Preparing for a Doctor yearly physical - Page 6

Silver Lining · ‎04-16-2010

@StraytoStay wrote:
I have a friend that used to transcribe doctor's notes, and they note if you shave, how much, or don't shave down there. That unnerved me knowing that was described.

"They" don't do that in general and most likely not at all. It's very irresponsible to make that statement.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@Pook wrote:
I don't see how it's giving the doctor a true picture of your health if you change what you normally do and just loose weight for the exam and then probably gain it again. Why go if you are being deceptive about things. I also don't see why anyone would refuse to be weighed as that could impact many areas of your health. Anyway the doctor has eyes and if someone is overweight the fact that there is no number available doesn't matter as he'll note you are overweight and probably guess a higher weight anyway. You are only deceiving yourself into thinking you might be lighter than you are and that could affect your health significantly over time.

@Pook @SeaMaiden

I was thinking the same thing ..... it's like cheating on a final exam!

A true snapshot of your current health is taking the bloodwork, etc without trying to alter the results. IMO, it's more important to gauge where your numbers really are on any given day.

The most important thing to do beforehand (besides bathing, lol) is to compile a list of questions, any funny symptoms, and any thoughts about medications, etc. Most of us get very little one on one time with an MD, so having a list helps to cover everything on your mind.

@Tinkrbl44 You said: ( besides bathing, lol) You forgot shaving DOWN THERE as well LOL!

@SeaMaiden

??? I didn't forget "shaving down there".

First, I've never had a pelvic exam from a PCP; my gyno visit includes that. Secondly, not all women shave that area year 'round .... just their legs.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@dex wrote:
@StraytoStay why would it be important for a doc to makes notes about shaving?

I work for a lawfirm that handles injury cases so I see medical records across my desk all the time. I have never seen anything about that in doctor's notes unless there was a surgery that took place in which the patient needed that area hair free.

Sometimes I will see notes that indicate a person had a clean appearance or it has been noted if they came in filthy dirty, etc. I've even seen notes about women coming in "inappropriately dressed." I also wonder what they had on.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@noodleann wrote:
I don't understand why people aren't getting their labs done the week before their appointment with the doc, so they can discuss the results. My doctor doesn't mail labs, so I want to see them on the screen when I'm at the appointment. If there's a change in a critical number like lipids or A1C, you want to be able to discuss it right there, not have a callback, right?

Here a link to a possible explanation for why doctors are noting how the undercarriage is groomed, or not. It deals with younger women, which is the demographic that seems most likely to defuzz down there, but I'd assume older women could experience the same problems.

http://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(14)00065-9/fulltext

@noodleann, I saw a brand new doctor in February. I wasn't sure what she was going to do and since I was new to her, she had me schedule my appointment so we could discuss things. Based on our discussion, she ordered certain labs for me. Had I had them done prior to our appointment, I would have had to go back to have blood drawn again for specific testings. As it was I had my labs done and when she got the results, she called me on the phone and told me everything was good.

My DH is diabetic so he does go the week before his appointment to get his blood drawn for that test. Then he and his doctor can discuss the results at his appointment.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@Pook wrote:
I don't see how it's giving the doctor a true picture of your health if you change what you normally do and just loose weight for the exam and then probably gain it again. Why go if you are being deceptive about things. I also don't see why anyone would refuse to be weighed as that could impact many areas of your health. Anyway the doctor has eyes and if someone is overweight the fact that there is no number available doesn't matter as he'll note you are overweight and probably guess a higher weight anyway. You are only deceiving yourself into thinking you might be lighter than you are and that could affect your health significantly over time.

@Pook @SeaMaiden

I was thinking the same thing ..... it's like cheating on a final exam!

A true snapshot of your current health is taking the bloodwork, etc without trying to alter the results. IMO, it's more important to gauge where your numbers really are on any given day.

The most important thing to do beforehand (besides bathing, lol) is to compile a list of questions, any funny symptoms, and any thoughts about medications, etc. Most of us get very little one on one time with an MD, so having a list helps to cover everything on your mind.

@Tinkrbl44 You said: ( besides bathing, lol) You forgot shaving DOWN THERE as well LOL!

@SeaMaiden

??? I didn't forget "shaving down there".

First, I've never had a pelvic exam from a PCP; my gyno visit includes that. Secondly, not all women shave that area year 'round .... just their legs.

@Tinkrbl44 It was a joke based on a post further up the thread. Someone said that doctors' make notes about that being done or not on women..... maybe you did not read that?

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I don't normally read every post on any given thread that is long, but I did this one. It was very interesting how different ones of us handle things and perceive situations! I have yearly gyno, internist, and derm (whole body skin checks for cancer) appointments. For every single appointment, I shower and shave everything...hair and make-up done, feet exfoliated, toes painted, etc. It is human nature to assess people based on first impressions. I do everything my doctors suggest...height/weight check, urine test, lab tests, etc. I count on them to find anything awry, and if they think something needs to be done, I do it as I trust my doctors.

That being said, I do make my appointments in the summer...less clothes to take off! And because my cholesterol is getting up there but not bad enough to be on meds yet, next year, I am going to try Andrew Lessman's cholesterol product or something similar for two or three months before I go in for my bloodwork to see if it makes a difference with my cholesterol.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@Pook wrote:
I don't see how it's giving the doctor a true picture of your health if you change what you normally do and just loose weight for the exam and then probably gain it again. Why go if you are being deceptive about things. I also don't see why anyone would refuse to be weighed as that could impact many areas of your health. Anyway the doctor has eyes and if someone is overweight the fact that there is no number available doesn't matter as he'll note you are overweight and probably guess a higher weight anyway. You are only deceiving yourself into thinking you might be lighter than you are and that could affect your health significantly over time.

@Pook @SeaMaiden

I was thinking the same thing ..... it's like cheating on a final exam!

A true snapshot of your current health is taking the bloodwork, etc without trying to alter the results. IMO, it's more important to gauge where your numbers really are on any given day.

The most important thing to do beforehand (besides bathing, lol) is to compile a list of questions, any funny symptoms, and any thoughts about medications, etc. Most of us get very little one on one time with an MD, so having a list helps to cover everything on your mind.

@Tinkrbl44 You said: ( besides bathing, lol) You forgot shaving DOWN THERE as well LOL!

@SeaMaiden

??? I didn't forget "shaving down there".

First, I've never had a pelvic exam from a PCP; my gyno visit includes that. Secondly, not all women shave that area year 'round .... just their legs.
@Tinkrbl44 It was a joke based on a post further up the thread. Someone said that doctors' make notes about that being done or not on women..... maybe you did not read that?

@SeaMaiden

I DID read all the posts, but you directed the comment at me, so I responded to your thinking I "forgot". I didn't.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

The information and history of your weight, as well other stats, is useful for spotting trends. You need a record. The first time you show up in the ER not being able to talk or stand you will thank your lucky stars that they know your weight for dosing.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

@SeaMaiden, You made me laugh. If I did all that to prepare to see the doctor, I'd need a doctor by the time the appointment rolled around. I understand what you're saying, but whew!! you go girl.

Fifi1 · ‎03-10-2010

I'm surprised anyone would "prepare" for an exam! What is up with refusals to weigh? Honestly, I believe my doctor wouldn't go for that at all, and perhaps refuse to "treat" you as you're not following recommendations of the practice. I want the best possible care and that involves working together WITH your professional to be your healthiest.