misc
I Need Help!
My kids have never missed a well-check up, 6 month dental exam and cleaning, or an immunization.
Never.
I did once lose my shot records and had an amazingly incompetent pediatrician who incorrectly marked their vaccination records. The result was two of my childen getting a set of shots over that they probably didn’t need.
However, that’s the way I roll. I would rather be over-cautious and reactionary and like my peds to be the same. When in doubt, call in the experts, the consults, and let’s get lots of tests. My babies are worth it.
I believe in the American medical system.
So much so that I immediately make the next appointment after returning home from the children’s exams. I even take my kids to yearly appointments when the doctor says they are no longer necessary.
Every two years, they say. Nope, we’ll be there. I believe in timely inspection of my posterity.
Honestly, the same is true with my dogs. But me? Do I take care of me? Not a chance.
We moved to the Seattle area in the summer of 2005. I have had one physical and do have a regular physician, but put off the plumbing parts. I prefer having a gynecologist, but have never gotten around to finding one that takes Cigna.
Here’s where you come in. Help me find a good gynecologist on the Eastside. I am hoping for someone who takes Cigna. I want a woman doctor. Take away my excuse for not having had a pap smear and breast exam in three years.
You see, this is a reoccurring pattern in my life.
I am anal about the kids and the dogs. Heck, I have a $2000 vet bill for the last three months alone. With vigilance, we found and removed just in time both Carcinoma and Melanoma from my 14 year old baby.
She even got her teeth cleaned, but I once went 2 years between dental appointments when we moved in the Army because I didn’t have time. In that time, a cavity turned into a root canal. Nice!
You see, there is something in me that feels selfish for taking care of myself. I feel guilty about wasting time and money on me.
I am someone who would rather buy my daughter three outfits, than buy for myself.
Someone who would rather spend time reading to her kindergartener than working out even though her weight is getting dangerous.
Someone who has three gift certificates for various spas, but can’t seem to justify getting a manicure or massage.
Someone who would as soon cut and color her own hair than spend money on it.
Why is this? Why do I think I am not worth the time? Is anyone else out there who feels this too or is it my own form of crazy?
Somewhere along the line of being a mother, I’ve equated motherhood with self-deprivation, self-sacrifice, and low self-worth.
Please, help me.
Regards,
Scout’s Honor
Blogging on the Sammamish Plateau at United States of Motherhood Since ‘06
Oh, you are so not alone — I am staring at an unused massage gift certificate from last year that expires next month! I hate to waste it, but seriously?
I know what you mean. I wish I knew a good gyno on the Eastside, but we’re in Snohomish County . . . so, I’m no help there! However, a few of my friends have delivered their babies ONLY at Evergreen Hospital, so maybe you could look there as a start . . . they were willing to brave the 1/2 hour drive from our area for those doctors and I never heard anything negative about their OB/GYNs.
Good Luck and get yourself seen!
Oh no! I didn’t know you felt this way. You are totally worth looking after. You so deserve to be happy and healthy! And please, pap smears aren’t so bad, unless like me you get a nun doing yours. That’s awkward.
You will be more able to give to others if you look after yourself. Like they say on airplane safety drills - Please fit your own mask first. Because if you pass out, your whole
family is f*cked.
I know. I haven’t had a regular physician, well, since childhood.
But, I do have a wonderful gynecologist, who happens to be male, and I love him, my husband loves him, he is nothing short of amazing, and as an added bonus is averages being in attendence for 98% of all his patients births (not sure that matters to you).
There are several woman at the practice and they take Cigna, try them you’ll love it! They even have an office in Issaquah!
http://www.overlakeobgyn.com/providers.html
Good Luck!
If you’re willing to drive to Seattle I have an AWESOME referral for you!
I live in Bellingham, but my sister’s in Sammamish (I grew up in Issaquah). Here’s what she says:
I have a fabulous OB! She works for Overlake OBGYN. She has an office by Overlake Hospital and an office at the Issaquah Medical Group. She is also a certified Mid-Wife. So, rather than being a regular doctor, she went to school specifically for girly stuff. Anyway, she’s the one that delivered Gracie and she is also my regular OB. Her name is Peggy Kibbel and her number is 425-454-3366. Hope this is helpful!
Please, please, please take care of yourself! I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39. I never would have found the cancer myself because it didn’t manifest itself as a lump. If it weren’t for my first-annual mammo I would have been screwed. I don’t say that to scare you but it’s important to do your regular pap smears, self breast exams, and mammos. An angel was watching over me that I did my mammo at 39 and a half instead of waiting until the following year. Maybe your angel is nudging you through this blog and these comments?
Evergreen Hospital has a Women’s Health Center. I’ve been there twice and I have been happy with my care. The phone number is (425) 899-4455. I was also treated for my cancer at Evergreen and had stellar care. Evergreen has state of the art equipment, including digital mammos.
Amelia couldn’t have said it better (or funnier) when she said, “Like they say on airplane safety drills - Please fit your own mask first. Because if you pass out, your whole family is f*cked.” Taking care of your family means taking care of yourself too. If you can’t justify doing it for yourself then do it for them. You’re kids deserve a healthy, happy mom.
Kirkland–she’s an ARNP, but is absolutely *wonderful*. I cried when we moved because now she’s 2 hours from us, and I still can’t find anyone over here worth visiting. Her name is Patricia Payne at:
12303 NE 130th Ln # 420
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 899-6400
I hate getting my plumbing inspected too! But I’ve got you beat, I didn’t go for five years, lol. I did manage to find a wonderful gal in Lynnwood who works for Virginia Mason. I don’t know if they take your insurance or not, but I’d be happy to pass on her information if you’re interested!
Thanks for all the supportive words. Doing the research now. Unfortunately we are limited by Cigna Open Access providers and it seems Cigna is reviled by seattle doctors for their financial practices. I pretty much resigned myself to driving into to Seattle. Does anyone know anthing good or bad about the following :
Shamseldin, Shannon S, MD
McMahon, Kerry M, MD
Gammill, Hilary S, MD