The Cellar

A 40 year old woman came to my office with obesity, a history of eating disorder, severe dietary food sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine headaches.  This is a fairly common presentation for survivors of sexual abuse.  Sue was estranged from her family

After many years of therapy, Sue had been able to recover fragmented childhood memories.  She wasn’t sure they were all real.  Some seemed like dreams.  Others were much more clear. 

“I remember that it always happened in the cellar.  Dad had remodeled it into what he called the rumpas room.   He and his friends, they would all take turns and laugh.  I think it went on for many years.  There are parts I can’t quite be sure of, but there’s one thing I need to know doctor.  I remember a lot of pain and blood one time – I think I might’ve had a child or maybe an abortion.  Can you tell by looking if a woman has had a baby?”

So I did a pelvic exam on this apprehensive 40 year old woman who had never had this exam before.  As carefully and gently as I could, I did the exam and when we were finished I had the answer.  In fact, a baby had passed through her cervix at some point in her life.

Materials: Flea market sourced suitcase and dolls, window screening.