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Original poster

(TW SA) Well, I've just had a smear done under general anaesthetic

38 replies

thebartenderatethethief · 16/10/2023 23:20

And I want to say to someone, somewhere how at the moment I am so grateful for the NHS and for how I was treated.

Not sure if anyone remembers my thread asking if anyone else has had to have this.

I've got severe vaginismus due to a traumatic sexual incident and was referred for a smear under G.A. I was very apprehensive as I've never had a G.A before hence asking about it on here. Plus in all honesty I am quite embarrassed to have to have this, and cost the NHS £ when I feel I should just be able to have it normally. But it had to be done.

And I was very nervous about the whole thing.

Honestly? It was amazing.

That may sound odd but it really was. Early morning appointment. Hospital/ward was quiet-lovely woman came over to measure me for stockings/gown and take some details. Asked me to wee in a cardboard commode thing.

All documentation said partners/family members couldn't stay as the wards were too busy-partner came in with me to just say 'bye and be a support but then said she'd leave and they said she was welcome to stay. She was allowed to stay with me right up until I walked to the pre-theatre room and they were really kind to her too.

Another woman came and took my blood pressure and was chatty and friendly, then the anesthetist came, again, lovely woman, very smiley and bubbly. They all explained everything so well. Then my doctor came, said she was very sorry but she had a meeting straight after my procedure and although she always talks to patients after they come around, she expected I'd prefer to go home as it is such a simple thing so she may not get to see me. I had had a long telephone call with her prior to this happening and she was amazingly understanding.

I was first into theatre, there were only two other women there. I wasn't the least bit nervous which I was surprised at as I can be quite anxious about medical matters but they were just all so nice! I walked in, got on the bed, there were five or 6 women all smiley and chatty and looked like they just all loved their jobs.

Asked me all sorts of things about myself and were just really caring. Stuck some monitoring equipment to me, put the canula in (which I expected to hurt but it didn't at all!) and then asked me if I was ready for a nice sleep.

Talked to me for a minute or so and the next thing I knew I woke up. Woman who'd come to see me second of all was monitoring my heart and lung function, then told me she'd wheel me back to the ward but she didn't know how to do it 😂so she went and got someone else, they helped me get from that bed to the ward bed, I text my partner who came and got me.

They offered me toast/cereal but I'd brought some crisps and fruit. I wasn't the least bit hungry so didn't eat anything but did down a bottle of orange I'd brought with me, they also brought me some water which I was grateful for.

Then I was allowed home.

Honestly it felt like I was being pampered. I dont know if because of the trauma I'd suffered they handled me with 'kid gloves' more than normal, but they were all so sweet-as if I was a child they had to look after and I'm a woman in her early forties. I have sent them a thank you card for the ward. Just so grateful for them and how nice they were.

I hope I can have the tests 'normally' in future but I just feel like I had to say this somewhere!

OP posts:
Goonergirl14 · 16/10/2023 23:52

I am so glad you had such a positive experience. I was due to have my smear test done today at my local surgery but after two attempts I had to give up, the pain was excruciating. The nurse wasn't particularly helpful I don't think, she just kept saying about taking deep breaths..yes like that helps! I asked if there was anything that could be done to help with the pain but she said no..I have had lots of tests done before and never had an experience like this..I think getting older definitely doesn't help! I practically ran out the surgery in tears, was just a horrible experience and don't think I will be booking another appointment for it! A GA sounds good but the recovery worries me as..sorry to prattle on! Well done on getting through your test!

DramaAlpaca · 17/10/2023 00:02

Well done you, OP, for being brave and getting it done. Glad the experience was so positive for you.

@Goonergirl14 sorry yours wasn't such a good experience. I'm wondering how old you are? If perimenopausal topical vaginal oestrogen can help make things easier, along with lots of lube when the smear is being done. Plus an understanding nurse, of course.

Original poster
thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 00:10

@Goonergirl14 I am so sorry it was like that for you. Definitely worth asking for sedation at least for them. Women shouldn't have to suffer if it is unnecessary. I am grateful I could have it done like this.

There were a few mix-ups along the way-I was told I was being referred for G.A and then got a letter saying I was booked in to have it done with gas and air. I refused mainly on principle, I'd not agreed to that. Lovely doctor rang me and explained and apologised and gave me a couple of weeks to think about it (whether I wanted G.A or sedation).

As for recovery-if you do ask for this for me personally, there wasn't one. You're under for about ten-fifteen minutes. I had to be up at 05:30 to get to the hospital so I was a bit tired, but aside from that I was absolutely fine, back to normal immediately. I know everyone is different of course. I had taken the day off work but I could have quite easily gone in in the afternoon.

One thing I did is, I'd parked my car at the pub near my house the day before (I'm friends with the landlady and DP needed to park car on my drive) and I decided to go and collect it at about 12:00. Got there and realised I wasn't allowed to drive for 24 hours! So I went in to see landlady and she poured me a glass of wine. I rarely drink alcohol during the day at all,maybe at weddings or such.

So I went from being under anaesthetic to in the pub sipping wine in the space of a few hours 😂

OP posts:

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Women's health
Goonergirl14 · 17/10/2023 00:20

@thebartenderatethethief thank you, think I will contact the surgery to see if there is anything which can be done to make it easier as I have always been an advocate for testing, I have had abnormal cells in the past which required further investigation but I also know the test has changed..wine was definitely deserved!

@DramaAlpaca..thank you..I recently turned 50, will look into this..should have done my research before going today, have always found the tests painful but got through them somehow!

Alissia · 17/10/2023 00:29

Delighted for you OP. x

Crazymadchickenlady · 17/10/2023 00:31

@Goonergirl14 I had the same problem but Ovestin has really helped. Needs to be prescribed though.

Glad you had such a positive experience OP

ErrolTheDragon · 17/10/2023 00:35

That's good, OP, well done for taking the time to write about it, I'm sure it will help some other women to know to ask for this sort of help.
Flowers for you and the lovely HCPs who looked after you.

Canisaysomething · 17/10/2023 00:37

Feeling inspired to turn my next smear into a pamper and wine day as well! 😄

Original poster
thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 00:46

Thank yuou @DramaAlpaca I really don't deserve a 'well done', I honestly felt I just had so much lovely attention when I felt so embarrassed in the first place.

@Goonergirl14 you're worth it. If you struggle, they can help, they have the £ to spend on sedation or aneasthetic-I feel we as women do need to make a stand here.

And oh god I felt like such a lush sitting there with a glass of wine at that time. GrinIt was a very small one in fairness!

@ErrolTheDragon thank you,yes they were just incredibly lovely.

OP posts:
Original poster
thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 00:52

@Goonergirl14 Well done for all you have gone through. My partner has only had a smear test once, after she learned that cervical cancer runs in her family. She had abnormal cells and they said they'd need to laser them off-and she said she just wouldn't be able to go through it. So they put her under G.A for it.

She's not had one since and this was a long time ago. I keep toying with the idea of getting a home kit and doing it for her to be honest. But they can and will accommodate-I truly think we need to be advocating for things to be done in a less painful/invasive/traumatic way. Sorry to sound like a misandrist but I suspect if it was men, things would be different.

OP posts:
ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 01:39

thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 00:52

@Goonergirl14 Well done for all you have gone through. My partner has only had a smear test once, after she learned that cervical cancer runs in her family. She had abnormal cells and they said they'd need to laser them off-and she said she just wouldn't be able to go through it. So they put her under G.A for it.

She's not had one since and this was a long time ago. I keep toying with the idea of getting a home kit and doing it for her to be honest. But they can and will accommodate-I truly think we need to be advocating for things to be done in a less painful/invasive/traumatic way. Sorry to sound like a misandrist but I suspect if it was men, things would be different.

How did they expect to do the laser? Her fully awake and no pain relief and moving around?

Original poster
thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 01:42

They usually do laser with local, I believe.

OP posts:
ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 01:45

@thebartenderatethethief glad you had the test.

Would you consider sedation/gas and air the next time? It's cheaper (I'm guessing) but really I was wondering if your positive experience would lead you to being more relaxed etc? Maybe Valium or something.

Not suggesting you need to or should, I'm just wondering how you feel now.

Hospital smash patients I've found the staff to be nice. GP surgeries are under the pump and depends on the mood of the staff.

I've had a smear that hurt and was told it was meant to hurt. I've had a lot of speculums inside me and none have hurt.... so I think they caught my skin. It was a trainee as well. Makes me not want to go back. I can't imagine how awful it would be for you with everything you've discussed above.

Original poster
thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 01:47

With my having vaginismus, and with my partner having never been penetrated with anything in her entire life. I understand how although I wish I could be normal, I just don't think I could cope with that.

Some women do. I tend to think that we're taught that we're supposed to be.

It's not right. (IMO). Having a speculum shoved up us for however long it takes and being uncomfortable, scared, in pain-that should not be the norm.

OP posts:
PinkDeer · 17/10/2023 01:51

You also aren’t supposed to drink alcohol for 24 - 48 hours after GA. From the https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/general-anaesthesia/
General anaesthetics can affect your memory, concentration and reflexes for a day or two, so it's important for a responsible adult to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your operation, if you're allowed to go home. You'll also be advised to avoid driving, drinking alcohol and signing any legal documents for 24 to 48 hours

nhs.uk

General anaesthesia

Find out about general anaesthesia, which is used during surgery to make you unconscious so you will not know what is happening or feel any pain.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/general-anaesthesia/

Original poster
thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 02:00

Well I didn't mean to, I just felt victorious and accepted and I am absolutely fine ( and it was very much less damaging than potentially driving as I had intend to-but useful info, thank you) Smile

OP posts:
ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 02:04

thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 01:47

With my having vaginismus, and with my partner having never been penetrated with anything in her entire life. I understand how although I wish I could be normal, I just don't think I could cope with that.

Some women do. I tend to think that we're taught that we're supposed to be.

It's not right. (IMO). Having a speculum shoved up us for however long it takes and being uncomfortable, scared, in pain-that should not be the norm.

It's not acceptable for you..... but for me it is.

I had a spectrum inside me before anything else (man or toy) because I just consider it a medical examination.

I really hate the whole process that some medical professional take.... it becomes a little awkward. I don't find it embarrassing etc.

I've however had an ecg where I was expected to be topless without any thoughts for modesty..... absolutely not! That freaked me out.

Therefore I think individual patients need to be considered.

I can't imagine what it's like to be fearful of an examination down there.

Anything to do with my anus freaks me out!

ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 02:05

thebartenderatethethief · 17/10/2023 02:00

Well I didn't mean to, I just felt victorious and accepted and I am absolutely fine ( and it was very much less damaging than potentially driving as I had intend to-but useful info, thank you) Smile

You where under for a couple of minutes, I wouldn't worry to much.

Anotheronestatisticssuck · 17/10/2023 02:05

I also suffer with vaginismus (self diagnosed as the GP I went to said it couldn't be as that was only in cases of people who had been sexually assaulted - and then failed to ask me if I had... (I had))
I found both nurses recently (I had to go back again) were extremely reluctant to provide lube as it can mess up the machines - not getting samples because it's so uncomfortable will also render the machines useless. Horrendous

But I'm so glad you were able to have it done the best way for you and thank you for sharing your story. You absolutely deserve the wine!

On a side note, I had a tooth removed at the dentist they refer nervous patients to as I'm also a little bit dentist phobic and I have absolutely no memory of it all, don't know what they used but it was amazing and got me thinking I should have had my smear test at the same time 🤣

IlkaDoxie · 17/10/2023 02:16

ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 01:39

How did they expect to do the laser? Her fully awake and no pain relief and moving around?

Show quote history

They give you a local anaesthetic injection in the cervix which stings briefly, but then the laser treatment doesn’t hurt at all. Hysteroscopy on the other hand, usually done without any local, is absolutely excruciating and I would insist on GA if ever told to have another one.

ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 02:24

@IlkaDoxie I had my Hysteroscopy done under a GA. I didn't request it.

Camera down throat - no sedation just the spray. Horrendous.

I can't stand Davina McCall for having a cool inserted without pain relief and saying it's not painful.

Pain relief should be an option and based on individuals.

ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 02:26

Anotheronestatisticssuck · 17/10/2023 02:05

I also suffer with vaginismus (self diagnosed as the GP I went to said it couldn't be as that was only in cases of people who had been sexually assaulted - and then failed to ask me if I had... (I had))
I found both nurses recently (I had to go back again) were extremely reluctant to provide lube as it can mess up the machines - not getting samples because it's so uncomfortable will also render the machines useless. Horrendous

But I'm so glad you were able to have it done the best way for you and thank you for sharing your story. You absolutely deserve the wine!

On a side note, I had a tooth removed at the dentist they refer nervous patients to as I'm also a little bit dentist phobic and I have absolutely no memory of it all, don't know what they used but it was amazing and got me thinking I should have had my smear test at the same time 🤣

Ffs.

IlkaDoxie · 17/10/2023 02:48

Totally agree @ouiouiouioui So many women have no idea what they are walking into because they’re told it won’t hurt and pain relief isn’t necessary. Sorry about your horrible endoscopy experience 💐

VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia · 17/10/2023 03:01

ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 02:24

@IlkaDoxie I had my Hysteroscopy done under a GA. I didn't request it.

Camera down throat - no sedation just the spray. Horrendous.

I can't stand Davina McCall for having a cool inserted without pain relief and saying it's not painful.

Pain relief should be an option and based on individuals.

During my first coil fitting, I screamed the clinic down and drew blood digging my nails into my then-bf's hand.

If men went through this pain to prevent pregnancy, local anaesthetic would be given automatically.

OP, I am so sorry that someone (male, I'm guessing) sexually assaulted you and so glad that the NHS has safeguarded you during your cervical exam.

I see what you did with your username. Guessing that you like Stereophonics?

ouiouiouioui · 17/10/2023 03:12

IlkaDoxie · 17/10/2023 02:48

Totally agree @ouiouiouioui So many women have no idea what they are walking into because they’re told it won’t hurt and pain relief isn’t necessary. Sorry about your horrible endoscopy experience 💐

Endoscopy I wasn't told about sedation and needing someone to collect me. I was an nhs patient but private clinic. I was crying my eyes out. Horrendous. Consultant was also inappropriate in the consultation as well - not sexually just stated that he was getting lots of money etc. I probably appear crazy.