Complete Hyst...odd smell...7 years later?

Hi,
I had a complete hysterectomy seven years ago, everything is gone...and lately i have been noticing an odd smell down there...like..IN THERE....anyone ever notice that? I haven't been able to find a decent ob/gyn since moving to this area (last guy insisted i get this cervix test that would be out of pocket $100, my insurance would be charged $500, i don't have a cervix...he said it wouldn't hurt to have it anyway....I beg your pardon?????).
Help?

Can't say that I have...are you on ERT? Maybe you need vaginal ERT? (Perhaps irritated and small amts of blood which might be leading to smell...esp if its metalic smell). Maybe a yeast infection? Think it calls for a dr visit.

Oh Yea, and some drs insist on pap smears still...don't even get me on my soap box about that one.

Yes, i am on hormonal and estrogren, a pill, what do you mean a vaginal one? doesn't smell metallic...more...ugh.

vaginal estrogen...vagifem, estrace, creams, estring

Its strictly to keep vaginal/bladder tissues healthy/happy.

I'd say a trip to the dr is in order then. I've never had a yeast infection, but I've heard there's an odor associated with them.

yeah, guess so, i haven't found one i trust yet. Would love to hear your soap box...i was so disgusted about that one wanting to do a cervix test...!! there has to be someone decent around here where i live that didn't try to kill me.

Actually, the doctor wasn't necessarily off base to want to do the test. While it may not be necessary for all women following a total hysterectomy, there are still very valid reasons for doing it, including because you are a new patient and a doctor would want to establish that you do not have any abnormal cells showing up.

While it is called a Pap smear and typically checks cells on the cervix, many of us have it done following our hysterectomy as well. It can still detect abnormal cells in the vagina or on the vaginal cuff. Depending on the reason for your hysterectomy, it can be wise to continue to have the pap/vaginal vault smear. Additionally, a new doctor may want the results for your records. My GP just did one for me and I am almost 12 years post op. However, this is the first time I have had her do my physical so she wanted the results for my records in her office. Rather than being about money, it was about my health. My GYN did a pap/vaginal vault smear every year for the first 5 years after my hysterectomy, and then switched to every 2 or 3 years, a schedule my GP agrees with and will be following.

Part of the issue for me is my endometriosis diagnosis which you also have.

Because you have an odor, you need to see a physician. You may have an infection and you may now be required to have a pap/vaginal vault smear to see what is going on.

I will, i am going to make an appointment, i feel "Off" i am shaking and something is wrong, something just feels off. i may have the flu, who knows...but i need to be checked out. Now, do i go to gp or ob/gyn. i have to find a ob/gyn...ugh.
don't we have a recommendation thread on this site?

Like Weiser, I now have a pap every 3 years. I did have them annually for approximately 5 years after my tah/bso. After no abnormals, doc said we could do every 3 years.

Here is the place to find doctor recommendations in your area
http://www.suggestadoctor.com/

	Quote:
Originally Posted by sharonka Now, do i go to gp or ob/gyn. i have to find a ob/gyn...ugh.

You can definitely start with a GP. My own GP can do a complete exam and can treat gynecological issues to a degree. That is why I have switched back to her from my GYN who is farther away.

If your GP can't help, s/he can refer you to an OB/GYN.

	Quote:
don't we have a recommendation thread on this site?

The names of physicians cannot be shared on the public boards. You can check www.suggestadoctor.com for some doctors who have been recommended by others. You can also click on the purple Doctor tab at the right side of the the very top of your screen to find a link for a Doctor Directory. Those doctors have chosen to list themselves here.

Your insurance company may also have some names and you could check with friends, family, church members, neighbors, etc.

You could also start a thread in Neighborhoods area. Choose your state and then post and ask ladies to privately share the name of any OB/GYN they recommend.