noonespecial
09-28-2005, 01:43 AM
Hey everyone, before I ask some quetions, I need to spit out some background info first.
1.) I think (hell, I know) I've had a recto-vaginal fistula for almost 11 years. It's sizeable. Though I've had no passing of hard stools unless there's diarrhea involved. I've also had no noticeable problems concerns that have popped up, aside from the occasional stool passing.
The tear happened when I was 16. I did see a doctor when it first happened, but all she thought it was was just a small cut on the inside of my anus and gave me some cream for it.
By the time I figured out what had happened, I was too embarassed to go back for that problem. Because of this embarassment, I've never gone to get a PAP smear, either. (I'm terrified of seeing a gynecologist, even without this tear)
Because I'm now looking to join the military, I really need to see someone about getting it fixed.
My questions are this:
1.) What's the best way to confront my fear of going to the doctor? How am I supposed to bring this up without breaking down in tears?
2.) What kind of recovery time would be needed for this? Is this a simple procedure, or is it diffucult and would require me to be out of work for several weeks?
3.) Does anyone have the foggiest idea about cost? Even a rough estimate? I have insurance, but it's not great by no means. I've already been under the knife once in the past year for skin cancer (basal cell).
Also, what's the worst case scenario for me waiting this long? What's the best case?
I appreciate any and all help. I do realize I've waited far too long as it is, but I really need to get some of these questions answered before I go on with this. I just really need someone to help me break everything down.
Thank you so much.
1.) I think (hell, I know) I've had a recto-vaginal fistula for almost 11 years. It's sizeable. Though I've had no passing of hard stools unless there's diarrhea involved. I've also had no noticeable problems concerns that have popped up, aside from the occasional stool passing.
The tear happened when I was 16. I did see a doctor when it first happened, but all she thought it was was just a small cut on the inside of my anus and gave me some cream for it.
By the time I figured out what had happened, I was too embarassed to go back for that problem. Because of this embarassment, I've never gone to get a PAP smear, either. (I'm terrified of seeing a gynecologist, even without this tear)
Because I'm now looking to join the military, I really need to see someone about getting it fixed.
My questions are this:
1.) What's the best way to confront my fear of going to the doctor? How am I supposed to bring this up without breaking down in tears?
2.) What kind of recovery time would be needed for this? Is this a simple procedure, or is it diffucult and would require me to be out of work for several weeks?
3.) Does anyone have the foggiest idea about cost? Even a rough estimate? I have insurance, but it's not great by no means. I've already been under the knife once in the past year for skin cancer (basal cell).
Also, what's the worst case scenario for me waiting this long? What's the best case?
I appreciate any and all help. I do realize I've waited far too long as it is, but I really need to get some of these questions answered before I go on with this. I just really need someone to help me break everything down.
Thank you so much.
Sponsor
willowb
09-28-2005, 01:58 AM
hello!
ive heard of fistulas before, but not very much. i know that some can be fixed, but some are so bad, they cant. you sound like a mild case. my advice to you, because i just got out of the military myself, is to look into having THEM pay for it...since your worried about your insurance. all medical care is free in the military. surgeries and all. so even though your afraid of seeing a doctor, please please please get a pap smear and get checked out. one bad thing about the military, and i dont know what branch your joining...but in the navy you dont always get the same doctor...you dont always get a woman either...ive always been pretty picky about who i want down there! so that was always a bummer to me...like if i had a yeast infection or something, to get the diflucan pill youd have to make an appt. to see the doc. sometimes i got a random man doctor...and i just hoped and prayed he'd take my word on it and just give me the damn perscription without the exam part! :)
anyhow, good luck to you honey. keep your head up, and stop being scared, for the sake of your health.
ive heard of fistulas before, but not very much. i know that some can be fixed, but some are so bad, they cant. you sound like a mild case. my advice to you, because i just got out of the military myself, is to look into having THEM pay for it...since your worried about your insurance. all medical care is free in the military. surgeries and all. so even though your afraid of seeing a doctor, please please please get a pap smear and get checked out. one bad thing about the military, and i dont know what branch your joining...but in the navy you dont always get the same doctor...you dont always get a woman either...ive always been pretty picky about who i want down there! so that was always a bummer to me...like if i had a yeast infection or something, to get the diflucan pill youd have to make an appt. to see the doc. sometimes i got a random man doctor...and i just hoped and prayed he'd take my word on it and just give me the damn perscription without the exam part! :)
anyhow, good luck to you honey. keep your head up, and stop being scared, for the sake of your health.