I went for my annual physical today with a new doctor and I'm happy to report I finally had a satisfying thorough exam.
Since it's still warm in Michigan, I was wearing shorts, a polo shirt and tennis shoes. First the female nurse did height, weight, and blood pressure, then she told me to take my shirt off and did an EKG. Next she told me put the shirt back on and wait for the doctor.
When she left the room, I took the time to inspect the area and noticed there was no gown in sight, which was a good sign. Then I noticed she left gloves and a fecal occult blood test kit on the counter. It looked like a rectal exam was guaranteed. I took pictures that you can see in my album.
The doctor didn't take long at all, he introduced himself and asked if I had any complaints. I had compiled a list on my iPhone so I wouldn't forget. I told him I'm turning 40 next month, would like to check everything, cholesterol, etc. Then explained that my aunt had died of cancer recently and I wanted to screen for testicular and prostate cancer. Also told him I was gay and single.
Everything I told him is true, however thinking back, I wish I had not said anything about a prostate check because he was going to do it anyway. The kit was already on the counter and he actually said "Oh, sure, we will do that today". I had my script ready and I was traumatized by my last physical when the doctor hardly looked at me, I remained fully clothed and he actually told me a prostate check was after 50!
After hearing my laundry list, he told me about himself and the clinic. He's been practicing for only 10 years and I'd be surprised if he's 40 yet. He looked really young and cute with big brown eyes. He asked how I found the clinic and I didn't say I specifically selected him by his pictures… Finally he asked more history questions, surgeries, medicines, allergies, etc.
The talk portion was over and he told me to sit on the table to start the exam. That routine was a bit different from other doctors that ask to change into a gown then leave the room to come back later. It was clear he was going to have me undress in front of him, right then and there. He took my blood pressure again and did ears, nose, throat. Then he did eyes and glands, always describing everything, saying please and thank you in a calming voice.
When he put the stethoscope on, I was a bit worried because I still had my shirt on. I did not want to have another over-the-shirt check! Luckily he just checked my pulse and neck arteries using the stethoscope. After this he asked me to take the shirt off and I was relieved. He really took his time checking my lungs and made me take several deep breaths. He checked my heart then checked for skin cancer (a first for me): moles in my back, arms, etc. Unfortunately he told me to put my shirt back on as I was hoping to be as naked as possible. That turned out to be for the best as I'll explain later.
Next he asked me to take my shoes and socks off. He checked my feet really well, spreading all my toes then asked me to push and pull against his hand. Then he did the same thing with my hands. He wasn't wearing gloves for the feet exam and I was surprised he wasn't repulsed by the idea of touching human flesh as I feel most docs are these days…
He had me lie down and checked my knees (bring leg up to the chest) then arms and shoulders. After this, he totally took me by surprise when he lifted my shirt himself! Just like that, no warning. Up to this point he was describing everything before he did it or had me do it. Now I was happy he had me put my shirt back on earlier as it gave him the chance to do that. He was in control of my body and that was very hot. With my shirt up to my nipples, he checked my belly for a very long time, asked if I had any abdominal pain and then the table portion was over.
Now the moment of truth. "Ok, I need to check for hernia, if you can stand right here and drop your shorts..." YES!
Since I had elastic-band shorts, I pulled both shorts and underwear down in one quick move. I also lifted my shirt up a bit. He checked the testes for cancer, describing everything. Then did the old "turn your head and cough." Next he palpated for hernia with both hands on each side of my pelvis. He did not check the penis and I did not get an erection.
Now the *second* moment of truth. "Ok, if you can turn and put your hands on the table so we can get this part done" *This part* done. Interesting description. This was my very first prostate exam and I was in a daze. "Ok, this can be uncomfortable and you'll feel some pressure." His finger played at the entrance for a bit then it was all in. He turned all the way, palpated the prostate and it was done. Overall my first prostate check was great, I don't think he rushed it and I still remember the feeling today.
He smeared the occult blood kit and dropped the solution. He mumbled something and I actually didn't hear if he told me to get dressed, so like a good patient, I confirmed if I could and put my shorts back on.
He said "Your prostate is healthy, normal size, etc." then "no blood in your rectum, which is good" Next he sat down to mark the lab tests and explained what he was ordering in detail. He really took his time for everything, was not in a hurry at all. He explained he would call me in case of abnormal results, then mail everything later. The lab was actually next door, they outsource to Quest. A lady took blood and I also left a urine sample. It was pretty uneventful and I wish it was the doctor telling me to pee in a cup…
In summary, it was a great experience with only one flaw. I explicitly told him I was gay and he didn't follow up on that at all. I'd expect questions about safe sex, number of partners, HIV and other STDs, etc. Not a peep and no lab tests. I guess it's true medical schools are not training doctors for LGBT health concerns. But I forgive him since after 12 years in the U.S., he's the first doctor to which I'll consider going back every year.
You may see the exam room pics in my album and I'll be happy to answer any questions.