Nether News

When I say nether, I am indeed referring to the nether regions!  Yes, this is a Gynocological update!

On Wednesday 5th August, Mark and I made our way up to the Ballarat Base hospital. 

Whilst not as scary an experience as going to RMH, Covid-19 protocols were in place.  These included being asked a series of questions, temperature check, checkin process at the main desk, and no support people allowed.

This meant Mark had to wait in the foyer, and I was a big girl and went upstairs all on my lonesome.

Notice a mask change?  This is because every time I would smile or laugh, the elastic on the other mask would fly off my ear.  So freaking funny but not safe - so a hospital mask it was!

I didn't have to wait long before I was called in...I was the only one there.

So, here I was thinking that we would just be discussing results, filling in paperwork, and booking follow up appointments for cervical check.  Oh boy was I wrong!  He decided that we may as well do a papsmear, and take a little chunk of my insides then and there!  Wowee!  That was fun NOT!  And so starts the bleeding *sigh*.

After that, we discussed my 'cancer' risk factor based on family history (file sent from the Familial Cancer Centre (FCC)), my previous abnormal findings, and all the problems I've been experiencing.  As per the FCC, it was his recommendation to remove the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes via laparoscopic surgery.  This is called a Total Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. No way I can pronounce that, I have enough saying my name somedays LOL.

Anyway, I agreed, filled in the paperwork and so the admission process is now underway on a category 2, which means within 90 days.  Mind you, with elective surgery on hold due to Covid-19 when it will happen is anyones guess (unless my status changed to urgent (category 1) based on test results).

Another brief area of discussion was the possible need for pharmaceutical menopause relief (hormone replacement therapy).  At this point I enquired about whether he could/would recommend Complementary and Alterative Medicine.  His answer was, "Yes, BUT they don't work"!  Needless to say that I walked out knowing exactly what my focus area would be for any future university assessments.  As I've said in the past, I'm not a one or the other gal.  Both types are beneficial and have their place.  Used together in an integrative way, I believe you get the best of both worlds.

These are the exact words I said on Monday (10th August) when I received a phone call from the hospital.

Why?

Because, they informed me that the tube they used for my pap smear was out of date.  Which means, I need to have it done again! Wahhhh!!

Oh, and just when the bleeding stopped from the wonderful chunk removal, TTOTM started...joy of joys!

In all seriousness though, as much as they are unpleasant...early detection saves lives, so that alone makes it worth it!