Frank talk no judgments

Today while getting an annual check up which was more a going over of medical records and seeing what if any bloodwork was warranted and where Ivwas with my meds, I entered the discussion of rectal temperature taking.

As we talked I asked about the effects of a flu shot I would be getting and did get. “ A few things might occur, possibly along with“ a low grade fever” , shouldn’t be more than 99.0F” she said.

I told her I’d check it if I felt a reaction occurring . I also mentioned I monitor my BP every day along with my temperature, which I said, “ I take rectally and use a mercury thermometer because it is as far as I’m concerned, the best way for accuracy”.

As I told her this, her expression appeared to be one of unspoken agreement. There was no reaction verbally or expression wise, questioning my preference for obtaining my temperature rectally.

It had been about a year since I’d last seen her.

Then we summed up the visit, and as she was leaving, she said she’d get the nurse to come in and administer the injection.

Talking with her and the way she listened to me regarding rectal temperature taking, I felt a bit of acceptance from her ; and as well as having told her and seeing the way she handled it, made me feel I had “ someone in my corner” on that subject. But before leaving I went to the lab gave up some blood and like “Elvis”, I left the building.

A decent M.D., is going to listen to your concerns, and try to help you, not judge you. They might suggest taking your temperature orally, using a digital thermometer. The only time that they may intervene, is if you're doing something that's harmful, and with that, they would likely refer you for treatment, i.e., substance abuse. An adult taking their rectal temp. with a glass thermometer, may raise some eyebrows, but it's not bizarre or dangerous. On the other hand, a mental health worker, would likely make a huge issue out of it, because most of them really don't get it. Ironically, they're in a profession that deals with the mind, but they throw labels and bandaids at everything.

@OverRainbow yes I remember telling my doctor over the phone that I only take my temperature rectal!

It was at the beginning of COVID-19 and I was severely constipated so I decided to use the thermometer and do the “baby trick” inserting a thermometer in and out of my bottom hoping it would stimulate a bm! It didn’t work so I called my doctor for further advice. As I was telling her my symptoms and what I had already done I decided to go ahead and tell her then that I do and always have taken my temperature rectal!

I was expecting something like; “well that’s ok for babies and young children but you need to find another way!”

But instead she just assured me that taking my temperature rectal even as an adult was perfectly normal and really it’s the best way!

She made me feel ok about it!

But now when I’m in for a sick visit it’s always taken rectal! Or if I’m in for just a well Check and there is question about my forehead temp or I look as though I might not be well then she might have the nurse double check with the rectal route but that is rare! It’s usually only done on sick visits!

She says rectal is the best way but it’s a personal preference….not everyone is ok with that route and that’s ok but it’s also perfectly fine for even an adult to take it the rectal way!!

So rectal is best for me so that is how I choose to take it!