My mom came to town last week because I was scheduled to have a small but scary procedure called an HSG. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for two years without success, so my doctor wanted to ensure my tubes were unblocked. This requires a radiology department, a catheter, and dye for the “flushing.” I was told I could drive myself to and from the procedure. I wasn’t told about the pain meds I should ask for and take. They are not offered freely; one must learn the exact names of the prescriptions and call their doctor to ask for them. I discovered this on Reddit threads in the weeks leading up to the appointment, scribbling down notes at my desk, learning what other women had (or wished they’d had) taken to help with the pain.
I planned to return to my desk after it was over, maybe with a heating pad. I thought perhaps it would be a badge of honor to be strong and do this on my own. So many of my doctor’s appointments in the last two years have been alone because of work…
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