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!
Marylin
September 9, 2008 at 9:33 am
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)
Amy
September 9, 2008 at 9:36 am
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
Amy
September 9, 2008 at 9:42 am
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!
Karen
Twitter: Karen Wente
September 9, 2008 at 10:00 am
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?
Swistle
September 9, 2008 at 10:03 am
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
Sandy
September 9, 2008 at 10:04 am
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…
AndreAnna
September 9, 2008 at 10:13 am
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
monica@transplanting me
September 9, 2008 at 10:28 am
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
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
September 9, 2008 at 10:31 am
@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!
sam {temptingmama}
Twitter: temptingmama
September 9, 2008 at 10:31 am
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.
Jenny Henny
September 9, 2008 at 10:32 am
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
Heather
September 9, 2008 at 10:33 am
I’ve always been partial to the term Aunt Flo.
Heather’s lastest post..I Overheard a Conversation…
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
September 9, 2008 at 10:33 am
@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.
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
September 9, 2008 at 10:35 am
@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.
Misty
September 9, 2008 at 10:36 am
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
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
September 9, 2008 at 10:37 am
@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.
Lynette
September 9, 2008 at 10:41 am
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
Burgh Baby
September 9, 2008 at 10:43 am
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
Marcy Writes-The Glamorous Life!
September 9, 2008 at 11:38 am
I used to call it “Aunt Flo came down to visit from Redlands”……………….charming I know
Connie @ Young & Relentless
Twitter: connieaw
September 9, 2008 at 11:39 am
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
Mary
September 9, 2008 at 11:49 am
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…………..
Meredith
September 9, 2008 at 11:49 am
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?
Sandi
Twitter: SandiBeech
September 9, 2008 at 12:15 pm
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
Lori
September 9, 2008 at 12:24 pm
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.
Zellmer
September 9, 2008 at 12:28 pm
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
Momo Fali
September 9, 2008 at 12:32 pm
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
goodncrazy
September 9, 2008 at 12:33 pm
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..
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
September 9, 2008 at 12:34 pm
@goodncrazy: Thank you!
Devan
September 9, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I would have canceled. Glad you didn’t have to though.
Devan’s lastest post..The Oregon Coast
Beth
September 9, 2008 at 12:49 pm
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
merlotmom
September 9, 2008 at 1:01 pm
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
rachel b. (three day blog)
September 9, 2008 at 1:31 pm
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.
Melinda
September 9, 2008 at 1:45 pm
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…
Cathy
September 9, 2008 at 1:45 pm
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
Heather~Domestic Extraordinaire
Twitter: DExtraordinaire
September 9, 2008 at 2:28 pm
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
WM
September 9, 2008 at 2:59 pm
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
Sue @ My Party of 6
September 9, 2008 at 3:04 pm
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
tracey
September 9, 2008 at 3:14 pm
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:
The Farmers Wife
September 9, 2008 at 3:15 pm
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?
Knot
September 9, 2008 at 3:15 pm
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
The Mom
September 9, 2008 at 3:26 pm
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?
Irene
September 9, 2008 at 4:06 pm
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!
patty
September 9, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I would have gone, too. I lost all sense of privacy with the first placenta.
patty’s lastest post..responsibility
Maggie
September 9, 2008 at 5:29 pm
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
Angella
September 9, 2008 at 6:09 pm
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?
heather
Twitter: Heather Engel
September 9, 2008 at 6:50 pm
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.
Stimey
Twitter: Stimey
September 9, 2008 at 8:02 pm
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.
lceel
September 9, 2008 at 8:16 pm
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
Sara
September 9, 2008 at 8:46 pm
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
Andrea's Sweet Life
September 9, 2008 at 9:10 pm
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.