A Slightly Different Thankfulness

[kitanzi]

I am thankful for a great many things from friends who are family to being able to meet all my necessities, and I see in looking around at LJ posts that just about every other American on my list has covered them all very thoroughly - but there's one thing that I happen to be thinking of that I am exceedingly thankful for that generally isn't thought to put on that list.



I had my yearly GYN yesterday and at the time I was mostly keeping a fixed smile on my face and a running internal monologue on some of the more ridiculous aspects of it. I know those backless paper smocks are meant to lend a bit of coverage and dignity, but frankly I'd feel less naked without them, rather than with the doctor ever so carefully pushing it up and down and around to expose this bit here and that bit there. Also, am I the only one who has trouble meeting the eye of the perfectly nice, talkative doctor who's in the middle of poking and prodding at my breasts? I usually do look at whoever I'm talking to, but even after I realized I couldn't - well, it's just hard, dunno why. Once I was dressed again I was fine - very amusing, really. I wasn't too fond of the hurry-up-and-wait that had me sitting for about 20 minutes on the exam table in that drafty paper smock waiting for the exam to get underway either, but what the hell.

But in spite of my griping yesterday, I have to say I am infinitely glad to have easy, safe access to a good GYN doctor, and to safe, effective cheap birth control. (Matter of fact, I'm swapping from the pill to something called Nuva Ring, a plastic ring worn internally that released hormones to much the same effect as the pill. I know one person who's used it and is very pleased - anyone else out there who has used it?)

Anyhow,since this is something I normally take for granted, I wanted to just acknowledge how grateful I am for this.

Comments

[delennara.livejournal.com]

I have my annual (cough, it has been over 3) appointment tomorrow. Not exactly looking forward...last time I was, I was treated in less than 5 minutes, which set my head spinning. This one was recommended by a friend who works there, so I have hopes...

[kitanzi.livejournal.com]

Five minutes??? How on earth can they give you any sort of exam in 5 minutes, never mind something of this nature? OUCH - the pap smear alone is painful enough without being rushed.

[folkmew.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I am so grateful that we live in a country where good birth control is cheap and abortions, when necessary, are still legal. I switched to the IUD after having them give me the willies for years. My midwife didn't push me at all but did point out that my fears may be based on my generation and the whole "lippies loop" thing. Also she pointed out that I'm a perfect candidate for it since I want really reliable birth control, love the idea of basically ignoring it, don't like to have to take a pill at the same time every day (I tend to forget or get off schedule too easily - although these days it might be easier), and it's reversable and for now at least I'm pretty sure we won't have any more children but just can't committ to that decision yet. That plus the fact that a dear friend has been happily using one for literally years (20 maybe?) made me decide to use it and so far I've been very very happy. :-) Before that it was pill for years, then a diaphram. (which reminds me - ever hear Elaine Boosler's bit about birth control? It's a hoot!)

[kitanzi.livejournal.com]

I don't know what the "lippes loop" thing is, but I'm curious. The IUD sounds good, too - I never have tried that. I have tried the diaphram, years ago, and didn't much like it. The pill's been my standard, but the ring is apparently much the same hormonal control, but with the advantage of being able to ignore it - except for swapping it out every few weeks. I can live with that. :) And no, never did hear Elaine Boosler's bit!