I don't think many men read my blog, but if you're reading and you're a man, here's a warning: I'm about to talk about lady stuff. If you don't mind, read on. I won't really go into lurid detail, but I know some men are quite squeemish when it comes to lady stuff. So if the mere subject appalls your, stop reading now.
The picture at left is by Georgia O'keefe; it's called Grey Line, I think, although I'll be darned if I see any grey line. I'm not sure what it's supposed to represent--some kind of flower, I think--but for some reason, it reminds me of my dilemma today.
I just received a letter this morning from my gynecologist. She's retiring on July 1. She has been my gynecologist since 1988, and I do not relish the idea of looking for a new one. She is the only person of her profession who has ever made me to feel almost comfortable while submitting myself to her examinations. Now she's deserting me.
It's almost time for my annual exam, and here I am sans gynecologist. Guess I'll have to start interviewing for a new one. How does one interview a gynecologist?
If it were any other kind of doctor, I'd probably just make an appointment, go to see her/him, and if I wasn't pleased, I'd go to someone else. But the act of auditioning a gynecologist isn't like doing the same with an ENT or a rheumatologist, for pete's sake. I mean when the gyn says, "Open up and say Ah," she means it. I can't stand the thought of just anybody poking around in the hallowed halls, if you get my drift.
And anyway, with all the modern technology--cars that talk to you, satellite tv, tooth whiteners, and the like--why hasn't somebody invented the kind of medical exam technology that Bones used on "Star Trek" decades ago? As I recall, he just ran some kind of scanner over his patient's fully clothed body, and the examination was done. That's the kind of gynecologist I'm looking for. Anybody know one?
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 06/13/2008, sara said ...
oh my, that is a problem! I was just listening to a late night talk radio talk show as I fell asleep and the hiost was interviewing William Shatner! It brought back memories of the old series, and now with your memory of Bones scanning his patients. Don't you wish we had that technology now? I can't stand the idea of men OBGYN's, just a personal preference.
On 06/13/2008, Beverly said ...
OMG, Susan. You have me about to die laughing. Every word you wrote is so true. And, I can see why that image makes you think of gyn.
Are you going to participate in Pink Saturday tomorrow?
On 06/13/2008, Kim West said ...
Currently, I have to see my PCM for appointments. So at least I am lucky enough to be comfortable with him before I have to do *that* exam. Unfortunately for me, whenever we move or the doctor moves (military) I have to *interview* new docs - usually happens once every 18 months because my docs usually move halfway through the duty station tour.
On 06/13/2008, Jean B. said ...
You are so funny. My sweetie goes to a female
doctor and doesn't think anything about it.
(After I said "look how long I have gone to
a male doctor" and I asked what was the difference. Boy, do I have a brave honey.
On 06/13/2008, ceramicnut said ...
Oh Susan, Yor are just too cute.I know just what you mean.I love my GYN.If you lived in Texas I
would share him with you.
Linda
On 06/13/2008, Jeanne said ...
Well Susan, I am glad I stopped in today. I'm with you all the way on this subject. Your humor was greatly appreciated by me, and I am sure any woman who reads your post today. If, and when, you find a doc. like that get a list. All these doctors should know each other shouldn't they? After all this would be a perfect subject for the National Doctors Journal.
Thank you for a great post today, Jeanne
On 06/13/2008, Linda Hancock said ...
"As I recall, he just ran some kind of scanner over his patient's fully clothed body, and the examination was done..." --I believe they are doing that at some airports now. :-)
On 06/13/2008, Julie said ...
Oh my! I have been procrastinating about making "my appointment" all this week. At least my doc isn't retiring and I don't have to look for a new one. Good luck!
On 06/13/2008, Lynne in Hawaii said ...
My condolences Susan, but your dilema is soooo true. But girl, you do make me laugh!
On 06/13/2008, mom2fur said ...
I've had several different gyns over the years, and they all did their best to make you comfortable. But if I had the same one for twenty years, like you do, I'd be heartbroken to see her leave the profession!
BTW, I'm glad you like the clothespin bag. My clothesline isn't a very big one--only about 12 feet, but it comes in handy. Even a little one on the porch like yours is nice!
And btw...does anyone ever call you "Sue"?
On 06/14/2008, red tin heart said ...
I agree with you..It is so hard finding the right doctor for..Hum. Hum..The female parts.
You made me smile..
xoxo Nita
On 06/14/2008, PHyl said ...
Omigod!I've always disliked that painting of hers....but then I always thought it was only ME with an over-active imagination when viewing it.
Thanks for a good laugh!
On 06/14/2008, angie said ...
I'm sorry for you Susan. Perhaps you can ask your doc that he advice you. He must know other "good" gyns. I have been obliged to ghange my gyn a lot of times. The one I have now isn't friendly but I can't change him because I had a problem and was operated last year.
Have luck!
On 06/14/2008, angelines said ...
I understand you a lot. Regards from Spain
On 06/14/2008, Georgina said ...
Oh Susan....I don't know if this might help you but just think you are not the only one having this problem. I'm "forced" to change every time we move...isn't that horrible? I completely understand you...;-)
On 06/14/2008, debbie said ...
I feel your pain. My doc moved 30 miles away and it took me so long to find her, I'll follow.
I asked my friends for recommendations. Because it's so personal , they either love or hate their doctor and will give me the truth.
It's the same for me with dentists, doctors, and hairstylists - once you get a good one...they close up shop!
On 06/14/2008, Nicole said ...
I recommend that the perfect candidate have small hands. That was my criteria when I searched for a new GYN. I found a tiny Chinese woman who fit the bill.
On 06/16/2008, Amy said ...
Good luck - for the annuals, I still head over to Baltimore where I now see the daughters of the lady that I have been seeing since I moved to the Mid-Atlantic region for college a long time ago. But that was not a good plan for OB since I now live in the DC area... I asked around and while I am not 100% happy with being in a "group" practice - so far it will work to get the job done, then I will be headed back to Baltimore....
On 06/17/2008, Diane said ...
OMG. Good question. One ob/gyn I was sent to early in my pregnancy (on the recommendation of a nurse friend) asked me questions like... did I ride horses, or was I a cheerleader? The excuse being that my muscles were so tense. The fact was that I was tense all over and I was glad we moved to Houston and I only had to visit him that one time.
Quite by accident I chose an ob/gyn in Houston who was such a wonderful, gentle soul that I sent my daughter to him when she came of age. I trusted him that much. He retired and we had to move on.
Now I go to a tiny woman with tiny hands but she still uses huge instruments and the look on her face while she is doing the examination lets me know she and I are having a very similar experience. Neither one of us enjoys the process.
Ah, the stories ....
-----
No comments:
Post a Comment