Awkward Medical Situations

[Tink888]

I had my first mammogram today (which off-topic, wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be) and the technician who performed the procedure was an acquaintance. Went a little like this:

Me: Did your kids go to X school? I think I know you from the PTA.
Technician: Yes, your son is so and so, we worked together during Santa Land.

And then we made small talk about our kids and school while I had the procedure done. Just your basic mammogram and everything was professional and pleasant enough but I have to admit the 12 year old girl in me felt a little embarrassed. No rational reason for it - she was just doing her job and I was just a patient having a routine test but I felt embarrassed just the same.

Every once in awhile I'll run into my ob-gyn at the grocery store and I get the same feeling.

So, has this ever happened to any of you, and if so, did you feel awkward? And if it hasn't happened to you, would you feel awkward if it did?

 

[bigbabyblues]

I work in a hospital, and I've felt the same way. I worked in the ER while I was in college as a clerk. I had just found out I was pregnant, and one day at work I started bleeding. I went back and talked to the doctor who was working, and he ordered an ultrasound and sent me over to xray. They wouldn't do it unless I was registered as an ER patient (don't remember why, it's been too long), so I went back and registered myself.

I ended up having an internal exam, a catheter placed, and an "internal" ultrasound, all done by people I worked with every day. I was so upset at the time that it didn't bother me. When I had to walk back in there 3 days later, I was mortified. I know it is nothing out of the ordinary to them, but it was to me.

 

[DVCLiz]

I made awkward eye contact at a party Saturday night with the doctor who did my colonoscopy. I don't know if he recognized me - I know his wife slightly socially and we were standing in a group of women who are mutual friends.

All I could think was, "Ew, you've looked in my colon!" (Well, that wasn't exactly what I was thinking, but close enough for the DIS!)

I know he gets that all the time but ick...

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I am in the same situation with the Dr. I go to for everything. I drive a school bus for the small town we live in and I have had her kids on my bus. LOL! It really doesn't bother me at all. Everyone knows me and I know them, I just separate work from life. LOL!

A funny story though, I was sampling the wine in the grocery store they give you in the little paper cups and I saw one of the parents whose child I have on my bus. It was a Saturday, no work.

 

[mjkacmom]

Yes - my post partem nurse was another mom I sat with at gymnastics! Awkward for me!

 

[Tink888]

Thank you. I felt silly for feeling that way but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who does or has had that happen to them.

Our kids are actually in the same grade so I know we will continue to run into each other from time to time. I feel like she knows me on a whole new level now.

 

[bigbabyblues]

One of DS9's good friends has a father who is a well-respected and well liked OB/GYN. I had thought about changing to him when my former GYN left a few years ago--and now I'm glad I didn't! He coaches soccer with my DH, my boys play at their house and their boys come here, etc.

 

[kacaju]

oh yeah!! I ahd some female problems a few years ago and even went to a support group for it. There I was told about a ob/gyn who was very good dealing with this problem. turns out.... he went to HS with my dh!!! I met him first at their HS reunion!!

 

[traviesojmt]

YEP!!! I had my gall bladder removed last year. Right before they wheeled me to the OR, the anesthetist tech came over to meet me. I had never seen him before, but when he looked at my chart he said "you must be Lauren's mom". Turns out that his son was in my daughter's class. I didn't give it much thought until I got home after the surgery and noticed that I was covered in iodine from above my bosom buddies to my nether regions. I swear all I can think of when I see him OR his wife at school is that he has seen me naked.

 

[MIGrandma]

Nope, I am 52 years old and lost my modesty years ago.

In fact, I too had a mammogram this morning. I told the tech that I didn't understand why they even have you put on the little "gown" since you're mostly out of it all the time anyway. She laughed with me, but said it makes some feel more comfortable. I understand, but I'm not one of them so was tempted to just throw the thing back on the chair instead of struggling in and out of it.

I just feel that the doctors and technicians have "seen it all" anyway so most procedures just don't embarrass me all that much anymore.

 

[minniecarousel]

HAHA - reminds me back when I was working as an X-ray Technician. Our medical office building was next to a small mall where I'd go most lunchtimes. I saw a couple there when the man said hello to me, and I was startled and blurted out: "oh, I didn't recognize you with your clothes on!" (very unprofessional, but I was very young!) Thank heavens we all laughed!

A coupla months ago, I realized that one of the Technicians at a local facility is the Mom of a girl that my son went to HS with. It didn't "register" until after we left (I had taken my Mom in for an X-ray). I don't think it'd bother me if she did my next mammogram.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Nope, I am 52 years old and lost my modesty years ago.

In fact, I too had a mammogram this morning. I told the tech that I didn't understand why they even have you put on the little "gown" since you're mostly out of it all the time anyway. She laughed with me, but said it makes some feel more comfortable. I understand, but I'm not one of them so was tempted to just throw the thing back on the chair instead of struggling in and out of it.

I just feel that the doctors and technicians have "seen it all" anyway so most procedures just don't embarrass me all that much anymore.

HAHAHA! I could have written this. I went for my mammogram last week and I had more trouble keeping the gown closed. I told the girl almost the exact same thing. Like this poster, I lost any modesty that I had years ago. I will be 50 in August if that makes a difference.

 

[simonsmom]

I had a planned c section for my twins. was laid out on the table,completely naked and the anaesthesiologist came in. He says to me you look familiar- did we go to pharmacy school together? yup. I avoided looking at him the rest of the time.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

My first OB GYN would talk about anything anytime. At one point, I was working at a car rental agency and he was asking the best way to get a good rate in France, um, midexam. Was a little wierd!

 

[MinnieTink]

I have worked at a radiology facility for years so every time my girls have to come out for a squeeze, it is with a friend. Yes I used to feel really weird about it but they are always so professional and keep me chatting the whole time so I've gotten over that. Xrays, Ct scans, mris are no problem. If I gave to do a TV pelvic ultrasound....ugh, that one I just can't get past. LOL.

 

[FireDancer]

Well, being male I have a lot less opportunity for awkward medical situations but I did have one. I found a lump on a self examination of my credentials and wanted to make sure it wasn't anything to worry about. I saw a doctor and that exam wasn't bad. I was standing there with my pants down as a doctor did a not-so-self examination of me. He couldn't feel anything but wanted to be safe so he scheduled me for an ultrasound.

I have a cousin who does ultra sounds so I was talking to her and when I told her I was going to have an ultra sound she says "Hey, come to my hospital and maybe I'll do it". Of course I then told her what was going to be imaged and we agreed it would make for awkward family dinners.

I ended up having it done but this woman who was in her 20's and from Russia complete with the heavy accent. All I could think of was this bit that Opie and Anthony do about Russian strippers and Anthony saying "I dance for you the sexy if you show me the mon-yey" in a heavy Russian accent.

I'm not shy really so none of it was really that bad but it was a different experience and the closest I have. At least until the lovely "finger of truth" exam that awaits me in the future.

 

[MariDisney]

I am currently undergoing fertility treatments and am monitored by trans******l ultrasound every other day. (if that get starred out, I should say it's "internal") As the doctor leaves the room (with me still in the stirrups) he says, "Good to see you. See you again in 2 days." I really want to say he needs a better parting remark given the entirety of what he's just seen.

 

[lemondog]

LOL! I would imagine it would be quite awkward having a such a conversation as the woman is manhandling your **** (btw I got my mammo today too).

The weirdest by far would be ob/gyn. I am good friends with a girl at church, and her husband, also a friend, is one. I would absolutely LOVE to go to him...he would have fantastic bedside manner and I feel so comfortable speaking with him about medications, treatments, etc. However, I would have to draw the line at the breast and pelvic exams. TOO WEIRD!!!

I did run into my ob/gyn at a restaurant one night. I could tell he recognized me but couldn't place me. I suppose to him I was just another vajayjay!

 

[lemondog]

I am currently undergoing fertility treatments and am monitored by trans******l ultrasound every other day. (if that get starred out, I should say it's "internal") As the doctor leaves the room (with me still in the stirrups) he says, "Good to see you. See you again in 2 days." I really want to say he needs a better parting remark given the entirety of what he's just seen.

I also did fertility treatments and one time my RE told me he probably knew my "nether regions" better than my husband did!

 

[Tink888]

Nope, I am 52 years old and lost my modesty years ago.

In fact, I too had a mammogram this morning. I told the tech that I didn't understand why they even have you put on the little "gown" since you're mostly out of it all the time anyway. She laughed with me, but said it makes some feel more comfortable. I understand, but I'm not one of them so was tempted to just throw the thing back on the chair instead of struggling in and out of it.

I just feel that the doctors and technicians have "seen it all" anyway so most procedures just don't embarrass me all that much anymore.

LOL, you know, after giving birth twice (and the whole bag of goodies that goes with that experience), I had always said the same thing. I guess I learned today that my modesty only goes out the window with strangers!

It was funny today because by the time we were through my gown had ripped on the one side so I really had to work to keep everything covered on the walk across the hall to the changing room.

Here's to us both hopefully getting good results!!

Well, being male I have a lot less opportunity for awkward medical situations but I did have one. I found a lump on a self examination of my credentials and wanted to make sure it wasn't anything to worry about. I saw a doctor and that exam wasn't bad. I was standing there with my pants down as a doctor did a not-so-self examination of me. He couldn't feel anything but wanted to be safe so he scheduled me for an ultrasound.

I have a cousin who does ultra sounds so I was talking to her and when I told her I was going to have an ultra sound she says "Hey, come to my hospital and maybe I'll do it". Of course I then told her what was going to be imaged and we agreed it would make for awkward family dinners.

I ended up having it done but this woman who was in her 20's and from Russia complete with the heavy accent. All I could think of was this bit that Opie and Anthony do about Russian strippers and Anthony saying "I dance for you the sexy if you show me the mon-yey" in a heavy Russian accent.

I'm not shy really so none of it was really that bad but it was a different experience and the closest I have. At least until the lovely "finger of truth" exam that awaits for me in the future.

I laughed out loud at this. Thank you! DH actually goes for his colonoscopy later this week. Yeah, after 17 years of marriage we like to schedule our awkward medical procedures during the same week. It's just how we roll.

One of the things I love about my ob-gyn is his sense of humor. He makes the annual visits so comfortable and I'll be really sad if he ever retires. Somehow though, when we run into eachother in the frozen foods section I can barely manage a "hi, how are ya".