Doctor...part 1

By my updates, you may have noticed that I have started going to the doctor.  This is turning into a full time job.

It all began with a trip to the primary physician.  I did exactly what I was suppose to.  I wrote down a list of questions and concerns.  One of the things I wanted to talk about was menopause.  I am in my mid 40s now and I was hoping that perhaps I might be entering it.  She said it was not likely.  I was not happy. 

Because of miserable PMS and periods (details of which I will not go into) since the very first time (at age 11), I have done some research on a procedure called ablation.  I wanted it.  I talked to my previous doctors.  They weren't interested in having the conversation with me.  But I trudged ahead and brought it up one more time with this new doctor.

She didn't even blink an eye.  She referred my to an OB/GYN to have a consult.  Progress!

I went in for the consult.  She discussed it with me.  She discussed other options too.  Progesterone.  IUD. Other medications that I can't remember.

She also said I needed to have a few tests before she could say if I was a good candidate. 

1) A uterine biopsy.  There is some concern that having an ablation would prevent early detection of uterine cancer.  It was a quick procedure.  I slender thingy (no idea what it is really called) is slipped into the uterus and it collects a little bit of the lining.  Done.  Quick.  Right?  She said it would be like a contraction.  Like I have an idea what that is like!  She said it would take about 30 seconds. 

OMG!  If that is what a contraction is like -- why does anybody ever have a second baby.  And it took about 2 minutes -- because my lining would no cooperate with her.

Good news!  No cancer.

2) An ultrasound.  Both kinds.  Before the procedure can be preformed, they have to discover the shape of your uterus.  So they need to look at it from all angles.  So first came the trans-abdominal ultrasound.  This requires you to drink 32 ounces of water 1 hour before the procedure.  By the time I was brought into the exam room I was only moving from the knees down in fear of peeing my pants.  And then they glide this little device over your belly gently.

NOT!  She took this evil device and pressed it into my belly.  Looking at my ovaries, uterus, kidneys, and she might have also been looking for China.  It lasted forever.  It was painful.  There was nothing pleasant about it.

When it was over I got the chance to pee and then it was time for the other, less pleasant part of the ultrasound.  I won't go into details.

Good news!  I have a normal shaped uterus. 

But there was a bit of bad news.  I have a cyst on one of my ovaries.  This is not shocking to me since I have PCOS.  But she is insisting on a second round of the ultrasounds at the end of June to make sure it is not a big issue.

So no decisions on the ablation surgery.  It will wait until after I have a few more answers.  Stay tuned for an update.

Mean Mama