YOUNG-WOMEN Messages for October, 2000: Re: Did I have a Pap Smear?

Re: Did I have a Pap Smear?

From: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 8 Oct 2000 08:04:54 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Katt: "Did I have a Pap Smear?"

At Sat, 7 Oct 2000, Katt wrote: >
> Dr.,
> >
>> I don't quite know whom I should direct this question, but I hope this
>is
>one place I can start. Three weeks ago, I saw a gynecologist, thinking
>that
>she was an internist, for severe upper abdominal pains. Although the
>nurse
>told me to undress completely, the doctor decided that she could not
>examine
>me because, although at the age of 24, I have never had sexual
>intercourse.
>She did examine me externally, but never near my lower half. She
>decided
>that I had gastritis or an ulcer. The next day, chaos happened when I
>ended
>up in the emergency room with sharp stabbing pains. After multitudes of
>tests, nothing was found, other than slightly elevated amylase levels
>and
>ketones in my urine. I was given fluids and sent home. I never thought
> about the ob/gyn because I had never felt the need to go see one.
> >
>> A few days ago, I receive a call from the nurse at the ob/gyn telling
>me
>that my tests for my pap smear were in. I thought surely, that this was
>a
>case of mistaken identity. The nurse was puzzled, but told me she would
>call me back after talking to the doctor. She calls back and tells me
>that
>I definitely had a pap smear. Here, I am spooked. I KNOW I didn't have
>one. She goes through a process over several days to determine what
>could
>have happened, if tests were missed for other patients, but everthing
>came
>out clean. The clinic was certain that it was mine, but I have NO
>memory of
> having one done. The only thing I remember is her being upset about my
>weighing 90lbs with shoes and saying that she could not examine me
>because I
>hadn't had intercourse. I am very confused. I am very spooked, and I
>am
>very scared. As it turns out, there were slight abnormalities in the
>smear,
>but I am reluctant to talk about the test with anyone because it doesnt
>feel
> like it is mine. !
>> The doctors are saying that I spaced out and blocked out the
>procedure,
>but I am sure that I did not have one and they are sure I did. Please
>help
>me sort this out or refer me someplace that can. I really feel like I
>am going crazy, if the procedure did occur.
> >
> > Katt

Katt

I will tell you what the simplest answer to the problem is, and that is to get a repeat pap to clear this up once and for all. Now, if you do not want to go to the same place, and want to go elsewhere, that is fine. Ask friends for a gentler gyn. I have had patients tell me, once I have told them to sit up, "O, you are done, have you done the pap smear yet?". Now I realize you were very keyed up and probably do remember the experience, but I will also tell you that the easiest way to remedy this situation is to have a repeat smear done. Good Luck

--
William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG
Editorial Advisor-Pregnancy and Birth
Private Practice
New Orleans, La.

*Please understand I can not respond to private emails.

*These comments are for educational purposes only.  They are
not meant to take the place of an examination by a qualified
health care provider.  They are not intended to be the start
of a physician-patient relationship.

Next message: vicki: "Re: PLEASE HELP ME -- I PREVIOUSLY POSTED 'Did I have a Pap Smear'"
Previous message: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: leep more info"
In reply to: Katt: "Did I have a Pap Smear?"

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