I (a 62 year old woman) had some symptoms, and knew they shouldn’t be ignored, so I called the Women’s Clinic at Bonner General.

I asked for an appointment with my gynecologist, explained that I needed a PAP and pelvic exam. After asking my DOB, the kind receptionist explained that it was Doctor K’s last week in the clinic, there were no appointments available and she is moving away from Sandpoint. Would I like to make an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner?

I had been seeing Dr K for 13 years. She had helped me through perimenopause, hormone replacement, and finally menopause. I wasn’t pregnant, nor asking for an abortion, yet because of the very restrictive laws in Idaho, I have no gynecologist.

What of my symptoms? They could be ovarian or uterine cancer, fibroid tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or something not related to being female.

So I saw the Nurse Practitioner, I liked her very much. She ordered imaging and a follow up biopsy. If needed, she will refer me to a physician in Coeur d’Alene or Spokane.

The laws affect all women, not just the few who need to terminate a pregnancy.

I am grateful to the N P and technicians who provided my care in Sandpoint, however, I do miss Dr K.