I’m due a smear , overdue by a few months .
Had a try last month, two nurses and GP and they couldn’t get the speculum in at all . Doesn’t surprise me, there are reasons I find it very traumatic and upsetting . My muscles sort of clamp together even at the thought . Even if they mention it on TV I get a bit panicked .
GP has said she wants me to try again, in two weeks . Meantime I’ve to use something called ‘replens’, diazepam to be taken before the appointment and also codeine
and naproxen to take about an hour before .
She said if even after all that fails they’ll get gynae to take it in clinic with stirrups etc - said they are a bit less forgiving than GP surgery which has left me a bit panicked .
The reason I have these problems is due to having being forced - literally - to undergo painful and distressing examinations as a child, I don’t want to be in that position again.
I’m very tempted to say I’d rather just not have the smear altogether but think that’s not a good idea !!