before becoming a Provider, I never went to the Dr. I'm very healthy, and very Holistic (and have Drs. and nurses in the family) and can pretty much cure anything myself. I, believe it or not, had not ever even had a bladder infection, which I hear MOST women get REGULARLY their whole life, and I never had experienced even one. I did my annual exams, and everything on schedule. Ok..my point.
NOW, if I get anything at all remotely 'questionable', most particularly 'female things', I'm flyin' to the Doctor! This behaviour has become very noticeable with my Dr. and my PA. I feel so incredibly responsible in this role, that I have to be assured constantly that everything's fine because it involves OTHERS. So, I'm down to the Dr. again today. Now, mind you, I'm not saying it like I'm a fanatic and go every week, or something - more like every 7 weeks. But, the doctor was wondering if everything is alright in my life; anything I need to talk about? How embarrassing..
So, what I wonder is, do any of you ladies have a Dr. or PA that you've told you're a Provider, so that you can relax and just openly discuss your situation and concerns, without looking fanatical? I can't tell you how much I wish I could just tell my PA and just hope that she'd not judge or lecture, but also not cause me any harm? You know? What have you all done, and experienced?
This came to mind with the last few threads of the 'burning penis' and the guys not wanting to wear a condom..I mean, my Pleasure is a Priority..

Sweet Dreams,
Sedona

Well, maybe I'm lucky, but I just felt I had a great relationship with my OB/GYN, so I told her I "was seeing multiple partners" on one visit.  The only question she asked was whether I was using condoms.  Then she proceeded to write up tests for a full STD screen, and made it clear that she wasn't going to judge or lecture, but just provide me advice, tests, and treatment when I asked for them.  

I've seen her since that first visit, and told her the situation continued, and she remained supportive.  Pretty cool!

Abby

have you thought about going to aim? that is where all the porn actresses go for testing. i do not know if there is a location in san diego but i am sure you could at least get a referral from them.

... I'm happy to hear that providers are this responsible.  Eases my mind a lot.  I myself go for periodic blood tests and if asked - I'll show the damn piece of paper to prove it.  I've gone to one clinic about four times now and I'm sure they're wondering what the heck is wrong with me as well.  I personally think telling the doc is not a wise idea.  Just tell them you've watched a lot of Woody Ally movies.

Was to the Sherman Oaks location earlier today (actually, yesterday -- Wednesday) for my semi-annual screening. Highly recommended.

-- Modified on 1/30/2003 2:47:55 AM

I do see my OB doctor and my family doctor.
I seem to be allergic to condoms, so after each session, I need to wash up extra carefully.  (Doctor recommendations.)
I have never gotten anything fatal from any person so far.
I get my annuals done by the OB/GYN in April and my family doctor in December.
I would rather be safe than sorry.

Not only do I NOT want to get anything from someone, I do NOT want to give anyone something either.

There are a lot of STDs that are not detectable like a yeast infection for example.

You health is important and it does not matter that you are a provider, everyone should see a doctor at least 2 times a year.

Philadelphia's Tattooed Escort

ps. I also take lots of vitimins..you should try acidopholus..

I appreciate the link to AIM (that's awesome) and emailed them regarding a location in San Diego. The problem with SD is, although it's a big city, it has a 'small town' attitude and they are not supportive of the Industry whatsoever - you'll see all the regulations with Swing Clubs that you don't see in LA or OC.
Since my frequency in going to the Doc is what's so noticeable, I'm either going to have to tell my PA, or go somewhere else, it seems. Thanks.

Hugs,
Sedona

I firmly believe that if you are uncomfortable telling your doctor EVERYTHING going on in your life that could effect your health, you're seeing the wrong doctor.  For example, my physician knows what my "hobbies" are and when draws blood work for me he includes STD screening as a result of that knowledge.  If he didn't know, and I asked for such testing periodically, he would question me as to why I felt I needed it.  That's what a good doctor is supposed to do.  

I am friendly (in a horizontal way) with 2 providers here in the NY area, and asked them this question (neither posts here).  They both said that their doctors do know what they do, and do not question their career path, but rather provide care based on it, no questions asked.

You may even want to inquire, in your area, of several providers you are friendly with, as to which doctors they may go to.  You might find that there are ones that are more provider-friendly and use them, especially if other family members use the same doctor as you (to maintain anonymity).

But whatever you do, remember that your health is your most valuable asset.

Paranoya abounds.  Given the ladies I have spoken to about such personal matters, I think the gents would have more of a chance of catching STD's from someone on the streets-lol.  I did my yearly check ups before starting this.  I now go every three months.  I didn't say anything, but was questioned about my frequent visits.  He knows my history.  I had been married most of my adult life, so I simply told him that since I divorced my sex life has become ultra active, that I am experimenting more and am just paranoid.  He thinks my paranoya is healthy for it assures him that I at least go about it safely and has even offers advice on some practices.  

Lauren

Here in Atlanta we have a Feminist Women's Health Clinic.  While I usually only see a PA, I always get really good care.  I guess it was on my third STD screening in a 9 month time period that I decided to tell her why I kept coming in.  I didn't want to seem like a hypochondriac, so I came out and told her that I am a provider.  Of course, before I said anything, I made sure that legally nothing could be said and asked her not to make a note in my chart, but that I needed to give her an FYI.  She was very professional about it and did not try to lecture me, but instead had a long talk with me about what I should definitely stay away from and how certain STD's are transmitted.  The appointment was not hurried at all and she made sure that all of my questions were answered.  I know that the clinic in Atlanta is one of many across of the nation.  I found their website, but am not sure if any of the CA locations are near you.

This from AIM's website.  The Chula Vista or Temecula locations should work for you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sharon Mitchell
AIM Healthcare
(818) 981-5681

AIM Healthcare Foundation has just added 11 affiliate draw stations near you. No shipping fees!! No draw fee charges!! Beverly Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Ventura, Sacramento, Victorville, San Bernardino, Beaumont, Fontana, Yuba City, Santa Anna, San Franciso, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Chula Vista, and Temecula. Standard fee only $85 for PCRDNA for HIV. Call (818) 981-5681

A brief tale about why your doctor should know everything:

I'm "clean and sober" for 6 years now, but used to drink very heavily.  I told my doctor all about it.  When I came down with an attack of pancreatitis 6 years ago (coincidence, huh?). It's pretty rare but her knowledge of my drinking habits enabled her to come a correct diagnosis almost immediately.  God knows what might have happened otherwise.

Of course, My Doctor/PA knows what to DOCUMENT and what NOT to. For me, it's an IMPORTANT part of the equation.
YOU, embarassed? I can't picture that, Sedona!! You might be surprised at the interest you foster at the Physician's office!!
*smoooch*
Elise

For San Diegans, you have to either have your blood sent to, or go to Temecula... (Chula Vista is no longer open) About $125.00 to send or $85.00 to have them draw and test.

And you still need to have CULTURES (all orafices) for several of the other types of ICKIES that females can carry and not show symptoms for.

Oh Well... Cultivate that Health Care Provider relationship! Yeah for insurance!!

*smoooches*
Elise

We Dr.s are not all alike.  Some are straight, some are gay, some are men, some are women, some are Democrats, most are Republicans...

MOST are ethical, SOME are not.  You should feel TOTALLY comfortable with your Dr.  So much so that you can tell him/her ANYTHING.  This is not the place for judgement.  Any information that could conceivably influence a diagnostic decision or potential treatment needs to be stated.

If you are not comfortable enough with your Dr. to discuss your line of work and it's impact on your health and the health of the public, I suggest that you find another Dr.  It's that simple and yet that difficult.  

A good Dr. will not give you any sense that they are passing judgement on your activities nor will they make comment out of the office to anyone that is not cleared by you first.  That is patient confidenciality and informed consent...it's the law.

Let me just put right out there that I'm a completely insecure obsessive compulsive perfectionist -- when it comes to "me" (other people?  "Feh!  Whatever.").  i.e. I just finished sweeping my 900 sq.ft. of tile floors for the second time tonight, and I got home 2-1/2 hours ago.  When I finish this post, I'll vacuum.  Probably twice.  Anyway, you get the picture.

That being said, I don't need to tell anyone anything.  Period.  I'm completely "in the closet" when it comes to my fantasy life.  When it comes to screening and exams, I rotate (partially so they don't think I'm completely off my rocker, which I am, of course).  If you're really obsessive (or paranoid) about this kind of stuff like me (or even 1/4 as much), you know they're wondering, so... here's what I do -- Rotate.  As much as possible.

Line up different independent practices (or two, three, four, six, however often you want/need to go to keep you sane) and head to each in succession on whatever regular basis you like for an "annual" screening and exam.  It'll drive your insurance company crazy, but screw them.  It's not like you're ripping *them* off (I definitely get my money's worth out of them!).  And look at it this way, the $25 office visit copay is coming out of your pocket either way.

Luckily, you're in San Diego, which probably has the highest number of medical facilities and independent practices in the world, so between North County coastal, East County and Imperial Beach-way, you should be able to get this done pretty easily.

Off to change the vacuum bag,

BJ
[email protected]

Well I'm somewhat lucky because a friend of mines works in the emergency room "admin" and he knows what I do, which mean he put my name at the top of the list. Now as far as the frequent visit I tell the Doc that I am marry and I caught my husband cheating more then twice and I do not trust him anymore. So to keep my mind at peace I have decided to get checked on a regular basis. It have been a year and three months that I have been in the biz and not once have I been ashame to do my follow-up testing.


-- Modified on 1/30/2003 6:38:41 PM

...who knows, maybe you'll find yourself another client, eh Doc?  LOL

;^)

BJ, Palm Beach, FL
[email protected]