Re: Mistaken Pap Smear Issue
From: Robin (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 11 Oct 2000 13:45:41 -0500 (CDT)
At Wed, 11 Oct 2000, Katt wrote:
>
>Oh, it wasn't that I thought that people HERE were accusing me of
>spacing out. I did not mean for everyone to think I was upset or
>offended at anyone.
Gotcha ;o).....
>
>It turns out that I actually did block the entire experience. There was
>physical evidence that I had one (not to get too graphic, but when I got
>off the exam table, there was a wet spot that, at the time, I thought
>was peculiar, but dismissed it as sweat from being nervous),
I would have thought the same ;o).....
>my story is
>not meshing with the stories of the doctors and nurses (for instance, my
>memory tells me that the dr. told me she could not examine me because I
>am a virgin -- no one seems to understand where that came from),
Nor did I understand.
>and I
>have a problem with reality at times. I think that what has bothered me
>most about it is how spooked, dirty, and like trash I feel.
You shouldn't feel this way. If you are still bothered by this, maybe
talk to one of the nurses where you went for your exam (If there is one
that is compassionate) and let him/her know how you are feeling. An
exam should not make you feel like this!
>It wasn't
>that I don't remember the feeling of having the exam, as Dr. von Almen
>suggested, but that the entire experience (including putting my feet up
>and seeing the doctor move toward the lower part of my body) was missed.
I would guess that is you were nervous enough, that could happen.
>
>Since the results came back as abnormal, they wanted me to go back. But
>I was very distressed over the entire situation and they are suggesting
>that I come back within three months.
Three months is what was recommended to me when I had an abnormal pap
come back.
>Howwever, the nurse is suggesting
>that I see a different doctor in the clinic, who is actually a bit more
>compassionate. Because of my circumstance, she prefers that I meet with
>the doctor to do nothing but talk for about fifteen minutes or so. Then
>we would schedule an appointment for another pap smear to clear up or
>figure out the abnormalities.
I think the nurse has an excellent suggestion for you to follow. Meeting
with a Dr. separately from the exam does help for many women.
Good luck with the meeting and with the follow up Pap.
>Can abnormalities be the result of an
>eating disorder?
I wouldn't think so, but I am not a Dr., so hopefully one of the Drs.
will answer this for you soon.
>
>But this has been the story. I'm sorry if I seemed offended or angered
>-- that was not my intention.
Don't think another thing about it, okay? ;o)
>I guess that this has taken quite a toll
>on me and living alone, I would go home and find myself feeling like I
>was living in a haunted house.
You might consider some counseling to help with the feelings you are
having and to try and understand where they are coming from. I'm not
saying that you are having psychological problems, just that counseling
can help with a lot of thoughts and feelings and maybe you would
benefit.
>If someone had told me that I had not
>remembered having my blood drawn, I would have found it peculiar, but
>perhaps let it go. Finding out that I had blocked out a pelvic exam and
>a pap smear was just a bit much.
Good luck with everything!! I will be thinking about you and hope for
the best!
--
Robin
>
>Thanks.
>
>At Tue, 10 Oct 2000, Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. wrote:
>>
>>I reviewed all the posts concerning this and agree with Robin's
>>assessment and Dr. von Almen's response.
>>
>>You seem to have had a bad episode with the doctor in question and that
>>was quite unnerving to you. Dr. von Almen was not at your exam nor
>>were any others on this forum so your question was unanswerable as
>>asked. Dr. von Almen recommended what any good physician would at the
>>time - repeat it (or do a first one) toi confirm the findings. There
>>was no suggestion that you are incapable of remembering the exam but if
>>you are concerned about the pap results, a new pap is the only way to
>>settle this.
>>
>>Hope this helps you in this time of need and write again if you feel we
>>can help.
>>
>>HSM
>>
>>At Tue, 10 Oct 2000, Robin wrote:
>>>
>>>At Mon, 9 Oct 2000, Katt wrote:
>>>>
>>>>Apparently, the problem that I had was a case of amnesia/dissociation.
>>>>Perhaps this is the wrong site for me to post messages as it appears it
>>>>is beyond the scope of the site.
>>>
>>>Hi Katt,
>>>
>>>I read Dr. von Almen's response to your post, and I really do not think
>>>he meant it the way you took his response. The way I read it was that
>>>he said the only way to clear up the situation is to have a pap done and
>>>go from there. He wasn't saying that you were suffering from amnesia or
>>>dissociation. You said you didn't have the Pap, but the Drs. office is
>>>saying otherwise, so, to clear it up, go in for a pap and go from there.
>>>Just because (and correct me if I am wrong) you say you are a virgin,
>>>doesn't mean that you can't have a pap smear done. I was a virgin when
>>>I had my first several pap smears, so if this is what the Dr. is
>>>telling you, I would have to say s/he is very mistaken. All women
>>>should hav their first GYN exam by the time they are 18 or become
>>>sexually active, whichever occurs first, and that GYN exam does include
>>>a Pap Smear.
>>>
>>>Hope this helps. Good luck!
>>>
>>>--
>>>Robin
>>>
>>>--
>>>~Robin~
>>>
>>>I'm not a Dr. or any type of Medical Professional. The information I share is based on what I have experienced personally or what I have learned.
>>>
>>--
>>Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
>>Great Neck, New York
>>
>>**Note: Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
>>and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
>>This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
>>consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
>>and/or interventions.
>>
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>>
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>>
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--
~Robin~
I'm not a Dr. or any type of Medical Professional. The information I share is based on what I have experienced personally or what I have learned.
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