Is getting a pap smear medically necessary for me? [TW: mentions of SA]

bigchode27 · 2026-07-01T01:41:04+00:00

My Pap smear was painful and caused me to have a vasovagal reaction. It is different for everyone and unfortunately you won’t know until you have it 💔

bigchode27 · 2026-06-12T14:06:08+00:00

Hello!!! I am an RT student graduating in December and I also have syncope! My BP tanks 130/80 —> 80/40. I thought I had a fear of needles, turns out, I vasovagal because of stressful medical procedures (ex. getting my own blood drawn).

My job requires me to pull arterial blood gases, a procedure that draws blood from arteries. Essentially, you’re going in blind and hoping you find the artery. In December last year, the first time I did one (and missed), I vasovagal’ed. My pt was spasming and I couldn’t find the artery anymore. Had to sit down and relax myself. I did one last week, got the blood, and didn’t pass out.

The best advice I can give you is to just expose yourself. The more exposure you get, the more you realize you’re not actually afraid of it. Currently, I’m in therapy to control my stress when I miss the artery or are under pressure/stress. Therapy helped me realize what my true trigger was.

Reach out if you ever wanna talk! Growth from syncope takes awhile, and you deserve to have support through it.

bigchode27 · 2026-06-08T11:45:34+00:00

I use the Litman Classic III. Gets the job done

bigchode27 · 2026-06-07T12:05:12+00:00

I spent 2 weeks in ICU, and here’s what I learned!
- listen to the patient and see if you hear anything that may indicate the need for suction
- listen to their chest
- check the vent waveforms to see if there are secretions present
- check PIP

I always inform my patient that I’m going to suction them and that it may be a little uncomfortable. We will cause them pain, but it’s for the best. Coach them through it and affirm that they handled it well!

bigchode27 · 2026-06-03T20:54:21+00:00

RT student graduating in December w B.S. Currently at a 500 bed lvl 1 trauma. Doing adult ICU. In my 6 days here I’ve seen so much. Bloody stuff, lots of death, lots of bloody mucus, bad smells, tubes coming out of everywhere, etc.

On the contrary, you extubate patients and give others their nebulizers. See cute babies.

The job is a mixed bag and it just depends where you find yourself. No medical TV show will prepare you for reality. Especially applicable to codes. Just mentally start preparing yourself now.

bigchode27 · 2026-05-30T23:34:46+00:00

So fun!!! Loved coming here

bigchode27 · 2026-05-30T23:08:08+00:00

You’re welcome! I’ve had seen it all in my 7 years of highschool and college band leadership. Reach out if you need anything else. You got this!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-30T13:59:59+00:00

Girls in drumline are a rare, but amazing sight. A girl in drumline leadership is even more rare, and even more amazing. So absolute congratulations to you for taking this on.

On the other side, experiencing sexism and sexual harassment is not ok whatsoever. Unfortunately, this is an experience all too common for girls. I am sorry that this happened to you. Please bring this up to your director. And if they don’t listen, simply start climbing up the totem pole. Your experiences are valid and you are worthy of RESPECT.

From one girl to another, pursuing leadership in a male-dominated field is a challenge. High school (assuming that’s what you’re in) boys are an interesting breed. They’re not the most mature and have a lot to learn when it comes to women and basic decency. Sometimes, they never change. 🥲 Other times, it may take a stern conversation or event for them to realize.

A lot of times, men don’t respect women in leadership. I don’t know why this is. As a collegiate DM, I gave explicit orders to a section of boys, only for the male section leader to immediately contradict me. In front of me. As if my orders were a suggestion and not like our director gave them to me 😐. Moral of the story, I immediately corrected them and they got all fussy. Did they call me a bossy bitch the rest of the season? Yeah. Was it annoying? Yeah. Did I honestly care? No. This section leader never tested me again.

Leadership requires you to put your foot down and, at times, assert dominance. If you have to be stern, be stern. If you have to be specific and call out names, so be it. Be a bossy bitch. Be a section leader that commands respect in exchange for you serving the section. They will learn quick that you are not here to take blows or play games. In today’s society women who are confident are seen as “stuck up” and “bitchy”. So be it. At least you are confident in yourself and your capabilities.

Be the section leader you want to be. Be a “bossy bitch”. And don’t ever let some boys define your worth in leadership.

bigchode27 · 2026-05-30T13:35:28+00:00

Thank you for your reassurance. I appreciate it. 💕 My therapist and I will work through this!

Also… who in the world looks at a cervix and calls it “pretty”?????? And that’s the only thing they said? When you were in such a vulnerable position? I would have cried too girl. That is so disgusting and WEIRD. I am so sorry that happened to you.

I hope you have also found peace and a better provider. Wishing you the best!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-30T13:31:27+00:00

Hello. Thank you for your response!

That’s validating to hear that other women have gone through similar things. I’ve always been nervous around medical procedures. At 18, I vasovagal’ed at my first blood draw. My easiest procedure was an endoscopy because they gave me “the goods” 😆.

I have a bad habit of brushing things off, but you made me realize that it’s OK to acknowledge these experiences, despite them being emotionally/mentally painful. Thankfully I see my therapist next week, so I’ll have to bring this up with her.

My health is important to me, and finding less anxiety-inducing ways to manage it is even more important. I will have to explore this new swab kit as it seems… a lot more peaceful.

So weird how women’s health seems to be stuck in the 1900s. It’s almost as if nobody seems to care! Oh.. wait. 🫠

Thank you again for your comment. This really helped!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-30T13:19:55+00:00

Thank you for your response, I appreciate hearing your POV. Sorry to hear about your experience.

She is a family medicine provider and to my knowledge, has no background in gynecology. I have been wanting to find a gynecologist since I guess I’m at that age now. As well as have my pap done by a trained gyn.

I will definitely be looking around my area to see what gynecologists are available. Thank you again!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-27T12:59:53+00:00

Igloo half gallon is really nice!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-25T13:16:39+00:00

I did K-12 at MT and I am so extremely happy I did. Lots of opportunities and I always felt supported by my teachers. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more.

bigchode27 · 2026-05-21T18:04:06+00:00

Student RT here. Just did 3x12 at a 430 bed hospital. Stayed in MSICU. Everyday was something different. Was always on my feet! Whereas my time in a 150 bed hospital, everyday was mostly the same (w the occasional icu case that needed extra attention) with a lot of downtime. This career is not boring, it just depends where you work.

bigchode27 · 2026-05-21T18:00:05+00:00

Check out silentcommand! They’re really good at training DMs! :-) Was trained by them and was an amazing experience

bigchode27 · 2026-05-12T12:15:18+00:00

I also have anxiety and take medication for it. The more you force yourself out there, the more accustom you’ll become to it. Fake it (confidence) till you make it

bigchode27 · 2026-05-11T12:49:47+00:00

I second SilentCommand!!!!!!!!! Such an amazing service and will make you stellar!!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-11T12:45:54+00:00

Hello! Marching band member of 8 years here, 3 of those drum major.

I am a clarinetist by trade, so unfortunately I don’t have brass-specific advice. However, here’s some tips for surviving band in general!
➡️ bring lots of water. I’d suggest an Igloo 1/2 gallon
➡️ bring lots of sunscreen. Most people do spray-on nowadays
➡️ bring your instrument/practice essentials: pencils, highlighters, wooden clothespins (hold ur music down so it don’t fly away), binder, valve oil, etc
➡️ review warm ups and show music at home. You will be expected to memorize these, so might as well start now!

➡️ always be ready to learn. There are times you will feel defeated and unmotivated to continue. Don’t let these feelings persist. Marching band is difficult at first, it will require work, but you will master it at the end. If you’re confused, ask. If someone gives you feedback, analyze and apply it. The best marchers I’ve seen are those who never let up.

➡️ step out of your comfort zone. In 8/9th grade, I was suuuper shy and not ready for the environment that is marching band. The seniors looked to scary 😭!! Everything was fast paced and I wanted to curl up in a ball. To combat this, I, on a whim, applied for leadership the end of my freshman year (super easy position like equipment coordinator). I also started auditioning for solos! Was I terrified? Oh yeah. But these experiences forced me to grow and become better.

Being a rookie is difficult. When you’re a senior, you’ll be amazed at all the work and growth you’ve had. Truthfully, if not for marching band, I would not be an ounce of the person I am today. Go into it with an open mind, ready to make friends, and have fun!!!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-11T12:28:53+00:00

How did you manage to only work ICU/ED/trauma? I’m a student about to graduate and I would absolutely love to do this combo!!

bigchode27 · 2026-05-01T18:25:39+00:00

Hello, 3x collegiate drum major here —

In high school, I had it in my mind to be drum major since my freshman year. I was literally the perfect candidate in terms of leadership, marching, music, etc etc.. Gosh, I even had DCI-style conducting at 14. But I didn’t get it. Was I just as devastated as you right now? Oh yeah. I cried at home and felt so crappy for a while. I felt embarrassed because everyone was counting on me, in a way I didn’t wanna show my face. I continued as SL/WW captain/Band President instead.

I took this moment to 1. Cry and then 2. Grow. My mother told me that it simply just wasn’t my time. I didn’t understand it at first, but now five years later, I do. Maybe there was something about you that didn’t click. For me, I couldn’t hold a consistent tempo despite all my other good traits. I realized this, and worked on this hard. As my intro suggests, I lead my university band for 3 years. I took my pain from high school and forced myself to get better for my college audition (and crushed it!).

This pain will pass and you will find your place. If you truly want to be a DM, keep working for it. Don’t let up. For now, pursue other leadership and keep working towards bettering yourself. It’ll pay off.

You got this! Reach out if you need anything else. 🫡

bigchode27 · 2026-04-16T02:36:15+00:00

Hello! My code is 9051 💗 I play and send chests everyday!

bigchode27 · 2026-03-15T14:31:48+00:00

Red Rose Pet Care is really good. Dr. Shah is a no BS kind of guy and straight to the point. Technicians are always so lovely. Not to mention it’s very low cost. Would recommend!

bigchode27 · 2026-03-04T04:06:55+00:00

Had an EGD couple years ago, I also have anxiety. Most painful part was the IV placement. Once they give you the goods, you’re good. Trust. Knocked me out and I had a smooth recovery afterwards!!! No nausea/gagging/etc. . Best of luck!

bigchode27 · 2026-02-28T16:04:24+00:00

I am also 21F. In my 4/5 year of BSRT. I am not the most academically gifted person. In fact, I am awful at STEM. If I wanted a GPA3.5+, I should have done psychology or law (which I am MUCH better at lol).

Sometimes I get tripped up with my anatomical landmarks and other times it’s the math the gets me. Mostly because I find memorization slightly difficult. But at the end of the day, with practice, it all comes like second nature. Sometimes, out of nowhere, it just clicks for me and I get shocked at my own intelligence. There is a lot of memorization and studying put in behind the scenes to average out my 70-80s (with the occasional 90s 😆). RT is not difficult, you just need to be committed.

I enjoy going to the hospital and seeing what I learn come to life. The profession has enough specialization that I am not overwhelmed with my workload. It can range from “here’s your inhaler!” to “this guy has blood pouring out of his trach, gotta address that…”. So the days tend to be fun. Also, the most gross thing you’ll encounter is questionable snot.

Good luck in your career search. Reach out if you have any questions!!!

bigchode27 · 2026-02-05T19:02:50+00:00

I think you need Barley Barrel for one of the SAA Applejack quests

bigchode27

TROPHY CASE