Shit- just got roped in to booking my smear

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

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.

Well done OP. Yes they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing but save lives. Don't worry or panic. It won't take long and if you can distract yourself as much as possible by talking to the healthcare provider, it helps! Literally ask all sorts; plans for the weekend? Any holidays booked. etc etc that's what I do and then it's over. Plus there's nothing to worry about down below. They've seen it all and they're just looking at the health of our cervixes. It's amazing what modern science can do

There’s not the slightest thing to be worried about. It’s over in seconds, the nurse will have seen it all before and it could save your life

All true. It does flippin well hurt though.

It's not so much the actual procedure I fret about.

It's whether I am clean enough, or my fanny smells odd or my fat tummy and legs are in the way. All that sort of thing.

Mine is also tomorrow Georgie. A few months overdue and also dreading it. I have an awkward cervix apparently and usually end up with my fists under my bum to tilt it in the right direction!

Well done op. Its good that your going.
Although I didn't think you could be 'roped' into anything medical. I always thought it was your health your body your choice. You can't be physically held down, can you.

I don’t get it. Two years of IVF and miscarriages and I just don’t get all this angst about a sodding smear.

Also, both my sisters have had dodgy results back in the last couple of weeks. I know I’m oversensitive right now (sat in EPU waiting to find out if I passed the sac this sodding morning or if I still need surgery - I shouldn’t be replying to this sort of thread right now I know) but seriously, women. Sort yourselves out.

Livid21 I am really really sorry you are going through that but different people have different experiences and if ever someone can be up front about anxiety over a gynacaelogical procedure it should be somewhere like mumsnet.

I'm sorry for your pain but it doesn't invalidate someone else's anxiety

I truly hope you get what you wish for

Well done for booking and please do go.

You’ll wish you went if anything sinister happens.
I have a few good friends who’ve got cervical cancer for not attending a smear. A few minutes of uncomfortableness is better than leaving it. There’s many a woman who’d regretted not going I can assure you. Please do go.

Well done! I had diazepam for one once. One tablet the night before, one first thing in the morning and one just before the appt. Worked a treat and next time I didn’t need it 💐

Livid some women have been sexually abused or raped and can’t cope . I was assaulted by a doctor in the same position I’d be to have a smear . I can’t cope with smears as it reminds me of what he did to me . If I push myself (I have had to in an emergency situation) I feel like it’s happening again and I shut down . Not many NHS staff understand or are willing to take the time to help or have the time help so it’s better for me to wait until I feel the circumstances are OK . That does mean refusing invites .

I’m sorry that you’re facing such an awful situation

livid21 How would you feel if someone told you to woman up and get over your miscarriage because they’d had something worse? It wouldn’t be right would it? Please don’t dismiss the fears and anxieties of someone you don’t know. I’ve had a previous birth trauma and this has not helped. Why be unkind?

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

Rescue Remedy.

I've just had the summons invitation for bowel cancer screening. I'll be drinking it by the pint!

My advice is do not overthink. It is done under 60 secs. I did mine and got CIN3 (advanced abnormalities), had colposcopy later, and had LLETZ (the procedure to remove abnormalities) and then colposcopy again, still waiting for results.

Even so - so relieved it has been done. Even colposcopy wasn't too bad. You are lucky you get it done for free in this country. Go and don't have a second thought! You could have headphones on with music if it makes you more relaxed.

Yep, I know you’re right and I don’t mean to be a bitch. Apologies. I need to stay off the internet today 😢

I had mine yday. Don't over think it. Wear a skirt so you just have to take your underwear down and hitch the skirt up. Make sure the skirt is well up out the way of any lubricant. Take a fresh pantyliner too.

I broke the first speculum but honestly I was back home within 15 minutes of leaving all done and dusted. Had a few cramps yday afternoon but nothing like PMT at all.

Is it worth a visit to your GP first to see if there is anything you can do to prepare yourself. My gynaecologist recommendation hormone cream for 2 weeks before. I didn’t feel a thing.

I haven't read the full thread, but ask for the narrow speculum. It does make a difference.

I hate them too. Traumatic for me and I always cry. (and I've also 4 miscarriages and multiple interventions which I also hated). But well done op.

Rescue remedy.

Also remember you will be one of many smears the nurse does tomorrow. Just another normal day for them!

Ask them to take it slow and all will be ok.

Op I'm really concerned you say you've been "roped into" having this screening test. Screening is an individual choice and no one should ever be pressured into it. Many organisations have voiced concerns about gps financial incentive to push screening.

There are serious issues with this screening test, the 80% false positive rate is a scandal. I got sick of the coercion, stress and false positives and I'll never have a smear test ever again.

forwomenseyesonly.com/

A nurse kept ringing and ringing me harassing me to book mine. No thanks I don't require one.

I was phoned up by the receptionist and told it was overdue and could she book me in. I obviously could have said no but she did stress the importance of having it done and said how kind and lovely the nurse doing it was. So I did agree.

You'll be fine. I cope by making a joke of when the nurse offers me a little bit of paper towel to hide my modesty.... while poking around 😂

I don't know if it's already been said but wear a mid-length skirt if you've got one. Saves fully undressing below the waist and faffing around with modesty sheets. If you want you can even wear stockings so all you need to remove are pants and you don't have to bare your legs, but I've never bothered with that personally.

I don’t wear skirts but I do have a (very) long vest top that I’m going to wear, thank you.