QuestionHi there,
I am 24, and I had a hysterectomy at the age of 22 in January 2004 for endometriosis.
I have a pfannenstiel incision (from a total abdominal hysterectomy), of which I am extremely ashamed, and have an upcoming appointment with a new gyne next week. I am wondering if you can tell me if there is ANY way to have a pelvic exam without the doctor seeing the scar, with liberal drapes, for example?
The issue is primarily emotional, and I have wondered why I have had no issues showing other scars, such as my appendectomy and cholecystectomy scars to doctors. It has to do with loss -- the loss of the ability to bear children, the loss of my uterus, and the loss of my father's perception of me as a woman (he told me I'm no longer a woman because I can't procreate), and my scar is a visual reminder of all of this.
It has been nearly a year since I have let a doctor see my scar, and the only reason I let previous doctors see it, was because of the debilitating pain I was in. Now that my pain has resolved, I am caught between my emotions and the rest of my medical needs. Last year, when I presented to my GP's office with symptoms of an ulcer, my shame surrounding the scar, prevented him from doing a complete abdominal exam -- it's been quite "debilitating", and I really don't know how to deal with it, unless there's a way to conceal my incision during a gynecological/abdominal exam.
I haven't asked any doctors about surgical scar revision (I know I would also be left with a second scar, albeit likely smaller), topical silicone treatments, or steroid injections.
I do know that a doctor SHOULD examine EVERYTHING during a pelvic exam, and that includes my incision. But would you please tell me if there is ANY way to conceal it during an exam? I am not emotionally at a point where I can let anyone see it...
Thank-you
AnswerYes, you can wear a garmet and tell them you are cold and do not want to disrobe completely. Maybe you should get the scar removed by a plastic surgeon. Remember most doctors would not even make mention or even notice which scar you have unless you mention them.
