ER Visit January 2, 2013
This is part two of an account of how I survived abuse from a date. If you have suffered similar abuse, please know you are not alone. Please be warned that this article is graphic in nature and contains material regarding sexual abuse / rape. This is not all I went through with him, this is just a taste. Names have been changed.
So I talked to the crisis line last night and found out to go to the ER at St. Vincent’s and ask for the SANE nurse. I went straight from work.
That was a long and horrifying experience. I get there and ask for the SANE nurse and they ask me if I’ve been sexually abused. Like you want to say that in front of other people. They send you into a room where they get your vitals and try to pry some information out of you. I wasn’t comfortable because I knew this wouldn’t be the nurse or doctor helping me and my own mother still doesn’t know. Then you wait in the lobby forever for them to take you to a room. They take you to a room and have you completely disrobe and put on a gown. Then the SANE nurse comes in and asks tons of questions of how you were abused, and then wants a detailed account of everything that has happened. I had to explain every touch, kiss, bite, bruise and penetration. Part way through it, the crisis advocate comes in. After this, the doctor comes in and goes through what he can do to help me. Then discusses a vaginal exam. I agreed as this was why I waited so long to come in. It happened on Dec.18 and it’s now Jan.2. I had to get past the depression and start being concerned with myself as well as work myself up to someone examining me there. So he says all looks good, gives me a shot and a couple pills, and sends stuff off to the lab. Then they did a pregnancy test. No one told me any results or how to get them. They just gave me information for help and sent me on my way.
It made me feel as though they didn’t want to tell me I am okay, but are willing to get me help. So, I’m relieved but scared at the same time yet.
The Survivals of Jewels 