(no subject)
Yesterday I spent 8 hours in the ER, and today I made my first gynecologist appointment.
I have always had irregular periods, but in August of 2003, I hemorrhaged for the first time. I woke up in a pool of blood and immediately went to the ER because I knew something was wrong. I distinctly remember the male doctor telling me I was a ‘freak of nature’ after he checked me out, but promising that I would be OK after a couple of days. He recommended lots of liquids and some extra strength Tylenol if I had any cramping. Since I was so disgusted/humiliated by the whole ordeal - and since I didn’t have any medical coverage at the time - I pretty much took the doctor at his word and happily ignored all my common sense.
Yesterday at around 5 a.m., I woke up in another pool of blood. Even though I felt the same panic from the first time, I still convinced myself that my period was just heavier than usual, and that I should just get dressed for work and make a day of it. But I couldn’t even finish my commute. By the mid-point, I felt the blood running down my legs so I went back home, took a shower and called every gynecologist in my town. Two of them told me that the amount of bleeding, coupled with my previous episode in ’03, meant I should go to the ER.
Eight hours later, I was finally checked out. The friendly-and-intelligent-but still too nosy male security guard actually told me my diagnosis before the doctor got around to it, lol. Thankfully, the actual doctor was efficient and kind, and she said that my external vaginal check-up and blood/urine tests were all fine. But. She gave me a couple of names and strongly urged that I follow-up with a full gynecologist exam/additional lab work because she believes I have polycystic fibrosis (pcos). I can’t say I’m surprised. After doing some research last night, I realize I’m the freaking prototype for the disease with my weight, menstrual irregularities/blood clotting and the hormonal side effects.
Sooo. Four years later and I now have a name for what’s wrong with me. In a couple weeks, I have my first real gynecologist appointment. I’m more concerned with being pre-screened for uterine cancer than I am about the reproductive challenges associated with pcos, but at least I have the medical coverage and the disposition to actually deal with the doctors, the information and all of my options this time around.
Belated comments on last week’s Gossip Girl -
Writing and acting took a nosedive after the perfection of November sweeps (every single blonde actress annoyed the ever living crap out of me - pouting/posing does not equal acting). But! The OTP still stands despite obvious angst and roadblocks. See icon. ;)
I have always had irregular periods, but in August of 2003, I hemorrhaged for the first time. I woke up in a pool of blood and immediately went to the ER because I knew something was wrong. I distinctly remember the male doctor telling me I was a ‘freak of nature’ after he checked me out, but promising that I would be OK after a couple of days. He recommended lots of liquids and some extra strength Tylenol if I had any cramping. Since I was so disgusted/humiliated by the whole ordeal - and since I didn’t have any medical coverage at the time - I pretty much took the doctor at his word and happily ignored all my common sense.
Yesterday at around 5 a.m., I woke up in another pool of blood. Even though I felt the same panic from the first time, I still convinced myself that my period was just heavier than usual, and that I should just get dressed for work and make a day of it. But I couldn’t even finish my commute. By the mid-point, I felt the blood running down my legs so I went back home, took a shower and called every gynecologist in my town. Two of them told me that the amount of bleeding, coupled with my previous episode in ’03, meant I should go to the ER.
Eight hours later, I was finally checked out. The friendly-and-intelligent-but still too nosy male security guard actually told me my diagnosis before the doctor got around to it, lol. Thankfully, the actual doctor was efficient and kind, and she said that my external vaginal check-up and blood/urine tests were all fine. But. She gave me a couple of names and strongly urged that I follow-up with a full gynecologist exam/additional lab work because she believes I have polycystic fibrosis (pcos). I can’t say I’m surprised. After doing some research last night, I realize I’m the freaking prototype for the disease with my weight, menstrual irregularities/blood clotting and the hormonal side effects.
Sooo. Four years later and I now have a name for what’s wrong with me. In a couple weeks, I have my first real gynecologist appointment. I’m more concerned with being pre-screened for uterine cancer than I am about the reproductive challenges associated with pcos, but at least I have the medical coverage and the disposition to actually deal with the doctors, the information and all of my options this time around.
Belated comments on last week’s Gossip Girl -
Writing and acting took a nosedive after the perfection of November sweeps (every single blonde actress annoyed the ever living crap out of me - pouting/posing does not equal acting). But! The OTP still stands despite obvious angst and roadblocks. See icon. ;)