I’m keeping the appointment. Period.

September 9, 2008 | Filed in: Huh?, I am woman, Quirky Me, my hawt body

Those of you who follow me on Twitter may have had the pleasure of seeing this tweet from me yesterday:

Oh I’m sorry Mom(s), Kate, my neighbors, any guys reading, I probably should have warned you that today you *might* get a little too much information about me that you didn’t really need to know.

Oops. My bad. Consider yourself warned, it’s not getting any better.

So now you know I’m menstruating AND I got a pap smear. I suspect that sometimes when you come here to read you think to yourself, “wow, Playgroups are no place for children. Where it’s all vagina talk, all the time.”

Anyway, back to my Twitter question yesterday…I got several replies and direct messages. About 75% of you said I should cancel my appointment, 25% of you said I should go ahead and get my pap smear.

A few of you suggested I should call my doctor and just ask. *smacks self on head* Yeah, I probably should have just done that rather than Twittering about my “monthly visitor.”****

When I called the office, the nurse said that there was no need to reschedule since my menses had just started.

On one hand, EWWW! GROSS!

On the other hand, there were lots of tense moments trying to get someone (read: Tate) to watch the kids while I went to the appointment. I had to remind someone about twenty zillion times about this appointment and hear about how it’s a bad time at work, but “it’s no big deal *heavy sigh*. I’ll figure out something and be home to watch the kids **heavier sigh**.”

Also as several of you on Twitter pointed out, the OB/GYN office has seen worse.

Since the doctor said to come on in, then there was no way I was rescheduling. Gross or not. So what would you have done in this situation?

PS. Don’t you just hate the word “menstruation” and “menses?” Me, too! Ick.

PSS. I vow that this is the last time I talk about my womanly parts for at least a month. You’re welcome.

PSSS. ****”Monthly visitor” is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s not any sort of “monthly” or “regular”, but rather, “just comes whenever the f*ck it feels like it and stays for a month.” Thanks Mirena!

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I’m a lil vindictive tbh… they’re gonna shove one of those uber-uncomfortable metal thingys in my vagina, so being on my period would totally be payback! wahahaa

Yes, yes… I AM that juvinile!

Marylin’s lastest post..Milestones! (Zack edition)

OMG, MUCH worse things were coming out of there when you had your kids, right? And he was in there. They have so seen worse. Much much worse. And when it can take a couple of months to schedule an appointment, you keep it.

The only thing you cancel an OB/GYN appointment for is diarrhea. No, I am NOT going to tell you how I know that.

Amy @ http://prettybabies.blogspot.com

Amy’s lastest post..The Cost of Having Kids

Yikes, I would have cancelled but only because I would have been to grossed out.

I might have even let my husband come watch the kids then said I was going to the appt…..not really but I would have considered it!

Oh I’ve done the same thing, without the warning phone call to the office. I’ll be damned if I am canceling once I have a sitter! And really think about it, they’ve seen so much worse. At least that’s what I tell myself.

Karen’s lastest post..What Did the Momma Tomato Say to the Baby Tomato?

I had one recently where I knew I was going to get my period on the very day of the appointment, and I tried to reschedule and they were all cranky with me about it, like I was INCONVENIENCING them. So finally I was like, “You know, never mind, it doesn’t bother ME, I was just wanting to spare the OB.” Then I didn’t get it that day after all, and….where was I going with this?

Swistle’s lastest post..Apple Bread Recipe

I didn’t see it since your site has either decided to CRASH on me or it says you are over your limit with visits or something…

Anyway, kinda late but…I haven’t had a GYN be concerned with it. Some do, but most don’t really care. It’s just blood and they can tell the difference between that and what they are looking for. It just tends to be messy is all.

Me, I would have went on in and just made sure I had some baby wipes on hand to clean up the mess to get my clothes back on.

Sandy’s lastest post..And then she said…

Thank you for posting this because now I can talk about MY period, which I don’t on my blog because ew- my FIL reads it. lol

I started Seasonique about 4 weeks after having my son in July and have been bleeding for the last NINETEEN days. I know they said I’d have some breakthrough bleeding but after it kept getting heavier I called my OB and begged to be put back on the NuvaRing. I’d rather have 12 periods a year than bleed one more damn day.

And I felt that they were strongarming me into staying on it - like “You know your body has to get used to it” and yes, I GET THAT. I read the instructions. But, I’ve been moody which I never am on birth control, I’ve had pimples, which at 28 , um NO, AND in case you missed it the first time, I’ve been bleeding for NINETEEN days. Not spotting - BLEEDING.

I demanded they give me back my Nuvaring and they should be calling it in today. I’m convinced these offices get kickbacks for certain meds, especially the new ones like Seasonique. I mean, the concept of it is great but the actuality for my body = MISERY.

Anyway, the point to all this is that when I called about this I also scheduled my annual appointment and asked if I could reschedule if it was during my period and she said there was no need and it didn’t have any bearing on the tests or anything.

And I suppose after seeing two children squirt at him from my vagina, my OB has seen way worse.

Holy novel.

Thanks for the forum to whine about my girly bits. LOL

AndreAnna’s lastest post..Back

and i’m worried about putting a picture of my bra on my blog…

monica@transplanting me’s lastest post..somethings are too good not to share - part deux

@Sandy: Are you getting a CPU over limit error message? This was happening last week and it was something wrong with my webhost…if that’s the error you’re getting, I need to call them back!

I’ve had mine done when I just got my ‘friend’ too. But really? After having children, nothing is sacred anymore. I really didn’t care.

And you get your period with Mirena?? I never have. (Oops, sorry, was that rubbing it in?) It’s so weird how everyone reacts differently to it.

Just to overshare myself - I’m surprised they did the pap. I went in for an appt once with my “monthly visitor” and they wouldn’t do the pap - said it wouldn’t give an accurate result. Totally annoyed. Not only did I waste my time, but I had to come back, and find a sitter AGAIN.

Jenny Henny’s lastest post..A Rant Of Sorts

I’ve always been partial to the term Aunt Flo.

Heather’s lastest post..I Overheard a Conversation…

@AndreAnna: Honestly, I’m so glad you wrote a novel. Makes me feel less icky for having posted this!

And yes, I DO think they get kickbacks. Why else would they push these drugs?

I went on the mini-pill after Ella was born and made me CRAZY. My doctor tried to tell me that it wasn’t the mini-pill…which is crap since whenever I stopped taking it, I was no longer crazy.

@sam {temptingmama}: Yes, it is rubbing it in.

I’m not exactly in love with my Mirena. My periods come when they please and have lasted as long as 4 weeks. Mostly it’s just spotting, but STILL.

Hum. I actually love Mirena. I hear that crazy “breakthrough bleeding” thing goes away after about 6 months or so.

I wish you luck and all that jazz
Misty’s lastest post..Bits

@Misty: Hmm. It’s been almost a year for me. And I’d call mine more than “breakthrough bleeding!”

If it doesn’t stop by next March, I’m having it removed.

You know what? This happened to me just last month. I rescheduled. But in the weird way that is my body…i spotted just that ONE day, and then my period started for real that NEXT week. maybe my body just didn’t want to go see the ob/gyn.

Lynette’s lastest post..Too Much Info

Apparently I am the only immature witch who found humor in the red background on that twit. I so not a grown-up!

(BTW–I’ve also seen the CPU over limit error today.)

Burgh Baby’s lastest post..Reason Enough to Move to Orlando

I used to call it “Aunt Flo came down to visit from Redlands”……………….charming I know

I would have went anyway because it is nearly impossible for me to tear hubby away from work. NASA is always more important that me.

I was going to get Mirena but then I read that it makes you fat and you can bleed for months at time. I’m already fat so I don’t need that kind of trouble.

Connie @ Young & Relentless’s lastest post..If I had $128,000

I would have cancelled only because I am a super weenie. This is coming from a person who just recently had to have her mother cancel a regular doctor’s appointment for her because she was too embarassed to call and tell them that she had the diarhhea! (yeah I am that childish!)
Props to you for sticking with it and going!

Mary’s lastest post..A whole lotta WTF here…………..

I am so with you on the menses word. It just sounds wrong. It even looks wrong to me. Menstruation doesn’t bother me nearly as much, but menses… yuck.

Meredith’s lastest post..Tuesday Tirade: Who knew diapers expired?

Ok.. I am iffy with my mirena, too. I love the fact that it works well for birth control but the spotting and breakthrough bleeding is a pain.. plus I still get some nasty cramping that I haven’t had in years.
I am kinda wishing that I would have just gone the tube tying route..but then again I am 43 and not planning on any more children.
Anyway.. I would have prob called the drs office too before going

I would’ve gone. I know for a fact that my doc has seen way worse. Bc I KNOW what came out when I was delivering and it wasn’t pretty.

I cannot stand the word menses. Menstruation isn’t as bad.

And I had a IUD that didn’t work! That’s how we ended up w/ baby #3! I had to have it taken out when I was 12 weeks pg.

I’ve had this dilemma before, too, and I think I cancelled b/c I thought it would make the pap smear inaccurate.

More importantly, you need to talk your hubby into the vasectomy, if you’re not planning on having any more children, so you can take out that IUD that makes your periods so crazy. Just sayin’.

Zellmer’s lastest post..Life, work and Sarah Palin

I had this happen last year and my doctor made me reschedule…which means I had to wait an extra three months before they could get me in. I had to cancel again, and then they told me it would be a YEAR AND A HALF before I could see my doctor. I saw the nurse practitioner instead.

Momo Fali’s lastest post..Special, Indeed

I’d keep it. I figure they’ve seen worse right? (Geez at least I HOPE they have).

And just got the mirena for EXTREME heavy bleeding. And so far…still lots of spotting, and yup, periods come whenever. Was sooooo hoping to be in the percentage where you STOP the flow, ya know?

PS, I think I’ve sent about a hundred newbies to your blogging school….say thank you.

goodncrazy’s lastest post..an excuse to post..

@goodncrazy: Thank you!

I would have canceled. Glad you didn’t have to though.
Devan’s lastest post..The Oregon Coast

Okay, I am convinced. I am signing up for twitter. Clearly, I am missing out on important stuff.

Beth’s lastest post..the perfect mother

You clearly don’t need one more opinion on this, but just to say, that I did read this on twitter, read all the replies, (sorry I didn’t twitter back but here I am now!) and i had the same situation a few years back and the docs office told me the same thing. I said “ewww” too and then got over it real fast (about the time it took him to pull out that nasty speculum thingy (TMI?) Anyway, glad you went. THey truly have seen much worse.

merlotmom’s lastest post..Merlotmom Does Japan: Part 1 - First Impressions

While I may not share vaginal-inspired stories (for which my father is eternally grateful) on my blog, but I enjoy (?!??!) reading this stuff on other women’s blogs. Usually the women that are brave enough to discuss that topic, are also really stinking funny! And your groin inspired posts (or twitters) are always particularly hilarious.

I’m 25 y/o and I’ve never had a pap smear…
but I’m a virgin so it’s cool, right?
Melinda’s lastest post..watching House… thinking abo…

All those heavy sighs coming from Tate had me laughing so hard. You know, Mike does the same thing. But, “It’s no big deal. Really. It’s fine. I guess.” Oh - he always ends with “I guess.” Or “If I remember.” Yeah, whatever.

I’m on the old fashioned pill, though sometimes I think it’s making me crazy - but I love being able to control when I get my period.

Cathy’s lastest post..Sore

once i started while they were doing the procedure, the doctor looked over my leg and told me “if you knew you were going to start you should have rescheduled.” ummm, hello, i don’t like the old hag, at that time she came whenever. so suck it up!

but i have rescheduled if i started prior to actually being up in stirrups.

Heather~Domestic Extraordinaire’s lastest post..A note from Liz

Period for a month ??? Really. Gurl, I don’t know how you’ve stayed sane…

WM’s lastest post..For maximum entertainment stick close to home

I saw your twitters, and when I saw the title of this post, I thought “Oh no she didn’t!” Awesome title! I have a huge crush on my ob/gyn, so I would have rescheduled so my girly parts could look their best. (You know, because they’re so attractive.) But I am quite alarmed at the link and comments about people getting pregnant with a Mirena. *sticking fingers in ears* “Lalalalala… I can’t hear you!!!”

Sue @ My Party of 6’s lastest post..Operation Take Back the House - Day 1

Did it ONCE. Never again since they make you undress and then wait and wait and wait…. If they came into the room IMMEDIATELY after I peed and wiped, well, that wouldn’t be so bad. No bloody build-up, you know?

Ew. EWWWWW.

tracey’s lastest post..Things I never expected when I first started blogging:

You are probably going to hate me for this…but I love my mirena. I have not had a real period in 3 years! One day of spotting every two to three months and that’s it. I am so sorry yours last a month. If you just got it, give it time, it will get better. And as a former ob assistant, paps on periods so totally not as bad as you think. I’ve seen way worse things than that.

The Farmers Wife’s lastest post..One Line or Two? Pink or Blue?

Nothing like shedding the lining of your uterus once a month. man, what you guys put up with. I’m glad my wife had a hysterectomy.

Knot

Knot’s lastest post..Desktop Contest Is Here

I hate when people refer to it as the “curse” sure it is..but I prefer a more non-1940’s term like that “Aunt Flo Bitch.”

The Mom’s lastest post..What’s That About Cocoa Puffs?

I had this issue a few months ago. I just went, and they did the pap. BUT, because of the blood, it didn’t “work” and I had to come in again for another one. So fun! Next time, I will definitely just cancel.

Irene’s lastest post..My fishy rib weekend and the start of week #2!

I would have gone, too. I lost all sense of privacy with the first placenta.

patty’s lastest post..responsibility

I say it’s totally good to keep the appt - unless you know someone in the office and can reschedule as you please. Otherwise it’s just too much work.

And there is almost nothing that grosses out someone who works in OB - TRUST ME.

Maggie’s lastest post..Best Shot Monday - Sweet, Sweet Smiles

I would have canceled, because *I* think I am gross when I am leaking. I would not want to subject my doctor to the same.

Which is kind of funny because she watched me birth three babies (and squirt out a few turds), so she has most definitely seen worse.

Angella’s lastest post..How Did I Get Here?

OMG where were you yesterday when I was googling Mirena and IUD and side effects? I just had mine “installed” today - crampy. I better not start breaking out…mood swings I can handle, nothing new there. Acne - ugh another word (and thing) I hate.

I am fortunate to be regular enough to only schedule such appointments when I know it won’t be an issue.

However, I am also a fan of asking the internet for medical advice.

Stimey’s lastest post..Jack Came Home Early Today. But Not For The Reason You Might Think.

It is, after all, only blood. Clotted a little, sometimes, but it is a natural and necessary part of a woman. Doctors see that sort of thing all the time. And after all, it’s not like you’re inviting the Doc to snack, or anything.

lceel’s lastest post..An Award and The Aging Man

Totally juvenile, but I like to call it “Gretchen.”

Some examples on how to use “Gretchen” properly:

No, I can’t go out with you guys tonight, Gretchen is kicking my azz.
Probably not going to be much fun this weekend, Gretchen is in town. Again.

One downside is if you actually know a person named Gretchen. I met a Gretchen, who was a friend of a friend, and I couldn’t talk to her without collapsing into giggle fits. But I’m super mature like that.

Sara’s lastest post..The Spoon Sisters

Oh dang, I was always told to reschedule if I got my, erm, “monthly visitor”. But you know, babysitting and all, I probably would have just gone ahead, too.

And it’s crazy to hear some people can’t get in to their OB’s for a year! I see a midwife for my paps, and I go twice a year since my family has a history of lady-part cancer, and she gets me right in. Check it out, peeps! It’s totally an option, and covered my most insurance carriers.

Oh and Jennifer? I totally blame the mini pill for my post partum depression. Once I got off of it, my hormones went back to manageable almost immediately. It’s the devil, I tell ya!

Laughed so hard when I read comes whenever it wants and stays for a month. I can so totally relate.

While I have never had this exact problem, if the doc said come on in, I would have gone on anyway. Then again, I went through a couple of years of infertility treatments before having my twins. Nothing is sacred when you have to tell docs and nurses every little details about your cycle and how often you and your husband “tried to make a baby.”

Jen @ JenuineJen’s lastest post..Palin Cartoon

I hate the word menses. It freaks me out for some reason. I was thinking about Mirena, but unsure. Glad you got the smear over with. Don’t you love how husbands act so put out to watch the kids sometimes?

Deb’s lastest post..Cough drops, gum, candy, and ass cream

nice effect adding the period colored border to your twwet snapshot.

Never had a pap while bleeding, but I’ve had two copper iud’s inserted and removed and the OB RECOMMENDED that we time insertion/removal with me being on my period - supposedly it’s easier for them b/c the cervix is more open. I say - blech!

I loved the copper iud - the only reason I had them removed was to TTC. My periods were regular and no weird hormonal issues.

ramblin’ red’s lastest post..Good to know

I hate those words too - “menses” and “flow” and anything like that. I prefer to say “Shark Week!”
Glad you survived your trip. Rescheduling is such a pain, especially when you have to find sitters for your kids.

The way I feel about my OB/GYN right now, I would have scheduled the pap BECAUSE I was having my period. Given his track record lately, I feel much less guilty that I farted on him when pusing out baby #1.

Insta-Mom’s lastest post..It’s contagious

I’m not sure of the origin, but my mother used to refer to it as “the monthly curse from the great red bat”.

Margaret’s lastest post..The Thing That Wouldn’t Die

After conceiving children on every known form of birth control, we gave up and switched to NFP, natural family planning. No, its not he rhythm method (that doesn’t work!), and it has allowed us to avoid conceiving until we wanted to without any nasty side effects. It’s great, and I highly recommend it instead of filling up your body with fake hormone crap.

On the other hand (no pun intended), I have had interesting discussions with my GYN about changes in the shape and feel of my cervix, and I’m not telling how I would know that, but I’m sure you can figure it out for yourself.

Oh, and I so would have kept the appt.

no kidding?? i thought i was the only one that was having that exact problem with mirena!

i’m at the end of my rope with it…i didn’t have ANYTHING for 6 months. and then…whammo. periods here periods there…completely random. argh. only good that comes from it…husband never knows when, either…so it’s always a decent excuse.

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I'm Jennifer, Mom to Carson, 3, and Ella, 1. Wife and Bossaholic to Tate. My claim to fame is that I'm the #1 search result on Google for "kids pooping in pools!!." You can follow me on Twitter, see my stumbles at StumbleUpon, view my photos on Flickr, and contact me by email.

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2008 Booklist

~~Pillars of the Earth~~ B-
~~East of Eden~~ A-
The Kite Runner
~~Memory Keeper's Daughter~~ C+
Water for Elephants
~~Nineteen Minutes~~ B-
~~HP and the Deathly Hallows~~ A++
~~Running W/ Scissors~~ A
The Rabbit Factory
Waiting for Birdy
~~Life of Pi~~ A
~~Outlander~~ A
~~Dragonfly in Amber~~ A-
~~A Tree Grows in Brooklyn~~ A+
~~The Hour I First Believed~~ A
~~Twilight~~ C-

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