Gynos (once again)

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Well, I’m *not* on the autism spectrum, but I may have similar problems with tactile sensitivity (maybe because of genetic reasons, maybe because I’m diagnosed with a neurological condition).

I'm a couple years shy of 40 and I've never been to a gyno. One of the reasons for that is my dislike of being touched on the bare skin. I have a problem with cold or sharp objects (cold is especially bad), and light/sudden touches. For example, it has sometimes happened, that as a part of some non-gynecological examination, a medical person has touched my stomach/legs/back and I’ve screamed

A few years ago I was in a knee surgery. Before that surgery I was given anesthesizer, whose dosage was determined thus, that the doctor put some cold swabs against my thighs and I was given more medicines until I did not feel the cold (the doctor said it’s because the same receptors transmit the sensations of cold and pain). It turned out that I had to be given *lots* more anesthesizer than people normally, before I stopped feeling the sensation of cold. (After the surgery, I was in the waking room for two hours, while people usually spend there 0,5-1 hours.)

If something cold or sharp (people’s fingers are usually both ) touches my bare skin, I don’t feel actual pain, but an unpleasant feeling - a bit like a soft, slow electric shock, or a burning sensation (but without the sensation of heat). In the everyday life, I can deal with my touch sensitivity by covering myself with clothes or avoiding situations where I could be touched (such as sex; I’ve never understood how somebody could enjoy their skin being touched, so I’ve never wanted to have sex with anyone).

A couple of years ago I had to take a colonoscopy. During that operation I panicked, even if I had been given tranquillizers beforehand. I remember the doctor saying “Don’t scream so loudly, you’ll scare the patients in the hallway.”

A year after that notorious colonoscopy I went to a municipal pap smear. I had been there twice, at the age of 25 and 30, and it had been quite easy. But this time, when the nurse put the specula into my vagina, I panicked. I didn’t scream but I got all tense and even wriggled a bit. The nurse became somewhat sarcastic, which didn’t easen my situation. And the pain in my lower stomach lasted until the next day (even if my earlier pap smears had been almost painless).

After that pap smear episode, I’ve been even more horrified by the idea of a gynecological exam.

My question is: are there anyone who has the same situation, and if there are, how you deal with gyn exams (do you take some medications, for example).

BTW, I need to emphasize that even if I’m a virgin, being excessively tight is *not* my problem, because I can easily use super tampons and menstrual cups. I’m just frightened by the idea of somebody touching my stomach or pelvic area, or putting something into my body.

Oh, I'm sorry - I thought the thread was about Gyros. Must be lunchtime (God-a-mighty I'm hungry!).

I didn't get it right away. Obviously Gynos is a slag I am not familiar with, either. I do know that I have to be hard pressed to go to a doctor, too. I just dispise the intrusion into my space, the questions about my habits and just go stock stiff and hold my breath while they do their examinations. Sometimes I just silently cry and they are bewildered.
Idiots, can't they tell when someone is experience PTSD from having been raped?

Hi Birch,

I'm a student midwife and the birth center where I work offers what's known as well women exams - same as at the gynecologist's office.

The pelvic exam usually consists of three parts, and we will touch you to (a.) locate your lymph nodes (checking for infection) and examine your external genitalia to make sure all looks normal. (b.) perform a speculum exam - this is when we view your cervix and your Pap smear is carried out (checking you for cervical cancer). (c.) perform a bi-manual exam - the fingers of one hand are inserted into your vagina and the other hand is placed on your lower abdomen. We move your organs between our fingers to check the uterus and ovaries for any abnormalities.

Try to call around and see if there are midwives in your area who offer this service. Some do, some don't. But a midwife will be much more sensitive to your needs and anxieties than a doctor's office, and most midwives will explain exactly what they're doing, while they're doing it, and why.

In the midwifery community we discuss patient comfort and past abuse on a regular basis. It's a huge concern and most will be quite willing to go slow and even stop the exam if you're not okay.

You should ALWAYS feel the freedom to share your concerns with anyone who examines you - anyone who touches you. You are paying them to provide a service, and you have every right to speak up.

If you want, PM me and I'll try to locate someone in your area.

Thank you for your replies so far, but I live in a country where midwifes are not allowed to do gyn. exams. And I don't have any abuse background. I'm mainly interested in medications (if there is anything suitable for situations like these) - both OTC /prescription medications.

oh.
well, if you find something that helps, please tell me, too. I am sure I would become an addict and never come back to this consciousness again.

I asked my supervising midwife for suggestions.

She recommended skullcap and valarian - herbs know for their calming effect. And as far as prescription drugs, she said you could try valium.

She also mentioned checking to see if there are doctors around you who specialize in dealing with special needs/disability patients.

Thank you for your reply. Maybe I try valerian or valium. Though I'm little sceptical about the effectiveness of tranquillizers because of my colonoscopy experience

BTW I tried to google information about skullcap (Scutellaria latiflora). In my language, I mostly found links to sites that were related to witchcraft. Hmm, is my situation *that* difficult?