by Cyn Bagley

Created on: April 10, 2008

Half-Naked in the Doctor's Office

I have an autoimmune disease called Wegener's Granulomatosis. What you probably don't realize is that I take chemo-drugs and prednisone to keep my immune system in check. My basic doctors are a primary care physician and a rheumatologist. I can see up to two other doctors per year for other problems, including growths on my skin caused by my medications. Just to keep my doctors happy, I sometmes see an ENT to check out my lungs and sinuses.

So two years ago, I was at the dermatologist in a pair of bra and panties covered with a paper sheet. The doctor was lifting the paper sheet checking my back, stomach, arms, and legs for unsightly growths, any of which could turn into cancer.

I felt sorry for the doctor. By this time, I had had three years of prednisone. My body had turned from the slim body that I was used to wearing to the overweight stretch-marked cellulite covered model that I had become. It was all due to prednisone, disease, and insufficient exercise. And then it got worse (for the doctor).

"The growth is here," I said and pointed to my crotch. The crotch of course was covered by my white granny panties. I was wearing my newest pair.

"What," he said with surprise. "I'll go get a nurse."

So it wasn't the doctor who took a look at the growth in my nether regions. It was the nurse. "So what do you want us to do?" She asked.

I thought it was obvious. I had come to have my growths checked and then cut off. Right?

So I said it in slow tones so that she would understand completely. "The growth bothers me. Please cut it off."

It should have been simple. It turned out that I had to touch the growth. I had to hold my panties to the side so that the doctor (it seemed he was keeping his eyes closed) could cut it off. Finally it was done. The nurse gave me instructions on how to care for the wound. It was in my nether regions. I did mention that...

After I was dressed, I noticed that the doctor couldn't look me in the eye. He explained that they would test the growth to see if it was cancerous. According to him, it did not have any other significance except that it grew.

I hoped that I hadn't completely traumatized the doctor.

A good note: it wasn't cancerous.

So why am I telling you this story? Well, I have another growth. Thankfully not in the crotch, but it is on the upper right thigh. I called for an appointment. Yes, with the same doctor. I wonder what his reaction will be?

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