Well, Becca21, I plan on going to my pre-TTC check up somewhere between the 5 - 15 July at this stage, happy to post on here exactly what my dr did and talked about etc and what tests they ordered or did.
I have had to go so much because during a fairly routine visit for a urinary tract infection, my GP discovered I had mildly high blood pressure, very out of the ordinary for a then 26 year old. She did a lot of investigating, blood tests, urine tests, a 24 BP monitor and a kidney ultrasound. Turns out there is no cause, therefore, it is most likely genetic (my dad and grandmother both had/have it too). So I am on meds for that which require a 6 month monitoring for my kidneys. Thankfully I am on such a low dose that it hasn't had any affect so far (except the one it was supposed to have, which is lower my BP).
THEN in December last year, I had an abnormal period, so I went to get checked out, after 5 lots of blood tests and both an external and internal ultrasound, they believe I have polyps, so I am off to a specialist OB/GYN in April for an appointment, hopefully schedule the hysteroscopy + dilation and curettage/polyp removal in April too.
SO I've been a lot
My Dr won't take the blood though, she'll get the nurse at her practice to do the shots for me after I see her, and I'll have to go to the pathologists office (with my referral) for the blood tests.
Then once all the tests have come back (usually within 3-7 days depending) then I'll see my Dr again to discuss the results.
I feel so lucky to have found such a nice Dr and the nurse at the practice is really nice too.
Midwives are pretty much all you see here, unless there is a complication. Our medical training standards are really good, so to be a midwife, you have to have trained fully as a nurse as well. We also see our Dr (or General Practitioner) at the same time. My GP as we call them, has done a medical degree and some of them (mine included) has done a course in obstetrics and gynecology for GPs, so less than a specialist, but enough to be able to deal with straightforward things. The GP is kind of the gateway, they deal with simple stuff and initial diagnoses and then forward you on to a specialist when needed.
We have birthing centres attached to the hospitals in my state. It is great, you have all the labouring things, like beanbags and baths etc and you can bring music and candles etc, but if any complications arise you're right next door to a full hospital! Kind of like a compromise between a home birth and a hospital one I suppose.
Public Servant is the same as America's civil service? Basically a government employee. My department takes government decisions and writes the documents that actually implement it. Like the rules around social welfare payments or workplace safety. Hope that explains it! I basically do a lot of writing and re-writing, interpreting laws etc.
I am definitely a bit of a jack of all trades, but not super great at any of them. Cross-stitching I got into because my mum taught me when I was a child. I find it really relaxing!
I studied German a little at University (uni) (I guess similar to college?) but I plan to do a refresher course later this year. I love to read classics, legal/crime thrillers and a bit of fantasy. I also read a great deal of non-fiction, I'm currently reading a book that deals with the idea of original sin and how it has influenced the modern world.
one day at a time is definitely difficult! But I set myself a goal for each day. I try to keep it to 1 or 2 so they are achievable. Today's goals were "go to ballet class" and "talk to my boss about my performance agreement"....both done! Yay!
I was born in Australia, I love my country. I love exploring other places too, but I love coming home. I also live more in the country, rather than on the coast (although, still in a city). I love bushwalking (hiking) and the fact I can walk a mile up the road and can see kangaroos hanging out in the fields. It is nice and warm here, although where I live can get a little chilly, but it has never snowed since I've lived here!
https://www.dorotheamackellar.com.au/archive/mycountry.htm
The poem I linked above, pretty much describes it for me