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Original poster

Shit- just got roped in to booking my smear

97 replies

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 11/02/2019 20:20

I’m dreading it already and it’s not until the end of the month.

I swore I’d never have one again. It’s probably been 5/6 years since my last one. I just hate the thought and feeling panicky already.

I suffer with GAD so this may have some impact on how I’m feeling.

Any positive stories/ thoughts/ advice please. Sad

OP posts:
Shelbybear · 11/02/2019 21:52

It's not worth dying over, glad u booked it.

Few minutes of your time. They won't ever remember you, just doing their job.

Sounds like you've had a bad experience in the past. Tell them and that your nervous, they will put you at ease and make sure to be as gentle as can be.

Good luck it will be fine!

CaseofEllen · 11/02/2019 21:53

Well done for booking OP! Please make sure you keep the app. I know it's uncomfortable but they're so so important, I do understand why women dread them but I'd never not go Confused they're potentially life saving.. I have erosion and endometriosis so I do understand the discomfort/pain/bleeding fears! Women go through so much 💪🏼

Original poster
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 11/02/2019 21:53

Please let’s not turn this in to a fight, as I said I’m anxious already.

Thanks for all the supportive messages.

OP posts:
Honeypickle · 11/02/2019 22:05

If possible, ask for a plastic speculum rather than a metal one. I had a smear done 10 days ago (still waiting for results!) and was pleasantly surprised how much better it was with a plastic one!

CrispbuttyNo1 · 11/02/2019 22:19

I’m 50 and I have a tilted cervix which meant smears have never been easy or comfortable. It’s an unpleasant feeling and I will be honest, from 39 to 49 I didn’t have one as I found them so bloody uncomfortable.

I found out that cervical cancer runs in my family recently so I plucked up the courage and got it done.

I have to say it was a much better experience. The nurse was very kind and patient. They seem to have had more training in how to tell you to position yourself (in my case knees bent and put my hands into fists and one under each buttock to raise myself into the best position. It’s no longer a freezing cold metal instrument of torture as it’s plastic and they use some sort of lubricant that doesn’t affect the smear, and it was over in no time, and apart from the weird sensation it was painless.

Results were back in about ten days. All clear.

Please don’t put it off, it’s so worth getting done and out of the way.

Dragongirl10 · 11/02/2019 22:25

Think of it like this op, we are very priviledged to live in a country with free cervical cancer screening, done in clean, safe surgeries by kind, qualified staff....it helps me enormously to think hard about this when mine is due....

I have been reading about the conditions for womens health in many other poor countries and it has had a sobering effect on me.....

BernardoTeashop · 12/02/2019 06:58

I didn’t mean to upset anyone and I’m sorry for those who find it uncomfortable but the alternative is so much worse. Well done to everyone who’s been for their test or booked to go x

Bodear · 12/02/2019 07:00

Here’s my positive smear story; it caught my pre-cancerous cells so I had them treated and I’m still here years later Smile
The same has happened to so many people I know. Don’t focus on the smear, focus on why you’re having it done.

Original poster
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 27/02/2019 13:27

Appointment is tomorrow, I’m terrified. Does anyone have any practical advice?

OP posts:
DontMakeMeShushYou · 27/02/2019 13:34

It probably won't help with the psychological worry, but maybe take a painkiller and hour or so beforehand. Can you phone the surgery today and say your nervous and do they have any advice or help they can offer?

TheChippendenSpook · 27/02/2019 13:37

I had mine this week and I really really hate them. I usually tense up so it hurts but this time I made myself relax and talk to the nurse. For the first time ever it was painless and over in seconds.

You'll be fine Smile

CouldntThink · 27/02/2019 13:38

I had one last week, the nurse chatted to me the whole time and I didn’t feel a thing. In fact I told her afterwards!

Wriggle your toes, as you can’t tense up. Can you get some herbal anxiety spray/tabs from Holland and Barrett? Tell the nurse how anxious you are. And please go.

Original poster
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 27/02/2019 13:38

A painkiller is a good idea. I’ll set a reminder on my phone!

OP posts:
Original poster
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 27/02/2019 13:40

I have Kalms that I’ve taken before a flight but wasn’t sure if they did much or were just a placebo.

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 27/02/2019 13:45

Tell the nurse you're nervous and ask her to use the small speculum (they often use the larger one by default). All the nurses who have done my smears have been absolutely lovely.

Are there any techniques that help when you're feeling anxious and panicky - breathing, mindfulness, positive visualisation? You could try the Calm app?

MyBestFriendIsAHamster · 27/02/2019 13:45

I'm sure you'll be fine Flowers

Still working up the courage to book mine though.

Shinyletsbebadguys · 27/02/2019 13:45

I had one last week and not so bad this time but in the past have been incredibly anxious about them

Focus on your breathing when they start and try as much as possible to relax your abdominal area and genital area (yeah o know easier said than done )

I swear they have got better at it...my nurse was fast efficient and it was over in a flash I promise

So worth it that you have some level of peace of mind...at least more than you had before it

I am rather agog at the concept of complete Batshit that might be anti smear ? Anxious worried yes of course I understand but anti smear ? Bloody hell ,a gentle reminder to the level of luxury we live in that we even have the capacity to access a life saving test

moosesormeece · 27/02/2019 13:48

I had my first one recently, a mere 7 years overdue Blush

It was fine. I was sitting at home shaking with nerves before I had to walk over, it was awkward (apparently my cervix is difficult to reach) and painful, but the GP was lovely and then it was DONE.

Now when I get a weird period or a lower abdomen pain that's probably trapped wind I no longer start convincing myself I have cervical cancer as a result of all the letters I threw away. Totally worth it.

tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz · 27/02/2019 14:05

Well done OP. It's not a particularly pleasant experience however when weighed up against the risks of not having it done it's a no brainier.

Agree a painkiller a few hours before can be helpful in case you're like me and get a bit of cramp after. Tell the receptionist and then the nurse doing the procedure as you absolutely aren't the only nervous patient they will have seen that day. Then it's just a case of relaxing as much as you can, and def make sure you have a little treat afterwards Smile

I used to faint at every smear and blood test so I get where your coming from!

Hope it goes ok Thanks

tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz · 27/02/2019 14:10

Actually I'd just like to give a big thumbs up to any MNers who are nurses that do bloods/smears that kind of thing. I've found them to be some of the kindest, most calm yet efficient and professional of HCP I've encountered. Years ago after a MC I was having regular bloods done for a few weeks to check my hormone levels and had always been a fainter. I had the same nurse for all tests and thanks to her patience, kindness and excellence with a needle she pretty much cured me. A lovely lady especially at such a horrid time.

So yeah, you nurses rock Grin

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 27/02/2019 14:13

I had mine done Monday,bit uncomfortable physically but so worth having

Needcoffeecoffeecoffee · 27/02/2019 14:14

I had mine the other day and it was very overdue Blush
The nurse was lovely and didn't tell me off for not coming sooner or anything like that.
I took a painkiller first but don't think I needed it.
The nurse used a plastic speculum and some gel and checked I was comfortable
Practically wear a skirt/dress or of that's not your usual style then a long top so you can just take your knickers off.
Take a good book for the waiting room to take your mind off it
Remember it's just another day to the nurse and once it's done you hopefully won't need to go back until 2022. (and that sounds ages away!!)

MaMaMaMySharona · 27/02/2019 14:52

I recently had my 2nd smear test. I'm 32, and I put the first one off for years because the thought terrified me. I've never had a wax, never had any reason for anyone to be prodding around down there so it really was completely alien and invasive for me.

Thankfully the first time around, there were no issues so I could happily wait another 3 years for the next one. Unfortunately, this time wasn't the same and only 3 weeks ago I was in the local hospital having the cells properly checked.

Currently awaiting my results, but I would happily do that every day of my life to avoid cancer. Please don't worry. I am a huge prude, genuinely don't think I'd even feel comfortable with my own DP getting that close and personal with my cervix, but it is so worthwhile.

Sending you a hand hold Flowers

TheresACatInMyLaundryBasket · 27/02/2019 14:56

BernardoTeashop Not for everybody. It's excruciatingly painful and takes at least 5 goes for me!

TheresACatInMyLaundryBasket · 27/02/2019 14:58

So no advice to OP, but well done for booking it! It will be over by this time tomorrow and you can put it out of your mind for another 3 years!