psychiatrist said he was 100% sure they were not. I don't tell doctors about that now. It is not relevant. But because I had psychiatric treatment, I can't get health insurance. I wish all medical records could be sealed past a certain point. I agree with the woman who started this post. You should only tell the doctor that needs to know and restrict the info. No pediatrician needs to know about her abortion.

I feel that I am intelligent enough to decide what info needs to go to what doctor. Believe me, I know enough about depression and the physical psychosomatic side effects to know if I was exhibiting them. I'm an adult and know what is and is not someone's business.

Just my many cents,

--
Anon

Next message: JCH: "Allergic reaction question"
Previous message: Helen: "Re: Painful periods all my life"

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