Women's Health

I've had a crazy amount of emails relating to this post. Mostly from teens and young women. Mostly asking about gynecological exams. Breast exams. But the hot topic, has been PAP Smears and Pelvic Exams. So I thought I'd post about this.

It's honestly, nothing to be afraid of. When you get your yearly physical, you generally will have these done. You can go to your PCP, for these things. Or you can request to see a gynecologist. If you are not comfortable with a male doctor, you will be sent to a female doctor...or midwife. So you might have your annual physical with one doctor...and your pelvic exam with another.

Basically, if you're under 18...your parent/guardian will be in the room. They will ask you a handful of questions. About your basic health. And ask if you have any questions. You will be asked to undress. Basically, you will just be wearing a paper gown and socks.

They will ask you to get on top of the exam table. And your doctor will give you a full body exam. They will look for any moles, discoloring, or any other abnormality on your skin. They will have you lay back. And will give you a breast exam. Your doctor should talk you through this. And if you've never had one done, they will teach you how to give yourself an exam. Remember monthly self exams are so important!

Honestly, this is super important. All of it. From them checking your skin...to the breast exam. Nothing should be painful. The doctor should try and make you feel as comfortable as possible. Nothing should feel inappropriate.

Next, they'll ask you to scoot to the bottom of the exam table. They probably gave you a paper drape. You may have been wearing it as a blanket. At the end of the table, the doctor will probably have their stool or chair. You might see a table, with supplies on it. And perhaps a light.

This is were it can vary for ladies. If you are not sexually active (still a virgin) you will just have a pelvic exam. In so many terms, if you are not putting anything in your vagina, you will not have a PAP Smear. No sex, no tampons, no nothing...you just have a basic exam.

What happens? You slide your bottom all the way to the end of the table. You are lying down. And they will ask you to put your feet in stirrups. Let your knees completely relax, and fall to the sides. The most important part of this exam, to not feel pain, it to relax. This should not be painful.

The doctor will exam the exterior of your vagina. They are looking for anything that doesn't appear normal. This can be anything from the skin, to odor, the way you react to touch. Think of it like, when a doctor is examining your back for moles. Or something like that. They are just looking to make sure everything looks OK.

During this part of the exam, your doctor is looking at your vulva and the opening of your vagina. They are looking for warts, cysts, smells, signs of infection, abnormal discharge, or abnormal coloring.

They might palpate, or feel from the outside, your abdomen. To see if everything on the inside feels OK. If they don't find anything wrong, your exam is over. They'll probably remind you to do a monthly self breast exam. And you are done. If you are not sexually active, they may talk to you a little about safe sex practices.

Now if anything is going into your vagina. For sexual reasons or tampon use, you will have a PAP Smear. You will have had the same exam as above. But now, they are going to take a look inside. You may have noticed a few things on their side table of supplies. A large Q-tip looking thing. It will be used to take a discharge sample from your cervix...to test for STDs. There is also probably a spatula looking item, that will be used to collect cells from your cervix (PAP Smear) to test for cancer or precancerous cells.

So when they begin this part of the exam, they will probably be talking to you. Literally telling you what they are going to do, right before they do it. Again it should not hurt. Or feel sexual in any way. They'll take a speculum, metal or plastic looking "duck's beak." And insert it into your vagina closed. When it is open the doctor will use it to separate the walls of your vagina. It should not hurt. If at any time, you feel pain, tell you doctor. Remember to stay relaxed. Your legs, muscles in your stomach and vagina should be as relaxed as possible.

The first thing they will probably do, is your PAP Smear. Then your swab for STDs. You might notice a little mirror. They use that to get a better look inside. Next you will have a manual exam. The doctor will put a gloved and lubricated finger or 2, into your vagina. They will gently press on your abdomen, to check your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, any cysts, or tumors. They are also checking for tenderness or signs of an infection.

Lastly, they are going to check your rectum. This is so important. I know, it can be uncomfortable. But it is important to check for cancer. So the doctor will put a gloved finger into your rectum. They are checking the tissue between your anus and your vagina. Sometimes, a doctor will have one finger in your vagina and one in your rectum. It helps to check the tissue between very thoroughly. You might feel like you have to poop. But you won't. Don't worry.

For the basic pelvic exam, your doctor may also check the outside of your rectum. It's important. Don't panic. Really, it is the only way to check for cancer.

Your entire exam should just take a few minutes. They will probably spend more time talking to you, than examing you. Your doctor should talk you through the entire thing. Start to end. Telling you what they will be doing. What they feel. And what they find. It should not be painful or sexual. Just try and stay relaxed.

How often do you need a pelvic exam? That depends. If you have normal health, every 2 years usually. If you have had one, and then become sexually active, you should return to your doctor before the 2 years. And then you will probably be reset to every 2 years, at that point.

You might also talk to your doctor, at this time, about birth control. If you are looking at have any type of IUD placed. This is the time. Speak up.

If you have some issues, it can be more frequent. Things like abnormal PAP Smear results, family history of certain types of cancer, history of STDs, or a sexual partner with STDs, a history of sexual health problems, or reoccurring yeast infections, or pain in the general area...generally have to be tested more frequently.

When do you begin them? Most people say 21. I was told 16. But I did have some family history of things. But definitely when you become sexually active. So if you're having sex before 21...don't wait until you're 21. These exams become a routine way, to care for your body. The same way we have annual physicals. Don't be afraid.

Also, don't be afraid that your doctor is looking "down there." They do it all day long. They're really not going to remember much...about your vagina. Don't worry, they won't be chatting with all the nursing staff when you leave. I worked L&D for an extended period. And I don't really remember much about all those vaginas. Don't flip out, if you don't think you are normal there. You probably are.

If you want to ask me some more questions, if I didn't answer something, or you want to chat...send me a message at LilMorningGloryChats (at) gmail (dot) com.

XOXO,
Desiree

Rainy Days Are My Fav!

Do you know me? Really well. Or at least you think you know me. How about 36 things that you didn't know...

 1. I don't swim. I don't know how. I'm pretty sure out of 9 kids...I'm the only one that doesn't know how to swim. I never wanted to know. Until about 4 months ago. When I was in aquatic therapy. But at this age...is it even possible to learn?

 2. I could eat whole pineapples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No lie! I absolutely adore fresh pineapple. And when they go on sale for 99 cents, I'm buying $30 worth. And not cooking for a week!

 3. I HATE feet. With a passion. Please never show me yours. I might just die. It doesn't matter if you take really good care of your feet or not. I'm just not into them. Mine? I take really good care of my feet. My nails are always neatly clipped and painted red. I moisturize my feet all the time. But I still don't want to be looking at them.

 4. Based off of #3, this shouldn't be a shock. I NEVER wear sandals. Ever! I'm just not into them. And I also HATE when my feet get dirty.

 5. So until I was about 28, I wanted 12 kids. I didn't care about how many boys or girls. Just 12 kids.

 6. Based off of #5 you'd think I was in a panic to have kids. Honestly, I still want 2-4 kiddos. But I'm also realistic. That I probably won't have any. And you know what, that's OK too. I realize with my age, and recent health issues, it's a looong shot. Because honestly, there's not even a man in the picture.

 7. I worked at Hooters. Yup. Those stupid shorts, were a part of my daily. While I was going to college. And you know what, it wasn't the worst job I had. I actually kinda enjoyed it. It was AMAZING money! Well, I was a hostess for a while. That wasn't good money. But being a server...that was good tips. Do you want to know something? I wasn't a really good server. But I made really good money. To any servers out there, just be nice. It's OK if you can't carry a crap load of food at once.

 8. Hold on to your horses. I also worked at a real working Ranch. Also in college. And that was hands down, my favorite job! I was the bookkeeper. My friend also owns the Ranch. But it was so much fun. And it made me yearn for a different kind of lifestyle.

 9. I want to own a little Ranch one day. Like 20 acres. With a big 'ol garden, some animals, and a wrap around porch. I really dream of this. And I know one day, it will be a reality.

10. During my professional training, I worked on the MedVac Team. And I'm deathly afraid of heights. Deathly! Those little planes, in storms, were crazy! But it was one of the best parts of my training. And I honestly miss it so much!

11. I didn't have a driver's license, for about 2 years. Well, it was still current. But I don't know what happened to the physical ID. Don't worry. I finally got one last year. When it was going to expire. Now it stays in the car at all times!

12. My favorite veggie is Brussels sprouts. As a kid, I didn't even want to look at them. But that was probably because I only saw them at places like Golden Corral. These days, I could eat them every single day!

13. I thoroughly regret, not taking up on of my parents' friends' offers. You know. To set me up with one of their sons. Honestly, all of my parents' friends...have nothing but sons. All of them! And since I was really small, each of them tried setting me up. Why was I so shy?

14. I've NEVER been bowling. Well, that's not 100% true. A couple of years ago, my cousin and his wife came home for a visit. And we all met up at the bowling alley. I went. But didn't actually bowl. Because I was embarrassed. Side note, my parents were in a bowling league for years!

15. I used to work in Sin City. At least once a month, one of the bands I played in, would travel to the desert. I loved it! Mostly because I got to dress up. And I loved to go dancing. Who hasn't danced on a table or two? Girl needed a little stress relief from work and school. Besides, all those work trips, got me through college. Debt free!

16. If I could live in any other state...it would be North Carolina. Or Georgia. Been to both for work. And I really liked both places.

17. I won't use any other restroom, besides the one at my home. No lie! I have this fear of germs. When I go to a hotel, I'm ridiculous too! And if anyone uses my restroom, I have to clean it, before I'll use it. I don't know if I could ever be married. Because this would be my deal breaker. Separate bathrooms perhaps?

18. I'm embarrassed about a lot things in life. Like I'm not as open as most people, to talk about certain subjects. Which is kinda hilarious. Because hello? Blog! My family just talks about everything. And anything. Without batting an eyelash.

19. Along the lines of #19, there is one thing that I'm absolutely not embarrassed about. Going to the gynecologist. I think more women, need to be OK with it. I go, and they tell you to strip down to nothing but that paper robe. OK. No problem. Please, just make sure nothing it wrong with me. Do whatever exam is necessary. Just make sure everything is OK.

20. Nothing on this earth, makes me get so excited...as Snail Mail. When I get something fun in the mail, it makes my entire week! And it can be something as small as a one line note.

21. I can't stand body hair. I think this goes back to when I was a cheerleader. And later when I was a performer. It can be 4 degrees outside, with 10 feet of snow, and I'll still be shaving. Because I can't stand to feel hair!

22. My favorite part of eating pizza, is the bubbles! I know. How weird. But it is my favorite part. So if we're out together...please leave those pieces for me.

23. I don't wear shorts. EVER! Another one of those flashbacks from cheerleading. We lived in shorts. And short skirts. Every. Single. Day! Do you know my neighbor still calls me red shorts? Because of this! These days, my legs are so white! And I just don't wear shorts. I did wear them to Aquatic Therapy. Only because it was the dead of winter. And I didn't have a bathing suit.

24. I used to make YouTube videos. Like back when YouTube first came out. About a year into having a very successful channel, my friend started making some of the videos with me. That was another way, that I paid for college...and a house. In 2012...we closed our channel. Because we were now living 100s of miles away from each other. And I was taking care of my Dad...who was super sick. I've made and posted a couple of videos. Have a ton, stored on my computer...that I've never uploaded. But I kind of want to start doing it more.

25. I CAN'T swallow pills. It's the worst thing ever. Especially with all the health things I've had going on...over the last year. So I have to crush them up. Mix them with something. It's horrible!

26. This one might shock some of you. But I NEVER wanted to go to college. But in my house, that wasn't an option. No matter how much I told my Dad. I WAS GOING TO COLLEGE. He even walked one of my applications into our local college.

27. I prefer hanging my laundry on the clothesline...to the dryer. Probably because my parents hung my clothes until I was 18. And when I moved out on my own, I also had a clothesline. Your laundry just smells so good, when it's hung outside.

28. I dream about the chicken and rice, that our friend makes. It's so good! I honestly, want to live with her, for 6 months. And learn how to cook like her.

29. My favorite Zoo animal has always been the flamingo. I don't know why. But since I was little, I needed to see the flamingos. I have so many pictures, just hanging out by the flamingos.

30. Bath time...is my favorite time of the week! As much as I like a scorching hot shower. My favorite thing, is a hot bath. Usually on Sunday nights. But...I haven't been able to do this...in months. Because of my injury.

31. I was a college cheerleader for 1 semester. It was so much fun! Way more fun that high school. But also way more dangerous. And after 9 months, I decided that my health was more important.

32. I'd give anything for a Cattleman's steak...right this minute. They are so yummy! And it was one of my favorite things, about living down south.

33. I don't like milk. As in, you will NEVER find me drinking a glass of milk. But take me to a dairy, and let me have some fresh milk. Like right out of the cow...yum! Warm, thick, creamy. That's my kind of milk.

34. I don't like celebrating my birthday. I LOVE to celebrate anyone else. But me? I'm just not into it. I don't like to be the center of attention. It gives me anxiety.

35. I've been to some fun professional sports stuff. And really enjoyed it. I've gone to see quite a few NASCAR races, the Redskins play, the RedSox, and the Rangers. So much fun!

36. Camping is one of my favorite things! I LOVE to sleep under the stars. And eat a yummy breakfast, on a crisp morning. Go on hikes, fishing, and taking long naps under the trees. I'm not into camping with a motor home. More of the "Let's sleep under the stars," kind of experience.

Bonus #37: Rainy nights are my favorite! There is just something about a good rain. And at night. It's probably the only time, I sleep really well.

Well, that's it for today. Off to go enjoy the rainy day. I just want to take a shower, and put my onesie on. Can't a gal just enjoy life?

XOXO,
Desiree

And So We Continue...

Back in the Fall, I finally got a PCP. Mostly because I was told I had to go to Physical Therapy. And before going, I had to see a PCP. I was able to go to one PT session. Then I called my Dad's old PCP. And they got me in. Right away. Because I had been on a 2 year waiting list...for a PCP. The day I went, my Mom also had to go. We have the same PCP.

I could barely move. And he insisted on giving me my annual physical. Somewhere between asking me to sit on the bench and testing my reflexes...he realized something was seriously wrong. My appointment changed real fast. And he was giving me referrals to 12 different specialists. Then he sent me to have X-rays.
Thank goodness, that was in the same building. By the time I got there, I could barely stand. Much less walk.

There were real tears, the second the guy told me I needed to completely undress. I could barely move. And he asked if he could get anyone for me. Or if I wanted a female tech. Nah! But can you help? 90 minutes later, and a shaking body, I was finally done!

A few weeks later, after I had made a million appointments, endured PT, and was referred to Aquatic Therapy...I finally noticed the referral to the gynecologist. Not going to lie here, it has been years since I went to the doctor. But when I lived alone...and away from here...I was up-to-date on everything! I saw every doctor you needed to, annually. I went for blood work. Never missed a physical. Then I moved. And my needs became the last thing I worried about.

The day I went to see the gynecologist, I was having a tough day. Could barely move. And wasn't 100% sure why I was there. I about had a panic attack, when I went to sit in the waiting room. It was pure chaos with about 40 kids running around screaming. My flares were at the worst point so far. I had seen my pain specialist the day before...and had gone to PT.

I was super grateful when the nurse called my name. Just 2 minutes after I sat down. A full 30 minutes before my appointment. I got the same old questions...and then the nurse handed me the paper gown and drape. Told me the doctor would be in, in about 15 minutes.

OK. I figured it was just a basic gyno exam. No problem. I tried to get undressed. But by the time the doctor walked in, I had only managed to get my pants off. So she came in and sat down. She handed me a blanket and tried to make me as comfortable as possible. Then she asked some questions. And was a little alarmed by my answers. She also pulled up my file and studied it for about 15 minutes.

After a few minutes, she told me that I didn't have to have this exam. Not at this time. She could see how much pain I was in. But she was also nervous about the amount of pain I was in. And because I hadn't yet received a diagnosis. It was all up to me.

Then things got real. She told me what she thought it could be. And some of her ideas, were similar to my pain specialists. I cried. Uncontrollably. Not because I was upset for myself. Or scared for myself. I was panicked for my Mom. If something happens to me, what happens to her? I'm her caregiver. She is diagnosed with cancer. Who would take care of her?

We sat and talked. And my doctor promised me, no matter what it took, she was going to help me. She made a plan. Called other doctors. And then took my hand. Looked me straight in the eyes. And promised that she wasn't going to give up on me. We decided to have a basic exam. And unlike so many other doctor's she HELPED ME. Helped me to undress. Talked me through an exam, that I'd had before. Helped me to dress. And even wheeled me to my car. Asking me, if I was sure I could drive.

She also prescribed medroxyprogestrone. 10mg for 14 days. Because it had been nearly 10 months since I'd had a period. I think. Like I'm 98% sure, I'd had one in December 2017. And this was October 2018. She told me, it was most likely due to whatever was going on with me. Pairwise. So we'd try the medroxyprogestrone. And see what happens.

I picked up my prescription. And went home. Pretty sure, I slept for 6 hours. My body was so exhausted! I got a call the next morning. To let me know, my basic bloodwork and the results to my exam were all normal. Also, my new doctor let me know, that she got me 2 more appointments. With a geneticist and a specialty oncologist. It was that afternoon, that I finally read the side effects to these pills. And I got nervous...

I put that bottle in a drawer...and didn't look at it again. For a looong while. My doctor called me right after Christmas to ask me, if everything had worked out. And I told her...I hadn't taken my prescription. When she asked why...I told her that epilepsy ran in my family. And one of the side effects was seizures.

So we ran a couple more tests. And everything came out OK. I promised to start the prescription. I took it in January. No real side effects. I was super tired. And about day 10 of 14 my stomach got really swollen. Like I could have passed for being 30 weeks pregnant. Also, my groin was super swollen. But nothing. No period. Nada!

In the last couple of weeks, I've endured 2 rounds of medroxyprogestrone. It was difficult. But I agreed to try it. My health battle has been something else. And if I can rule out, a few other possible diseases...why not?

As crazy as it sounds, I'm so grateful for this doctor. My PCP won't believe me. Although, he saw me during one of my worst flares. This new doctor has been a total miracle. Because honestly, I shouldn't have seen her in the first place.

Because when you go for your annual exam, your PCP should do your basic gynecological exam as well. Now I'm thinking because I'm about my PCP's age, and I've known him for so long, plus the amount of pain I was in that day...he sent me to a gynecologist. Because my Mom also had a physical...and he did the entire thing!

But it has been a blessing. My doctor calls me about every 2 weeks, to see how I'm doing. She makes sure, I'm not getting worse. My PCP, denied me a brace for stability and pain management. Even though I've fallen about 10 times. After I got hurt pretty bad in November, he refused to see me. And when my PT and AT had to be renewed in Decembers...he refused to renew it. But this doctor, is doing everything in her power, to make me OK.

So I'm just grateful for a good doctor. On my side. My pain specialist is also AMAZING! With these 2 ladies, I know eventually we will find out what is wrong with me. My pain has not gotten better...I've just learned how to deal with it better. I don't know how to really explain it. But it feels a lot like when a car alarm goes off. It is super annoying the first 10 minutes. Then you can hear it, but it doesn't change in volume. After an hour, it's still going, but it's not quite so crazy. Because my pain is always here. Sometimes it's out of control...other times, it's just here.

For now, we're going to try IVF level hormones. To see if we can get me to have a period. It's been over a year now. With nothing. Since I was a cheerleader, in my early teens, I've not had a very steady period. Honestly, about every 3 months was my norm. And nothing too heavy. Like once every 18 months, I'll have a heavy period. Other than that, it's light.

Even though I don't bleed every 28 days. I do feel PMS type symptoms. Like cravings, fatigue, and some mild bloating. But no actual period. Why is this so important? I have just over 200 diseases that they are currently testing for. We are trying to figure out, why suddenly I am in such a crazy amount of pain. 2 of my Aunts passed away from ovarian cancer. My Dad and my Uncle both had colon cancer. There are some other things that would be ruled out, if I can get a period. So I'm all in.

I start my next adventure, next week. I'd be lying if I told you, I wasn't nervous. Because I am! I don't know what to expect. And this is like a last ditch effort. Let's see how it goes.

In the past, I was diagnosed with PCOS. And when I was 20, underwent an emergency surgery. Kind of relating to the same issue. So I've been through my share of these things. I'm just praying, that we get some answers. Either way. Because I really can't continue living like this.

XOXO,
Desiree