That first visit - a nerve racking but positive step!
My main recommendation before Thursday would be to start a reproductive health folder for yourself (A4 with plastic sleeves or the like).
*Put copies of any relevant ultrasounds and tests in it.
*Write out on a piece of paper everything you can think of about your menstrual history - start date, any issues you've had on and off (pain during ovulation or AF, missed periods etc), and dates/timing of periods, conceptions/m/c, etc,
* On another piece of paper write out main points from your health history. Note any major illnesses or operations.
* On a third piece of paper, write out main points from your family health record (and DP's). This info may take a while to gather but could start with a phone call to your parents. Find out in particular about family history of high BP, heart disease, thyroid issues, diabetes, and reproductive issues (including m/carriages). You may be amazed at what you dig up once you start asking questions.
* Take this folder with you to all appointments and make sure it's kept up to date.
On an ongoing basis, be fanatical about obtaining photocopies of every single test you ever have. I would also suggest you ask for a copy of the referral letter to any specialist (or make a photocopy if they give it to you). You will have to ask the Doc (or their secretary) for a copy of any results/letters, each time you visit, or if you forget ring or email them and they'll pop it in the post. From someone who has seen lots of specialists and GPs about my issues, I can assure you that YOU are the best person to keep an overall eye on your health! In particular, blood test results. Drs love sending you for blood tests, but they tend to look at the result of that test only to see if it's within the reference range. After a couple of years of this I looked back over tests and jotted the results down, and I could see that with certain measures although I was below the threshold, there had been a steady increase over time. I am so glad to know this!
Anyway all the best at your appointment. In terms of whether you'll need an examination, if you haven't had a pap smear in the past year it would be a great idea to get one and also a breast check. Make the most of your visit.
It's a positive step to start investigations. I wish you all the best xo
Good luck for tomorrow!!! I hope you get all the answers you need and don't be afraid to ask absolutely anything thats what you are paying them for!! I found with my first gynaeo I was too shy and would tell her whats been happening then wait for her reply and leave it at that so if your unsure remember to ask
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