It’s that time of year and while things are starting to bloom, it’s also when I receive my reminder call for a physical with Dr. Dianne. Over the years, we have gotten to know one another. Certainly she has a more intimate knowledge of yours truly! She is somewhat older and stays physically fit, which is inspiring and a good role model. I have never liked seeing a doctor who took poor personal care.
I received my email notice and had already placed the appointment in my calendar. Since I also keep it on my work computer it was merely listed as “10 am. Dr. D. on Wednesday – April 7.” Unlike other times when I have made my exam for the summer months, I decided to go sooner as I have travel plans and felt it was a good idea to get it over with sooner than later. It can be difficult to get a morning time at this busy office.
For me, time does move quickly as a scheduled exam date approaches. As many of you know, it engenders a mix of feelings, which I think is true of all of us, and is realized when you hear, “The doctor will see you now.” Well, as usual, exam morning arrived and like all the rest of the times, my tummy was nervous, and too much time was spent trying to decide on what set of matching undies to wear! It’s a process that is way too familiar and connected to all past exams over the years.
This morning things went relatively smoothly. I found a parking spot easily and was walking up the stairs to the third floor office with ease. I avoid the elevator not because I am a fitness buff but because I wish to maintain my privacy. It’s so silly as I have never run into anyone familiar but there is always the first time. I enter the office suite, dutifully check in, and commence to look at a pointless magazine. I have always thought a top 10 list of exam experiences would be better for us to look over!
The reception area is already full with wonderfully dressed females. My mind begins to circle around which one will get a full exam but within minutes, I am called, shocking for sure, but I stand and follow this young nursing assistant to the farthest exam room at the end of the hallway. I have never liked being escorted and prefer a more mature guide! This one is all chatty and that so drives me nuts. Right on cue upon entering the exam room, she remarks, “You’re here for your annual so let’s have you undress.” I acknowledge with a nod of my head and then hear, “Dr Dianne is out sick today, you will see Dr. Rosen.” I try to hide my shock and commence to hang my coat and start to disrobe as she leaves. I have never seen Dr. Rosen and it’s a bit much to have a full exam with a new doctor. I do my best to remain brave but soon my naked derriere makes the paper on the exam table crinkle and I am shocked back to reality as I hear “KNOCK” and Miss Chipper Nurse Assistant returns to weigh me and take my vitals. At this point, I have surrendered to the gown revealing more than I wish and just obey her. The ritual continues as yet another knock on the door is heard and in enters Dr. Rosen who is an older male Doctor with a pleasant voice and firm hand shake. By now, there is no place to run and all of me is on alert and reacting to the fact that this gown hardly warms any body part.
His examination reaches all of the tourist spots so to speak. With the help of the nurse assistant, I am exposed and thoroughly probed, as he provides a pelvic and recto/vaginal exam, and rectal, which he made me obtain lying on my side. He is quite efficient, no frivolous chat, just examines me. The last procedure has happened many times either lying on my side or having to lean over onto the table. Each time, it does send my mind racing and this time was no different complete with gasp! He twists and tells me to push at some point. My focus is on the wall in front of me. He has one cheek raised while doing the exam. When done, I was handed some tissues, and discretely wipe before proceeding over to my clothing. Finally alone, I wiped more and reached for my bra – thankfully I could warm up again.