Posts: 359
Threads: 14
Joined: Oct 2011
Unfortunately, doctor visits, like discussions with wives and family, etc., are one of those things we tend not to really take seriously when we embark on NBE. So much easier to pigeonhole that until it rears its head.
There are so many variables: doctors here hardly ever ask anyone to bare your chest anymore for the stethoscope. it's just as effective through a t-shirt, or even a sweatshirt. It will be mostly unknown to us as individuals just what the local practices' standard list of things are that they must check for at each visit. And that itself may depend on time allotted per patient, (and let's face it, the amount of money to be claimed per visit), and the reason for your visit.
A lot of it can depend on your, and your doctors', attitude. And your doctors' attitude will depend to a large degree on your attitude. When her cursory exam revealed to her that something was not quite normal in the chest department, my response was not only a lack of real concern on my behalf, but I also went into a "humorous mode". A lighthearted comment such as "yeah, if things get any bigger, I'll have to get my wife to take me bra shopping", or "the next time my wife needs a mammogram, we'll get one together", can be disarming, and put the doctors mind at ease. I basically gave her the impression that having breasts was not high on my list of medical concerns. You, Bryony, have another thing working in your favor like I do, that being our age, at which time these sorts of things are kind of to be expected. Unless you're a marathoner.
I, personally, prefer to be seen by a female. it just seems to be easier to discuss all sorts of things with her. Kindred spirits? She seems more open to discuss things, and never short on conversation to explain things. Both my wife and I have a history with her, and make all our appts. with her only. That can be another factor in ones' favor. And, when I requested blood tests, it wasn't to check on "gyno", it was because I was feeling tired. It was true, and her acceptance of that fact, along with my cavalier attitude towards my "breast condition", took that topic off the table.
At my next visit, for whatever cause it may be, I am going to "seize the initiative", and bring up the subject of a mammogram. My breasts have increased to the point where they are going to be an inescapeable subject of discussion, and their shaping alone will more or less rule out any chance of them being a result of "gyno". I try to be a realist, and the fact that I have a pair of 22 centimeter diameter hemispheres leading me around is going to be hard for me to dismiss. And, though I doubt it will happen, should she perform a "digital" exam, well, "the jig is up". By admitting I know they're not "normal", while still expressing only a mild level of real concern, I believe I can steer the discussion in the direction I wish it to go. However, knowing that humans, and doctors in particular, can be unpredictable, I also have prepared a "theory" to present to her, should she not follow my 'lead". I will be honest with her, above all, but try to give her the impression that they are not much more than an "interesting curiousity" that I am not unduly concerned about.
We all have to be "grown-ups" here, and expect and accept the facts that there may, and likely will be, consequences that go along with growing breasts. If you grow them, people WILL see them. I know of no "exclusion rule" that states that doctors are to be blind to things that regular people see. Quite the opposite, doctors are expected to be more observant than ordinary folk. We "grow breasts at our own peril", so to speak, and any less than full realization of what goes along with that, is willful denial.
Bryony, FWIW, there are many reasons that people take herbs. If you look at the expounded benefits claimed for PM, you should be able to develope a "reason" that you took it, should your doctors' enquiry even get that far. I'm pretty sure you'll be OK. If you have any questions, while I'm no expert, feel free to ask. Patti
