those of you who are reluctant to have a smear test...

[thisisyesterday]

i know we do a heads-up from time to time to get those of us who are reluctant to get things stuffed up our fanjos to go for one.
I am one of those people. I am 28 and have never had a smear test.

A short while ago my best friend went for one. The results were abnormal and she was sent a letter asking her to go in for more investigations. The nurse assured her that more often than not it's nothing.
Unfortunately it isn't nothing. They suspect that the cells they have got are pre-cancerous. She had 3 biopsies taken and is awaiting results.
If what they suspect is true she will have to have an operation to remove part of her cervix. this may mean that any children she has are born prematurely.

If she hadn't had the smear, or if she hadn't gone for the follow-up then she might have ended up with cancer.

it has really shocked me. it's one of those things that only happens to "other people".

so get a smear booked.

[MangoJuggler]

Good call TIY

The old thread fell orf active convos ages ago

for your friend, hope all turns out well

[expatinscotland]

There is a poster on here whose smear saved her life.

She had a hysterectomy - had completed her family thankfully.

But please, please, ladies, get it checked.

I've had a LEEP procedure for abnormal cells.

I'd cringe to imagine what could have happened to me if I hadn't gotten that smear test.

[Bleatblurt]

I had my first smear 2 months ago (I'm 28) and it was threads on here that made me get my arse in gear and go.

It took literally 15 seconds to do.

So go get one if you haven't!

[expatinscotland]

bump!

[thisisyesterday]

yeh, she's looking on the bright side lockets. I have promised her some sweets if she is good for her next appt! lol

it has def scared her though, and I think we may be seeing some mini M and C's sooner than expected assuming everything goes ok

[Worzsel]

Speaking as someone who has had 2 premature children as a result of several having parts of her cervix removed since she was 19 i'd like to say..

GET IT DONE.

[mankyscotslass]

I hope your friend is ok, and gets the all clear soon.

But this applies to older women too. My mum is in her very early 60s and as a result of other health issues doctors picked up an ovarian cyst. She went for a scan and blood and while there they asked when her last smear was and she said 25 years ago.

Apparently she thought because she wasn't with anyone and hadn't had sex for a while she did not need one.

They found grade 3 cells, and she has had 3 or 4 LOOP procedures. After 3 years she has finally had the all clear.

So please go get tested if you are due.

[thisisyesterday]

bump

[sazzerbear]

It's not pleasant having a smear test, but after the experience of giving birth it's not that bad!

[Meglet]

minor scare story from me to make encourage you all to get yours done. I am in theory very low risk for cervical problems (first sex at 22, 3 partners, always had regular smears), but had abnormal smear in 2003 and then 2 LLETZ treatments to remove large areas of CIN3 cells. Got pregnant with ds in 2006 and dd in 2008 and had to have cs's as my cervix was too tight and scarred to give birth, consultant was rather suprised I managed to get pregnant with such a dodgy cervix. Had another abnormal smear this Feb and am having a hysterectomy in 2 weeks to put an end to all the hassle and worry. Even if you are in a low risk group and have no symptoms you never know what your cervix will be doing until you get a smear. I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn't been going to regular smears.

that was rather waffly, but I hope you get the gist of it .

[thisisyesterday]

gosh meglet, thank you for sharing that.
i have always been one of these people who just thinks ahhh it won't happen to me. and until my friend had this experience I just wasn't that bothered about having a smear.
but I am def booking one asap

[tryingtobemarypoppins]

Great thread and so important as my sister suffered a great deal.

I was due for one this month but as I am pregnant my surgery cancelled it. I have read conflicting reports about this - anyone know if you should have smears when pregnant?

[nickschick]

What Im about to say isnt nice.

My mum died of ovarian/cervical cancer in 1986 she left me at 11 and my half sister at almost 2.

Her death was avoidable she ignored symptoms she ignored smear test reminders,she had done some nurse training she knew what she was ignoring.

If a smear test is embarassing try selectron treatment (my mother was a 'trial' for this)
she lay naked on the floor whilst radium filled rods were inserted up her vagina- she was then radio active for many hours.

It didnt work,the treatment burnt her vaginal walls and they stuck together,many other women who survived have horrific vaginal and anal burns.

That to me would be more embarassing than that 5 minute chunk of awkwardness with the nurse.

[expatinscotland]

I'm so sorry, nickschick!

That was really brave of you to share your story and I hope it inspires more women to have a smear test if they are overdue one.

[Haylstones]

Please please do go if you haven't already.

I had some pre cancerous cells and not very pleasant treatment after an abnormal smear. The worrying part is that I was only 19 at the time (and was low risk- then boyfriend is now my dh of 8 years) but as I lived in Scotland I was able to have a smear done. Touch wood, everything has been OK since then but I now live in England I am very glad that it w as available to me at that age.

It's quick and if you've given birth it is nowhere near as distressing, uncomfortable or undignified as that

[nickschick]

Thanks expat.

[expatinscotland]

bump for whomever is around. you know who you are!

[4andnotout]

I should book my smear, my mum had to have a full hysterectomy when she was 24 as she had cancer.

[expatinscotland]

we can nag you about it tomorrow, 4 .

[BiscuitStuffer]

Does anyone know if i am due another one or not?? Not sure I trust what the nurse said to me...

2005 - Abnormal cells had LEEP
followed by 6 months of clear smears
Got pregnant so next smear 1 year ish later - normal
Got pregnant again so next smear was jan this year (3 years after LEEP) - normal.

The nurse then said I should come back again in 6 months time, which I did but the nurse said it was too early and I don't need it.

Am about to TTC again - do you think I need another one now after all or not?

[nickschick]

Biscuit if in doubt - go!!!