Today I had a hysteroscopy and a polypectomy. Luckily I got to have an anesthetic which knocked me out for the duration of the procedure. I’m still feeling a little woozy, although that could be from the percocet I took when I got home. Heh heh heh … Anyway, I really like my gynecologist, for the most part. She’s funny and smart and extremely capable. She really seems like the kind of person I could be friends with IRL if, you know, she wasn’t in charge of keeping my lady business in tip-top fighting shape. So yeah, for the most part I really like her, except for one thing. She likes to use cutesy words for things. In the past she has referred to my labia as a “vajuzzsh” (I’m sorry, a labia is not a vagina!) and today she said she “cleared” a bit of “fluff” from “up in there”. Now, as humorous as it is to refer to body parts in a casual and silly way, part of me would really like it if my doctor used the correct terms for things. Maybe she doesn’t have to use the High Medical Greco-Roman terms, but really, I actually CAN understand words like “vagina” and “uterus” and “endometrial lining”. Because, now, as the medication is wearing off and I’m trying to reflect on that hazy conversation we had right after the procedure, I kind of would like to get on Google and educate myself about what’s happening to (and in) my body. It’s kind of difficult to do that if you don’t have the right words.
Language matters, people.
As a side note, my good friend Weaver hustled over here this afternoon with a batch of this carrot soup she made so I wouldn’t have to make dinner. Holy crap, it’s awesome. Thanks again, Weaver! <3
Knitting Interrupted 
Yes, I’m a fan of doctor Google as well. I like to be armed with all the facts and all the speculation. Once you feel better, pin her down and get the info you need.
You poor thing! I hope you heal well and quickly. How wonderful to have someone bringing you lovely homemade soup. That is the sign of a true friendship.
And yes, I loathe that most people don’t know the difference between a vagina and a vulva.
What do you want for dinner tonight?
You’re very welcome! I can whip up some tomato if you need it over the weekend, just let me know :)
Thanks Weaver! I think we’re all set. I’m feeling a lot better today. :-)
Hey! I had a hysteroscopy last Fall, only mine was followed by an Endometrial Ablation. <3 yay for using the right terms!
How do you like that? My doctors have been encouraging me to consider that once I’m done having kids, and I admit that the idea of no periods kind of appeals to me. Hah!
I hope you feel better soon…I had no idea you were going through such major surgery just a day after I saw you! And way to save the day, Weaver. I love Moosewood recipes.
(oops….I should learn to read: hysteroscopy, not hysterectomy)
LOL, and Thanks, Kate! I would definitely have mentioned it if it was something as big as a hysterectomy. ;-)
Poor thing! I hope you feel better soon. And yes, that would irritate me, too. Every time she uses a non-professional term for something, maybe you should start asking her, “What do you mean by ___?”. She might get the hint that you prefer her to be more specific. If that fails, I say be blunt and tell her that her nicknames for things are confusing you.
Hope you’re feeling better soon! Awesome that you have someone to bring you dinner at a time like this. Yeah for good friends!
As mother of an ob/gyn, I LOVE this post and am sending her the link. At age 4, she told the pre-school teacher that she had to go to the bathroom because her bladder was full; I think she’ll be on your wavelength.