Polite Reminder: Get your smear tests done!

[cjt110]

Just that really.

I saw on the BBC news this morning a lady who had her smear test done a few weeks late. Fortunately, her cancer was caught early enough and she is almost 2 years into remission.

It made me wonder about when my last one was - I must call and check.

Also, the sad storyline playing out in Coronation Street at the moment with Sinead.

So... Off you go. Go check. Get it booked.

Yes. Do it, do it now.

I appreciate some people have medical conditions which preclude them from being able to have a smear but failing that, it's 2 minutes with a nurse looking up your flu. It's uncomfortable and a bit embarrassing but not painful. And certainly not as painful as cancer.

overagain If this site had a like button, I would definitely have "liked" your comment.

My aunt had cervical cancer. A hysterectomy. Radiotherapy (One of which was internal and a 19 hour session) over 6 weeks.

I'm gonna book mine. Got period (they've just come back after DC3) so going to make my appt now.

My grandmother had cervical cancer in her late 30s no symptoms and wouldn't have known if not for her smear. It so so important.

YES YES YES, Couldn't agree more!

I went for a 2yr routine smear and was referred straight to oncology, the nurse doing the procedure visually saw abnormalities at the smear. It was very scary, however, all has turned out well for me.

Please don't feel embarrassed or put it off, it is there to help you.

I called and mine is next due June 2020.

Nice one Crunchymum

I'm petrified. 26 and not had one yet. No family to cone with me and I just can't face it

Lovethetimeyouhave May I ask what scares you my lovely? Can you make an appointment to see your practice nurse to discuss it and perhaps alleviate any fears?

@cjt I have no idea, I'm always nervous with hospitals and the like, even the doctors, I never go, I've had so many letters and know I should go, but I break out in a cold sweat and tears at the thought

Lovethetimeyouhave I promise it isn't as bad as it seems. The nurse doing the procedure will be really understanding if you explain you are nervous. It doesn't hurt, the feeling is more like a pressure and it is over in literally seconds.

All booked for 5th, mid cycle.

Urgh I need to do it, every post shows me I need to do it. I have to face it

I got my letter last week. Just made my appointment now

I went last week. The thought of it is far worse than the actual doing of it. It doesn't hurt at all and it's not actually that embarrassing either to be honest because the nurses do it all the time. They don't care what yer downstairs looks like.

Just make that appointment. It's so important.

My second smear (age 28) came back with CIN-2. I'm now 100% nasty cell free but if it weren't for that smear test I might well have developed cervical cancer before the age of 40. Please do get around to it guys, I can't imagine having that develop inside me and fear/embarrassment stopping me from finding out and treating it.

but not painful.

I've found all of mine painful. I still go but Im just saying, they can be painful.

I had mine on Friday - it's been the only one that's been painful so far (was a different nurse) but agree with a few minutes of embarassment and scratching up your doodah for something that could be lifesaving. Small price to pay.

I find them a bit uncomfortable, but I do go, grit my teeth, and once it's done get out of there quick.
Waiting for the letter worries me too.

Mine are very painful, I have vaginismus (very tight and small) and I was abused as a child ...so for me they are utterly traumatic and horrific and I wish they would put me under for them. I’ve no idea what to do. I’m a year overdue and putting it off because of how dreadful they always are. I’m in my 30s and they’re not getting any better. So what about the many women like me? I’ve looked and there is nothing for us to help us and often ignorant HCPs who tell us to get on with it

@FrightsaidRed have you tried diazepam for them?

@rightsaisfred
I am the same. Have you had any treatment or help with it?

@kaytee yes they gave me some but it didn’t work, I need to basically be unconscious and I have to take someone with me to hold me down. It’s irrational and I can’t control it, the fear and the pain and the sheer terror of lying down and having someone force something in is unbearable. I find posts like these really upsetting as I’ve forced myself to have several exams over the years, each worse than the last. I’m very low risk for cervical cancer statistically as I’m in a monogamous relationship and have had 3 clear smears and have never / will never give birth. Nuns rarely ever get it, because 99% is caused via sexual partners and I’ve only been with my husband for the last two (clear) smears so my chances are lower - but as with anything never low enough.

The Patient Paradox is a really good book on the subject of testing and helped me a lot reconcile to not having smears, but I still feel deep down I should have them despite the awful trauma because I want to be responsible. I just wish they’d put me under for them.

All my smears etc have been clear I should say, never any concerns. Although I’m very low risk, don’t smoke etc it still scares me.

@awishes I’ve had therapy etc but it doesn’t help with the practical side. I think it will always be something that causes an intense reaction because of how I was abused.

Fright I get you 💐

I force myself to go through the trauma and pain as I've got children who need me. If I hadn't got children then I wouldn't bother and take my chances.

I have Lichen schlerosus which is why it is so agonising - couldn't give a hoot about the dignity aspect. Before I had it, smears were a breeze.