[rainbowbrite]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and I'm desperately seeking advice. I've had cramping pain (like menstrual cramps) that has been going on for months now, since the summer. I've never been to a gyno before (because I'm a big wuss and have extreme anxiety issues) and I need to see one because I'm really scared, I know it could be ANYTHING, but of course I have it in my head that it has to be cancer. I just have pain all along the bottom of my abdomen where I figure my ovaries and uterus are.
I think I've finally worked up the nerve to see a doctor (as long as it's a woman, I don't let strange men down there unless it's an absolute emergency), but I don't know how to go about doing it, I work from home and my income is based on demand (I quilt) so I don't make a lot of money.
I was hoping to go to Planned Parenthood because I figure that their doctors are competent and specialize in women's health as opposed to going to a free clinic. Does anyone have any information on what to expect from Planned Parenthood? What do they charge? Or can you think of anywhere else to go? My boyfriend suggested we just go to Canada lol.

[Guest]

First, cancer generally doesn't 'hurt'. Not to rule it out entirely, but let's just say the chances are remote (no, I'm not a physician).

Second, Your body is a temple so treat it accordingly.

Third, Call your local hospital, ask for their referral department and then ask them to refer you to a female physician they recommend after you have been 100% honest with them about your pain and financial situation....this is no time to be proud, ignorant, lie, be stupid, etc. The person on the other end of the phone doesn't know you, so why lie?

Fourth, Call that office today, tell them you were referred by hospital A, for the following reason(s) and that your financial situation is X.

In twenty years of working in and around medical professionals, their staff and the hospitals/communities they serve, never once have I heard any of them say..."No pay, no way" despite what our current administration wants you to believe.

Will it cost you? Probably... Are you worth it? Duh! Definitely!! Is it the best medical advice available in the world? Yes.

So what's keeping you? Stop reading and start dialing....

I wish you a speedy recovery from whatever pain you are currently dealing with.

[Claret]

Canada wouldn't be the answer as you'd have to form residency and wait three months SO, are there not free clinics nearby? How about a woman's resource centre? Public Health department, walk in clinic or emergency wards. You really need to have this looked into. It probably isn't cancer but it could be something that leads to cancer or a cyst on your ovaries or ovaries that have adhered to the uterus or wrapped around to the back and attached to your bowel. It could mean that you have fibroids or you just may be a medication. Check it out, do yourself a favour.

[DreamP346]

Planned Parenthood is a great resource. They really do understand women's concerns. They also provide free/low cost care and can help with payment plans. If nothing else, you can always just talk to them about options and resources. I would definitely give them a call.

[rainbowbrite]

Thanks guys, I'm going to call Planned Parenthood and explain the situation. It's really difficult for me because I do have really bad social anxiety and it's difficult to even talk to people on the phone. Thanks for the encouragement, I'll let you all know what's going on.

[rainbowbrite]

"

In twenty years of working in and around medical professionals, their staff and the hospitals/communities they serve, never once have I heard any of them say..."No pay, no way" despite what our current administration wants you to believe."

I'm not worried about a doctor telling me to leave, I'm worried about them billing me to the point where I'll never be able to pay them back in my lifetime. I've never gotten the impression from our current administration that a doctor would turn me away, but I know from experience that they will bill you till you're bankrupt. Why would I lie to anyone about my financial situation? I was just asking if Planned Parenthood was a good place to go. Thank you for the kind thoughts but I was always planning on being candid about my financial situation, the part I'm more scared of is being told that I have ovarian cancer or something equally horrible. I've also read (and heard on the radio) women describe ovarian cancer symptoms as being similar to what I have...so that's what I'm mainly freaked out about.

[CHANDLERS WISH]

Hi Rainbow,

Seeker is not stated that you are lying he is suggesting that Hospitals do charge exactly what you are frightened of

What you have described is exactly what I went through when I first got my periods, many years ago. It was horrible, the pain is horrid huh.

The Doctor put me on the pill ( I was a virgin) and it all changed, thank goodness...

Cancer creeps up, you feel something but nothing.. And then bam you are told. The cramps you are feeling in my opinion is your body not coping with periods and you may be guided to try the pill regardless of your age to help.

[Guest]

Rainbow,

I didn't mean to frighten you or in advertantly accuse you of anything...

I just sensed some hesitation as it pertains to PP (with good reason), so i attempted to steer you in another direction.

Anybody else know that hospitals, on average, give away 20% of the services they provide? For Primary Care Physicians and OB/GYNs it's something like 27%.

So if you're honest, direct and upfront with them, you may be surprised at the results.

Perhaps my tone was received in a manner in which it wasn't intended and for that I am sorry.

My goal is never to offend, only to help.

I wish you the best.