I went to my GP for referral to the hospital and had it done that way on the public system. Anytime I was in the waiting room I think people just thought I was there "waiting for my wife" or something, until they called my name and then I didn't really look around for their reaction - maybe they thought I was a really manly looking lesbian or maybe I was one of those unlucky blokes born with an ovary or something you know!!?
In the waiting area I hardly looked around - I took a book and pretty much buried myself in it. I think I took headphones to a couple appointments too - basically I did whatever necessary to blend into the surroundings and not draw any unnecessary attention to myself. I was addressed as he etc and the surgeon shook my hand and was quite understanding however the reception people were a little confused every time I rocked up, but they never made a scene etc, just got my chart and went about their day. I don't think I ever saw the same people twice (except for the surgeon and maybe the reception chicks, however there were several of them).
I just saw it as a means to an end. I'd never seen a gyno before going to ask for my hysto. I figure a few uncomfortable moments in the waiting room to get it done was worth it because there was no way I was ever going to go for a pelvic exam. And when they asked me to prior to surgery I politely refused and signed the little slip of paper - I said they could examine me when I was unconscious just prior to surgery and that's what they did and discovered I unfortunately would have to have a large abdominal incision instead of the planned lapriscopic procedure. I had everything out - cervix, tubes, ovaries and uterus. I haven't had any pains or anything since like I was having just prior to surgery (I was getting intense pains about once every couple of months, I think this was my ovaries atrophying/not being used etc). And for the record I haven't really noticed any major changes since just piece of mind knowing that stuff isn't there anymore which makes me happy.
Seriously you will never have to deal with these types of docs again once you're done (unless you need std checks I guess) - that's what I kept telling myself mate. And it's not that bad and I was in a busy hospital, as a public clinic patient not a private practice etc. Just head down, in and out, get the surgery and onwards to the next step
You can do this!
j.
