aren ’ t willing to help yourself .
My second appointment was for a checkup with my gynecologist . As luck would have it , I was also due for a mammogram . Most insurance companies have a zero co-pay for these appointments as well . These are the appointments women dread the most and often miss . When I was younger , I didn ’ t think a visit to the gynecologist was that important and didn ’ t go in regularly . I was wrong . Again , early detection is the best way to battle anything irregular .
I could already sense that my body was not quite right when I made my appointments . My hypersensitivity was on overdrive when nothing came back normal . I underwent lab work , ultrasounds , mammograms ( yes , more than one ), and a biopsy . The waiting game was the hardest part . I had several appointments before I was given any final answers on any of my tests .
My fear and stress level were high . I prayed unceasingly that I would be okay . There was no way I could handle a medical catastrophe so soon after losing my dad . How could I go through any more than I had already endured ? How could my children endure more ? My brother stepped it up and told me that no matter what the outcomes were , we were going to fight and win . If anything , we caught it early , which was something that couldn ’ t be said for my dad . He was right . I changed my mindset and braced myself for the results .
I had abnormalities with my pap smear and my mammogram . I am okay , but having
www . encantadomag . com any abnormality means I require annual appointments for both , rather than having 2 or 3-year checkups . This is something I can definitely live with .
Here is a general timeline for gynecological appointments and mammograms . If you have a history of cancer in your family or any abnormalities , your doctor may want to see you more frequently .
Pap smears : Your first appointment should occur when you become sexually active . If you have the same partner and they have not stepped outside your relationship , you should have routine appointments every three years . If you change partners , you should see your gynecologist annually .
Mammograms : Your first mammogram should occur around the age of 40 . Some doctors recommend having a mammogram every two years until the age of 50 , then annually . Other doctors recommend they start at 40 and have biannual checkups till the age of 45 , then annually .
If you are not feeling like yourself , be sure to consult your health care provider . Be mindful of your age and what tests and appointments need to be set . I briefly touched on just a few this month and didn ’ t include routine appointments for men . Next month we will get into everything both men and women need to keep on top of as we age .
Till next month , stay positive and empowered . Much love .
A Better you
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