Jump to content
Spoomonkey

The joy of being D/D free!

Recommended Posts

We had the full scale work up this week - and while the entire process was painless (compared to the peace of mind in knowing that you are doing the right/safe things) it was a bit scary. The doctor who did all the tests was quite attractive and surprisingly (almost uncomfortably) flirty, especially when examining the little monkey...

 

Anyhoo, if you have never had it done, you should. And to get you mentally prepared, here is the run down...

 

We decided to go to the sexual health clinic rather than have to explain to our doctor why we wanted a full STD screen. In hindsight, I am glad we did. They deal with sexual health all the time, so they were very knowledgable and familiar with us swinger types. They said they knew we were because we came in as a couple and neither was pissed at the other :D

 

Anyway - we expected a nasty little clinic, but it is actually quite nice - which was quite nice...

 

My only complaint is, they have a sign sitting on the check in desk saying "men - do not urinate two hours before exam." Well - I drink over a gallon of water a day, so going two hours without peeing isn't going to happen. Besides - they DIDN'T have the sign on the bathroom door - which was just before the clinic entrance - so I ended up having to wait a little longer. So - HEAD'S UP, GUYS! Hold your water...

 

We walk up and the lady shows us the options and asks, "do you want a number 1 or a number 2?"

 

"Are we ordering Chinese food?" I ask...

 

She snickers and from that point on, we're buddies...

 

We take the number 1 because it is the full meal deal - and then we wait... And wait... And wait...

 

When we finally go in, I am already expecting sloppy, free clinic phlebotomy - and when a tough looking, deep accented Russian nurse walks in, my willy shrivels to nothing. I feel a taste of Gulag coming. As it turns out, she WAS very no-nonsense and straight forward, but the pain was nothing. I HATE needles and swoon when I see one, but for some reason I was actually able to watch her do her thing and I never flinched or felt a thing.

 

I think she was extra gentle though because I was flirting heavily (I do that when I'm nervous). "That's quite an accent," I said with a smile. "Are you from Texas?" She laughed and went into a speil during which I picked up the words "Russia", "Chicago" and, I think, "Pan Pizza". Other than that, I have no idea what we talked about...

 

Then she leaves to run my blood to the lab...

 

And I wait...

 

And wait...

 

And read sexual health pamphlets.

 

Did you know that what we really need to do is just never, ever have sex? That is pretty much the gist of everything put out by the board of sexual awareness. We need to learn to be content with massage.

 

Then doc comes in. She looks striking like the first woman I ever had sex with in the lifestyle - and is quite flirty. Yum!

 

And she was extremely nice. She asked a few questions:

 

"Sexual preference: Male, female or both?"

 

"FEMALE - I swear it!"

 

"Ever sell your body for money?"

 

"Why? You have a little disposable cash?"

 

Sheepish grin...

 

"No - but I do have kids - so I'm strongly considering it."

 

She laughs.

 

"Any symptoms?"

 

"No."

 

"So, what brings you in?"

 

"High risk lifestyle."

 

"Say no more... Drop your pants."

 

She swabs my throat - looks at my skin, which leads to a ten minute discussion of my tattoo, she's fascinated by it - then she fondles me (HER words, not mine!!!) - and uses two swabs on my johnson... This part was worse than the blood draw...

 

"Yes, that's fine. Looks nice. Hmmmm. Now you know why my husband doesn't want to hear about what I do all day."

 

It's just fun to have a nice doctor :D

 

Anyway, the doc comes in after more waiting and says:

 

"It's all negative - there are still some cultures to run (which we now know are negative as well!) - but if there were anything, we'd see an infection of some sort." She smiles. "Just keep doing whatever you are doing to stay safe, because it is working."

 

I walk out with a surprising spring in my step...

 

And what sucks is the entire next day at work I wanted to share my joy. "I'm STD free!!!" But, you just can't...

 

So - I share here...

 

And encourage everyone - if you haven't, or don't regularly - go grasp that peace of mind, for you and your playmates :D

Share this post


Link to post

Congrats Spoomonkey! Everyone should be tested now and then even if they are not in the lifestyle. Some of those nasty critters can go undetected for a long time.

 

I can remember the last time we went and had to explain to our doctor the reason we were there. She gave us the speech about monogomy and moved right along. Next time we'll try one of those clinics as they seem to be lifestyle friendly.

Share this post


Link to post

Spoo ~

 

I had so much fun reading your post! Thanks!

 

We went to the clinic before we started swinging - about a year ago - and it's time to go back and get tested again, as a matter of routine.

 

Thanks for the reminder.

 

It's best to keep on top of the D/D check ups when we're enjoying sex with others.

Share this post


Link to post
Spoomonkey said:
Did you know that what we really need to do is just never, ever have sex? That is pretty much the gist of everything put out by the board of sexual awareness. We need to learn to be content with massage.

 

OK, we can safely assume (yes?:lol: ) that's not the regimen you choose to follow.

 

Spoomonkey said:
She smiles. "Just keep doing whatever you are doing to stay safe, because it is working."

 

I'm curious to know if there's anything beyond using condoms, (just for penetration?), selective in choice of partners, luck??

 

Anyhow, I've only been checked twice, once back in 1984 or 85 at the height of the initial A.I.D.S. scare :eek: , and once when we got married 15 years ago. We haven't started to swing yet though. Good for you Spoo and congrats!

Share this post


Link to post

Spoo, that was one of the most entertaining (and enlightening) posts I've ever read here. It's nice to know that if you take the situation in hand (no pun), you're likely to end up embarrassing the doctor moreso than yourself...which can be a lot of fun! :D Hey, they're bound by Dr/Patient confidentiality so you're free to say what you like as long as it's not illegal. And they have to sit there and squirm as you say it. :lol: Yeah, I could see how STD screening could make for an interesting date idea.

Share this post


Link to post
intuition897 said:
Yeah, I could see how STD screening could make for an interesting date idea.

 

HA!

 

I think that would be a GREAT first date!

Share this post


Link to post
warkman said:
OK, we can safely assume (yes?:lol: ) that's not the regimen you choose to follow.

 

We tried it - but they didn't have the right color straw for "massage only" swingers at the club ;)

 

 

warkman said:
I'm curious to know if there's anything beyond using condoms, (just for penetration?), selective in choice of partners, luck??

 

Honestly, exactly what you list is what we do. But, like everyone else, we have our moments where we fear that simply shaking hands will give us some disease that will cause us to spontaneously combust...

 

STDs are a serious concern, but I think there is a relentless marketing machine that has cropped up since AIDS became an issue that has created this nightmarish monster. Serious? Yes. An almost certainty? No. And in a community where everyone is pretty damn nervous about catching something, I think we can play with a little more comfort...

Share this post


Link to post

That was great Spoo, made me chuckle. Thanks ;)

 

We are BIG believers in regular STI check-ups. Even with practicing "Safer Sex" (penetration with condoms only), we both go every 4-6 months, and get as complete a STI screening as possible. Carol even gets vaginal wall scrapings for HPV (one cause of cervical cancer). We always encourage everyone we know to get tested fully and often.

Share this post


Link to post

As Carol and Danny stated women are tested for HPV and Clamidia (sp) if they have there yearly PAP exam. Another time that you are tested for STD's is if you undergo surgery. I was surprised the first time I had to sign to be tested for STD's including Aids before surgery. Now I am glad they do it because I have been tested 4 times in the past three years and didn't have to tell them about my lifestyle. :lol:

Share this post


Link to post

Spoo.....after that Doctor visit, I'll bet you'll be back for regular checkups ;)

 

Our experience was quite different. About 20sum yrs ago, prior to being married, Tammy came down with an irritation in a rather intimate area :o It progressed to the point that I took her to the U of M hospital. I waited in the waiting room, while she visited the Doc. When she was done, we left without her so much as saying a word to me. I couldn't get a word out of her til we got home.

 

The Doctor...who I think was just an intern...told her she had a venereal disease. Well she knew she had been faithful, and he told her it must have come from me. She was ready to dump me for it. I also knew that I had been faithful and showed no symptoms.

 

So I went to a different clinic to get tested. And yep it was a female Doctor. A little different when you are in your early 20's too :lol: She whips out this long wood Q-tip :eek: and proceeds to swab me. Before I was done, she looked at me and told me she'd be very surprised if I had a vd. But it would take a week to grow the culture at the lab to confirm it. She was also very angry with the Doctor/intern that Tammy had seen. There was no way for him to know for sure without the lab results.

 

My results ended up negative and Tammy went to a different Doctor who cleared up what I think was some minor infection. It was all I could do not to back to that hospital and deck that arrogant ass.

 

Brett

Share this post


Link to post
WildMiCouple said:
The Doctor.....who I think was just an intern.....told her she had a venereal disease. Well she new she had been faithful, and he told her it must have come from me.

 

Wow...

 

What a dick...

 

That's the second similar story I've heard this week like that. How I long for the day when malpractice means a free blow to the head with something blunt, flat and slightly heavy...

Share this post


Link to post
Carol_Danny said:
Carol even gets vaginal wall scrapings for HPV (one cause of cervical cancer). We always encourage everyone we know to get tested fully and often.

 

That's what they did to me when we went. I went in thinking, a little blood draw and we're out of there. Then after she takes more than a little blood for the many different STD's they test you for she asks me "Do you need to use the restroom before your exam" :eek: I'm getting an exam? :( But I see my OBGYN? Yes, but for a full STD work up you get an exam. Surrender Well, it wasn't that bad just unexpected.... but now I know for when we go again.

 

Mr Spoo just looked at me after I told him on the way out and said "hmmmm, that must be why yours was $10 more" :lol: Gee, must be! :lol:

Share this post


Link to post

Our county health departments do these tests. They do not offer immediate results. You have to go back five days later. The people are very pleasant.

Share this post


Link to post

I can't remember if I already posted on this thread and I am too lazy right now to go look.

 

We had ours done back in May at our county health department. No terribly invasive questions ... either that, or I just don't care since this is not my regular doctor whom I will see on a regular basis. They test for everything EXCEPT herpes there. They explained why, but I don't remember exactly ... something about not having the correct testing materials, funding, blah blah blah. The test results were available the next day, by phone. We just called in, gave our assigned number (presumably for anonymity and privacy reasons), and they voiced the results. I am a little disappointed that we didn't get a written statement in order to keep regular track, but you know, government funding being what it is, I guess paper is too expensive. :rolleyes:

 

The only drawback is the eternally long wait. You get one of those "cable-guy" appointments. You know, the ones where they say, "arrive at 1 and we will see you between 1 and 5". And also, though I hate to sound derogatory, the place is PACKED with crackheads and prostitutes! :eek: Hey, I am glad they are getting tested, and it's my choice to go there instead of to my doctor, but my conservative appearance (business suit, hose, heels) doesn't blend well in that mix. lol

Share this post


Link to post
txduo2000 said:
The only drawback is the eternally long wait. You get one of those "cable-guy" appointments. You know, the ones where they say, "arrive at 1 and we will see you between 1 and 5". And also, though I hate to sound derogatory, the place is PACKED with crackheads and prostitutes! :eek: Hey, I am glad they are getting tested, and it's my choice to go there instead of to my doctor, but my conservative appearance (business suit, hose, heels) doesn't blend well in that mix. lol

 

Our County Health Department is where we went. They only have after 4:00 hours one night a week so I figured they'd be packed. It's also first come first served and once they reach the number they know they can take in a night they cut it off. So even though they are open until 7:30 that night if they get the max they can do by that time they could cut it off at 5:30 or 6:00.

 

Knowing that I called ahead because we wouldn't get there until 5:45. The lady was super on the phone and said if I gave her our names she would pull a number for us and put us in the 5:45 slot. :) We got lost on the way and didn't get there until 6:00 but she had our number and by 6:30 we were back in a room starting our exams. There really wasn't a big crowd and though we were the last to leave (after getting our results) around 8:00 it went fairly quickly. A lot of the people we saw ranged from business dress like us to maybe just some poor people with no insurance. Didn't see any crack heads or skanky prostitutes. :eek:

 

All in all it was a pretty decent experience and will be a regular part of our swinging rules/checks/plans, etc :rolleyes:

Share this post


Link to post

Don't forget your local Planned Parenthood!! They are discreet and they have heard it all too. The staff at my local one is very kind and pleasant. They test for everything, and I think that there is a sliding scale on payment based on income.

 

Jenn

Share this post


Link to post
jennandjamesinm said:
Don't forget your local Planned Parenthood!! They are discreet and they have heard it all too. The staff at my local one is very kind and pleasant. They test for everything, and I think that there is a sliding scale on payment based on income.

 

Jenn

 

I have found that the problem with the sliding scale is that it generally slides very generously in their favor.

 

I am not working right now, and my husband's company doesn't offer health insurance, but according to Planned Parenthood's sliding scale we make too much money for their sliding scale, but realistically we cannot afford their regular charges.

Share this post


Link to post

Our county health department office does not charge for the tests. They encourage you to make a contribution if you can. A sign said the tests could cost as much as $60 elsewhere. I did give them $60, but they were not at all pushy, only having a sign encouraging a contribution.

Share this post


Link to post
couplewanting50 said:
Our county health department office does not charge for the tests. They encourage you to make a contribution if you can. A sign said the tests could cost as much as $60 elsewhere. I did give them $60, but they were not at all pushy, only having a sign encouraging a contribution.

 

Ours only charges $20 for full spectrum testing (excluding herpes) including the female pelvic exam, so I can tolerate the crackheads, prostitutes and the long wait for that bargain! :D

Share this post


Link to post
Spoomonkey said:
Wow...

 

What a dick...

 

That's the second similar story I've heard this week like that. How I long for the day when malpractice means a free blow to the head with something blunt, flat and slightly heavy...

 

Ain't that the truth! Several years ago, I went to see a Doctor for my wrist swelling. I had started a secretary job, and the typing they required started some inflammation in my left wrist. I thought a high dose of an anti inflammatory would do the trick, but had to see the Doc to get it.

He examined me, my wrist, and other areas and told me that I was in the last stages of syphilis before brain damage!

 

I sat there for a second, in shock, got up off the examining table, told the Doctor he was full of shit, and walked out. He followed me out of the room, asking what I thought it was. Told him, funny, but that was what I was paying 40 bucks for. :lol:

 

Should have known better to see him. He also told me my daughter had strep throat at her physical. I looked at her throat and said, no, that is from the barbeque chips she ate on the way to the doctors office.

 

Sheeesh...and they go to school for how long?????

Share this post


Link to post

I didn't think about ours being on a sliding scale. They did ask how much we made on the stacks of papers we filled out but never specifically said anything to me about it. Mr Spoo said they did question him about his salary amount that he wrote down though. Either way, mine was $50 and Spoo's was $40. Considering he makes a lot more than me the sliding scale doesn't make sense. I assumed mine cost more after I got in the room and found out in addition to a blood draw I was getting a full pelvic exam too. :eek: I even told Spoo when we left that was probably the reason mine was more.

Share this post


Link to post

My bf and I are going to the clinic this weekend and your post made things alot easier. i also know now what to expect. Thank you and congratulations.

Share this post


Link to post

You sure have a knack for taking a tough subject and turning it into a fun and educational thread.

 

Getting tested = good idea

Getting negative results = priceless

Share this post


Link to post

Reading this insightful thread raised a question for me.... when you check with your new potential swing partner about their D/D-Free health status, do you take their word for it, or do you ask them to produce some kind of ... I don't know .. some kind of paperwork, doctor's note, seal-of-approval?

 

Because it seems to me ... if some slimeball is willing to pass around his disease, he's willing to lie about his check-ups, too?

Share this post


Link to post

:bump:

 

Just like changing the batteries in your smoke detectors, I'm thinking people should have this done every time change...

 

Still doing it right - and with the right people. Still squeaky clean :D

Share this post


Link to post

Bringing this up for people to read and discuss is well worthwhile. JoAnn and I have never considered a visit to the county health clinic. Much of this sounds familiar from the days before I knew her. I remember having to wait for results -- i.e. call this phone number after three days and mention this secret code number. Nowadays, I get a free AIDS screening every time I donate blood. Anything else, I figure, will cause symptoms and I will get it checked. As others have already pointed out, JoAnn gets a gynecological exam about once a year. So, do 'yall think we could be doing more?

Share this post


Link to post

Well I have a full STD panel done at the time I have my yearly exam done. My doctor is pretty cool, and I have no problems being truthful with him.

 

Jeff also has his done at his yearly exam. It's just easier that way, they do the blood draw right there. He is also not a big fan of the swab....lmao

 

Maria :kissface:

Share this post


Link to post
SW_PA_Couple said:
Anything else, I figure, will cause symptoms and I will get it checked.

 

Personally, I think that it may be that you have symptoms AFTER you have passed it on to someone else. Or - in some cases, not at all. Not all STDs have obvious symptoms.

 

We get physicals and Mrs Spoo - of course - sees her OB. But they don't do a full spectrum test for STDs. The more we realize that in this lifestyle you end up making friends that you really do care about, the more seriously we consider testing on a regular basis - and about being more and more selective with our partners.

 

I suppose I could learn to live with having a disease. I don't want one, but I could learn to adjust. But what I don't think I could live with is passing one to a friend.

Share this post


Link to post
:bump:

 

Just like changing the batteries in your smoke detectors, I'm thinking people should have this done every time change...

 

And being the obsessive worrier that I can be, I look forward to each blood donation, platelet donation and life insurance underwriting exam as a free HIV and Hepatitis test... So, I manage to have some sort of testing done every 59 days.

 

I do keep my full panel testing separate from my MD - it's cheaper from the clinic, and my insurer doesn't get its grubby little hands on my med record (yes, I hate insurance companies and their free-for-all information grab, even though I work for one).

Share this post


Link to post

Thanks Spoomonkey (and Mrs. Spoo) for an entertaining and informative post. I just had my annual physical and testing last week. It wasn't nearly as post-worthy, but the results are all that matter--D&D free!

 

=)

Share this post


Link to post
rpu3 said:
...and my insurer doesn't get its grubby little hands on my med record (yes, I hate insurance companies and their free-for-all information grab, even though I work for one).

 

I work in a similar field and honestly, I hadn't even thought of that. Makes perfect sense and one more reason to get it done at the clinic!

Share this post


Link to post

I couldn't help but repond to this thread!

 

I went into the hospital for a heart operation in 2003. They required all kinds of tests including a round of STD/STI tests. I assume because they were going into through the groin area and didn't want any passengers on their way up! I was told that all tests were negative I was clean. Hmmm. Seeing as how our profile name AND profile state firmly that we have Herpes-2. I think you can see why STD tests seem flawed to me. Especially since I've gad Herpes-2 since 1996.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post

We're coming up on our annual physical (and the end of our first year in the Lifestyle). We will of course be having the tests done at the MD's office. If my insurance gets a copy of the test and has issue with it that's their problem.

 

Besides, IF I did end up with something (god forbid), I'd hate to have to ask my MD for meds and her wonder why I just didn't get tested there. It would make it seem like we're ashamed of how we choose to live. Which is not the case by any means.

 

Since the question will come up at some point in this thread (if it hasn't already) we simply intend to tell her that we have chosen together to live an open lifestyle and that we do everything in our power to be safe at all times. I'm sure she'll shake her head and just remind us to stay safe and get tested like we're doing.

 

Ms B

Share this post


Link to post

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Similar Content

    • By njbm
      We are laying low, not due to covid but other reasons. But in talking to friends, we just don’t hear as much about house parties, etc.  Has covid subdued interest? Or are we jaded and/or over the hill?
    • By TricianMike
      Michael and I continue to see a therapist both together and separately. Over the years we have both become more open to telling her what experiences and feelings we have with others and the reasons we enjoy others. I will never know what he tells her in his private sessions though I am very open in our joint meetings.

      We have told her that we post some of our experiences on a swingers site, it’s more me posting, Michael doesn’t post anymore. She asked if I embellish my posts because many post on sites about fantasies more than realities. I think I post real feelings as best as I can but I know what she means that posting has an excitement factor like reliving an event. Others will post something they wished they did almost as if they did it. 
      Michael and I were very hesitant to open up to our therapist our alternative lifestyle thoughts when we first met her. I opened up first in my private meetings and then only in a broad way with no specific acts. I didn’t think she would understand what we were doing or how she would judge me. Therapy was to take away my odd feelings which ended up adding to my thinking my actions were odd. Once getting over my fears of opening up my deep thoughts it has freed up anxiety of enjoying.

      I think I have a healthier outlook now that I have freed myself of worrying what others think and what a therapist thinks. Our joint sessions are now very freeing allowing me to express my feelings to Michael and understanding his feelings.

      How open are others? Do others discuss true feelings to a partner? Are you honest to a therapist? 
    • By let's do it again
      Just finished watching a YouTube video about the O and P shot, I had never heard of this. This is for middle aged men and women where a doctor uses a vial of your own blood,spins it and takes the platelets to inject back into the clitoris or the penis to improve blood flow. The doctor who did the video said she gets this treatment about every 9 months. She recommends this for people having problems with ED problems or orgasm difficulties.  So, have you heard of this or have you had this treatment?
    • By ClosetSwinger
      My husband and I just established with a new doctor. I really like her, she seems very nice and easy to talk to. This is a good thing right?
       
      I am going back in next week for a well woman check. It's just my yearly and I am having no problems. I do want her to check me for everything (again not having problems but would like to have that peace of mind) though but I am not really sure how to ask. My plan is to just say "Since we are already doing a Pap can you just check me for everything else too". My fear is that she will ask questions why since she knows I am married.
       
      What should I say if she asks me why? Any ideas? I'd rather not say I think hubby is cheating but I ALSO don't want to tell her I'm a swinger either!
       
      HELP!
×
×
  • Create New...