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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not bother with a smear test

205 replies

setpieces · 20/11/2024 14:35

I'm supposed to have them every 12 months due to abnormal cells.

I cannot get an appointment at my GP practice. They have offered me 3 dates I simply cannot do (I'm supporting a parent having an op the week before Xmas, Xmas eve (still with parent) and 2 Jan (away with kids). It took an hour of following hopeless website and booking referrals plus a phone call (engaged) and callback to get this far.

By the time I get the test (assuming calling back at the end of next week as requested is successful) it will be 2 months after I got the letter then another 6-8 weeks for the results.

I might as well wait for the condition to worsen and refer for treatment in 4 months time.

OP posts:
Pandasnacks · 20/11/2024 18:08

setpieces · 20/11/2024 17:50

So how do I get the test?

Show quote history

You said they offered you 3 appointments, it’s not the NHS or lack of tests that are the issue here. It’s you and your ‘may as well let it get worse, im too busy’ attitude that’s the issue.

Matildahoney · 20/11/2024 18:03

Call the gynae unit that you presumably had a lletz through and explain to them, they will sometimes get you in.

Musicaltheatremum · 20/11/2024 18:00

Newshoos · 20/11/2024 14:39

Do a home hpv test. The lab only tests the smears that come up positive for hpv otherwise they don’t even look at them. If you are negative you have saved yourself a smear.

If she's already got abnormal cells then they will be looking at cells and she needs a proper smear

owlexpress · 20/11/2024 17:57

Amba1998 · 20/11/2024 17:51

I get that but she’s already HPV positive and getting tested yearly. That suggests they’re not just testing her for HPV in this circumstance

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So was I... That's why I replied to you.

Squeezetheday · 20/11/2024 17:56

two girls who were in my year at school had cervical cancer in their early 30s and it was picked up by a smear test. YABU being so cavalier when you already have abnormal cells

gingercat02 · 20/11/2024 17:53

Have you a local sexual health clinic they may have more options, op
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic/

Bushmillsbabe · 20/11/2024 17:53

If the nhs offered appointments are not convenient for you, could you go private?

Amba1998 · 20/11/2024 17:51

owlexpress · 20/11/2024 17:49

Nope, not necessarily. Smears just test for HPV unless they tell you otherwise. I've had previous colposcopy for abnormal cells and at my last smear I had to ask for them to look at the cells. The plan was HPV test only. I think the only reason I got what I wanted was because I was so distressed about the whole thing and cried on the nurse.

Show quote history

I get that but she’s already HPV positive and getting tested yearly. That suggests they’re not just testing her for HPV in this circumstance

Original poster
setpieces · 20/11/2024 17:50

Hohofortherobbers · 20/11/2024 17:36

6 weeks of chemotherapy and daily radiotherapy for cervical cancer is a bigger time commitment. You need to prioritise your health now.

So how do I get the test?

OP posts:
owlexpress · 20/11/2024 17:49

Amba1998 · 20/11/2024 17:20

This is bad advice.

if she’s had abnormal cells I’m sure they will be doing more than just testing for HPV. That’s only really for those who have normal smears

Show quote history

Nope, not necessarily. Smears just test for HPV unless they tell you otherwise. I've had previous colposcopy for abnormal cells and at my last smear I had to ask for them to look at the cells. The plan was HPV test only. I think the only reason I got what I wanted was because I was so distressed about the whole thing and cried on the nurse.

Original poster
setpieces · 20/11/2024 17:47

I will go for the test at some point. But it will be when I get an appointment - no idea when that will be though.

I hadn't thought about factoring in periods too - random perimenopausal bleeding so not very predictable.

OP posts:
Dotto · 20/11/2024 17:45

Can you try at a sexual health clinic instead, like Brook?

OriginalUsername2 · 20/11/2024 17:45

My mil had a terrifying death from cancer. It was like our household fell into actual Hell for a week. I wouldn’t wish it on my very worst enemy.

dollybird · 20/11/2024 17:44

Booking a smear appointment is a pain as trying to fit it round periods etc especially as have to book weeks ahead, and then I sometimes I get thrush so have to cancel. But you know yabu, especially as you've had abnormal cells.

ChorizoDog · 20/11/2024 17:39

Newshoos · 20/11/2024 14:39

Do a home hpv test. The lab only tests the smears that come up positive for hpv otherwise they don’t even look at them. If you are negative you have saved yourself a smear.

If she needs to have yearly smear tests, it would be for a reason and she says 'return for treatment'.

You need to go for the test and you know so too. It's your health and your life. Yes, getting an appointment is hard. So is cancer treatment.

Aliflowers · 20/11/2024 17:37

Something has to give and at the moment it's my check ups.

Give your head a wobble. This isn’t like missing a dental app where if left you might need a filling. Sounds like a bunch of excuses to me as to why you can’t go. A smear takes minutes

coffeesaveslives · 20/11/2024 17:37

setpieces · 20/11/2024 17:25

I've already had previous treatment for CINII. I want an appointment and a test but have t got spare time to play the stupid NHS 'call just at the right time or you miss out' game.

Show quote history

Walk into the surgery and speak to them.

You would be very, very stupid not to go.

Hohofortherobbers · 20/11/2024 17:36

6 weeks of chemotherapy and daily radiotherapy for cervical cancer is a bigger time commitment. You need to prioritise your health now.

TheFormidableMrsC · 20/11/2024 17:35

I'd walk into the surgery and speak to somebody. My SIL died at 33 because she missed a test. Her son lost his mum at 10 years old. Don't risk it.

Obbydoo · 20/11/2024 17:32

Tax payers fund the NHS. So if you don't go for your smear and end up with serious medical issues, people like me will be paying for your stupidity. And every penny that is spent on your stupidity is a penny not spent on people who actually deserve to be treated. Find a way to get it done.

Catza · 20/11/2024 17:26

setpieces · 20/11/2024 17:23

Well unfortunately I live 300 miles from my parents. I don't think a health authority other than my own will do it.

I have just started a new job and every minute I spend wasting my time on hold/being told no is another minute to make up. Which is less sleep or less time with the kids.

Something has to give and at the moment it's my check ups.

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Then why post here? It's AIBU and not your personal social media page where we need to read your every thought. You decided you do t want to do it so don't do it. Why post?

Original poster
setpieces · 20/11/2024 17:26

*haven't

OP posts:
Original poster
setpieces · 20/11/2024 17:25

Ravenbright · 20/11/2024 17:20

I'd never had any symptoms or cell changes before, and felt absolutely fine. Big shock when my smear was abnormal and had developed to CIN3. Was very relieved I hadn't skipped the test. Had the laser zapping and had clear tests ever since.

I've already had previous treatment for CINII. I want an appointment and a test but have t got spare time to play the stupid NHS 'call just at the right time or you miss out' game.

OP posts:
Lifelover16 · 20/11/2024 17:25

Can you get someone to sit with your parent while you go for your smear?
Or phone the practice nurse direct and see if they can fit you in, given the circs?
Too important to miss IMO

Pandasnacks · 20/11/2024 17:24

You need to get a grip and just book the appointment, if you'd rather risk death and ignore all advice then it's pointless posting here to brag about it. If you can't afford to make time for the appointment now then you can't afford to die either because people need you.