but from 2013 to November 2020, I offered trauma-informed trainings for healthcare professionals and health educators related to the impact of sexual abuse on sexual and reproductive health. Past clients included: NC Area Health Education Centers, Duke University School of Medicine, Lamaze, ICEA, and more. I spoke to nurses, doctors, doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, educators and even the occasional mental health provider at workshops, retreats, continuing ed classrooms and at conferences:
Me 2018 at the SHIFTNC conference. My topic: making sex ed more trauma informed
Helping to inform my work at the time was my experience facilitating a free weekly peer support group for female-identified survivors of sexual violence. One of our constant conversation topics was how challenging it could be to see a healthcare provider.
“C” would tell us that her doctor wanted her to have her tubes tied to “make sure” she didn’t have any more kids. “A” hadn’t had a mammogram in years. She’d left her last appointment feeling molested after a tech who didn’t tell “A” what she was doing kept moving her breasts without consent or education. Despite having a history of colo-rectal cancer “E”, wouldn’t get a colonoscopy because she was afraid what would be done to her while she was sedated. “B” was scared of needles. “G” had her mother and sister go into the hospital and never come back out. “F” was in a larger body, had multiple mental diagnoses and was tired of providers minimizing her feelings or giving her generic advice like taking more deep breathes. “I can barely make my rent,” G said to me once. Hard to go back when the provider is so tone deaf.
I’ve been talking for a while about why some people - including sexual violence survivors - avoid healthcare. Here is a brief piece I did ages ago for LinkedIn. I included a conversation about this issue here in my Janet piece. So I don’t want to belabor the issue but rather check in and hear how others are doing and what they think, if they’re willing to share. And as always, if not, that’s okay too. <3
Well I finally made an appointment and saw my pcp for annual checkup and on the same day saw the dentist. But most importantly, after doing the hard things, I congratulated myself and got myself a milkshake as a treat. In two weeks it will be the eye dr and I can cool it for a bit. It’s tough but I do have really great providers who understand the pressures we all face and are very encouraging/realistic. They give me the info and let me decide what’s best for me, I do appreciate that. I remind myself that I am fortunate to have this access bc I know what it’s like to not have had it.
Woohoo! You’re getting it ALL done, Holly. And I am a HUGE fan of the reward system after a dreaded or hard task and making medical appointments count. Often does the trick for me!
I used to be horrible! The Doctor would actually call me and say “June you are way past time for an exam” ! I worked out hard, ran and felt super young. After 15 years I finally agreed to a mammogram and got a call back while in NYC. Turns out I have several cysts. I now go every year! After 15 years between colonoscopy’s I got my second and thank God that was fine. I was blessed beyond measure, because I avoided doctors! At 71 I am much better! I still dislike it. I prefer supplements, Whole Foods and exercise as opposed to medicine. I have so many peers I grew up with who are sick or have passed away. It is an eye opener that I am not as young as I think I am. My body needs a little maintenance plus all the healthy stuff! It sure is easy to talk yourself out of going for preventative care! I have finally gotten wiser!
If only more people’s physicians would call them and urge them to come in as yours did, June! That would make a world of difference. So glad it did for you and you’re on top of everything you need to be. Good for you!
I think I’m doing okay with preventative healthcare. I get regular colonoscopies (every five years) due to family history. Mammograms every year due to a sister having breast cancer. My Pap test is due and I will check with my provider if I still need one. (My age).
I take good care of my mental health (I see a spiritual mentor once a month) and use meditation and walking to help decrease my
Way to go, Wanda! I appreciate you bringing in the mental health aspect of what good preventative care would look like. That's so important! And now I want a spiritual mentor too! :-)
Well I finally made an appointment and saw my pcp for annual checkup and on the same day saw the dentist. But most importantly, after doing the hard things, I congratulated myself and got myself a milkshake as a treat. In two weeks it will be the eye dr and I can cool it for a bit. It’s tough but I do have really great providers who understand the pressures we all face and are very encouraging/realistic. They give me the info and let me decide what’s best for me, I do appreciate that. I remind myself that I am fortunate to have this access bc I know what it’s like to not have had it.
Woohoo! You’re getting it ALL done, Holly. And I am a HUGE fan of the reward system after a dreaded or hard task and making medical appointments count. Often does the trick for me!
I used to be horrible! The Doctor would actually call me and say “June you are way past time for an exam” ! I worked out hard, ran and felt super young. After 15 years I finally agreed to a mammogram and got a call back while in NYC. Turns out I have several cysts. I now go every year! After 15 years between colonoscopy’s I got my second and thank God that was fine. I was blessed beyond measure, because I avoided doctors! At 71 I am much better! I still dislike it. I prefer supplements, Whole Foods and exercise as opposed to medicine. I have so many peers I grew up with who are sick or have passed away. It is an eye opener that I am not as young as I think I am. My body needs a little maintenance plus all the healthy stuff! It sure is easy to talk yourself out of going for preventative care! I have finally gotten wiser!
If only more people’s physicians would call them and urge them to come in as yours did, June! That would make a world of difference. So glad it did for you and you’re on top of everything you need to be. Good for you!
I think I’m doing okay with preventative healthcare. I get regular colonoscopies (every five years) due to family history. Mammograms every year due to a sister having breast cancer. My Pap test is due and I will check with my provider if I still need one. (My age).
I take good care of my mental health (I see a spiritual mentor once a month) and use meditation and walking to help decrease my
stress. (Less scrolling lately too. )
Way to go, Wanda! I appreciate you bringing in the mental health aspect of what good preventative care would look like. That's so important! And now I want a spiritual mentor too! :-)
Thanks for asking !