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Original poster

Smear test help

18 replies

Wiii · 05/09/2023 19:19

I'm booked in for one tomorrow. It'll be my first in a long time as I'm terrified of them.

Please can someone tell me not to cancel? I'm fighting the urge to cancel but really want to.

Thank you

OP posts:

BindyCeale · 05/09/2023 19:21

No don't cancel. You can do this. It's over with very quickly.

feeona123 · 05/09/2023 19:22

I’m booked in tomorrow as well. Treat yourself to something nice afterwards? I’m getting a pedicure….not planned like that but it is something nice afterwards.

MinnieMountain · 05/09/2023 19:22

I’ve booked mine for 26th September. Having had cancer I’m always happy to have checkups.

bryceQ · 05/09/2023 19:23

You'll be so relieved after don't cancel

Mindymomo · 05/09/2023 19:23

They are so much easier than they used to be, the last one I had, I honesty never felt a thing and over very quick, took me longer to undress than the procedure itself.

Michellebops · 05/09/2023 19:23

Can I ask why you're terrified?

It's not comfortable or the most pleasant experience and you'll have people coming along and the chat will blow up over people's opinions....

However I would always encourage not to miss an opportunity that could end up saving your life ❤️

Bumblebee112 · 05/09/2023 20:33

Is there a specific part of it that terrifies you @Wiii?

I know they’re not very pleasant and some people find them uncomfortable but please don’t cancel. You really will feel so much better once it’s over.

My beautiful best friend was diagnosed with an aggressive cervical cancer at the age of 33 after a routine smear test. She had no other symptoms at all. That smear is the only reason that her children and all of her loved ones still have her today. Please go for your test ❤️

tinkertots · 05/09/2023 21:29

Op, please don't cancel.

I too am terrified of mine - after a bad experience with my first I now tense up which makes it harder as I have a tilted cervix so the GP always struggles and refers me to colposcopy. If you can get a referral, my experience of two NHS hospital colposcopy clinics is this: they have a special chair you sit in, legs in position, chair tiled back and lifted up, and gas and air on hand should you need it, as well as either a TV on or music playing and fans/air con in your direction as being anxious can lead to being very sweaty! And the nurses are lovely.

I hope your GP can manage to do yours, but if not, always ask about a referral, but like others have said, please don't cancel

Dentaldrama · 05/09/2023 21:41

Don't cancel. I've always gone to mine religiously and all clear and this one showed high grade cell change requiring a minor procedure. If I hadn't gone, I would never have known and goodness only knows what might have happened.

Original poster

Wiii · 06/09/2023 09:15

Thank you I'm going to go.

I think what terrifies me is just being in that position if you know what I mean. The nurse is very nice but I'm fatter than usual and just feel too exposed.

I know I'll be so glad once it's done though. Thanks for being nice about me being so soft.

OP posts:

YorkieTheRabbit · 06/09/2023 09:19

I absolutely hate having them done but I went two weeks ago.
The nurse knew how bad they are for me and she was lovely.
Wear a dress or skirt so you only need to remove your knickers. Good luck 😊

Original poster

Wiii · 06/09/2023 09:38

YorkieTheRabbit · 06/09/2023 09:19

I absolutely hate having them done but I went two weeks ago.
The nurse knew how bad they are for me and she was lovely.
Wear a dress or skirt so you only need to remove your knickers. Good luck 😊

Oh that's a great tip thank you very much

OP posts:

Bumblebee112 · 06/09/2023 19:16

@Wiii You're not being soft 😊 it’s ok to feel uncomfortable about these things.
How did you get on today?

Original poster

Wiii · 07/09/2023 16:14

Bumblebee112 · 06/09/2023 19:16

@Wiii You're not being soft 😊 it’s ok to feel uncomfortable about these things.
How did you get on today?

It wasn't half as bad as I was expecting and it was really quick. I'm so glad I went.

Thank you for asking.

OP posts:

Bumblebee112 · 07/09/2023 21:23

Wiii · 07/09/2023 16:14

It wasn't half as bad as I was expecting and it was really quick. I'm so glad I went.

Thank you for asking.

Show quote history

@Wiii I’m so glad 😊 hopefully this experience will make it that little bit easier for you next time too 😊

Original poster

Wiii · 15/09/2023 13:55

I got the results today, all clear and I don't need to be retested until 2028!

Was so worth going. Thanks again everyone.

OP posts:

Bumblebee112 · 16/09/2023 13:45

Wiii · 15/09/2023 13:55

I got the results today, all clear and I don't need to be retested until 2028!

Was so worth going. Thanks again everyone.

@Wiii 👏🏼👏🏼 excellent news! And come 2028 hopefully you’ll have this more positive experience in your head when you go to book again 😊

TimeForBedSaidZebadee · 16/09/2023 18:33

Wiii · 15/09/2023 13:55

I got the results today, all clear and I don't need to be retested until 2028!

Was so worth going. Thanks again everyone.

Fantastic news op.

And for anyone who doesn't go because of pain or embarrassment I would be happy to share the significantly higher level of pain and embarrassment the treatment for cervical cancer incurs.

Flip