I’ve been stupid about smear tests, now after seeing doctor I’m terrified!

[PersonaNonFatta]

I used to be fairly regular with smears, but after two consecutive unsatisfactory smears about 14 years ago (age 42) I had a colposcopy and biopsy. I found it painful and so embarrassing.
I sort of got out of the habit of smears after that because I was caring for disabled child and figured that after 23 years of monogamous relationship I was low risk, especially after clear coposcopy and biopsy.
Ive just seen a gynaecologist (for menopause help) and she wanted to look at my cervix. There is a large and small red mark on it, and a polyp.

Bleeding never settled down on HRT (after 3 years, I’m 56) and I get a bit of snotty discharge that I’d never bothered to worry about.

Frankly I'm terrified. I’m going to arrange smear tomorrow, and have been referred for colposcopy and ultrasound. How can I have been so stupid?

Could this all be benign? DD is in hospital and I can hardly cope. Any advice appreciated. I know I was stupid to put off smears.😔

Bump 😔

I don't have any advice really but didn't want to read and run. Fingers crossed everything is ok

Don’t be hard on yourself!! These kind of screenings are invasive and hard for many.
You have had a lot on your plate and low
risk as you say.

Try not to think about any of it and for for your screenings with a positive mindset .
Whatever it is can be treated and you are sorting it now which is the main thing

Oh bless you, don’t be hard on yourself what’s done is done and you’ve got a referral and will have a smear soon and hopefully can put all of this behind you 🫂
im sorry your daughter is in hospital and I really hope you get positive results quickly.

FWIW I was absolutely dreading my smear after a really really painful one, I was crying and shaking and the nurse was wonderful and had it done really quickly so definitely explain that you’re nervous and find it painful xx

Yes, this could be benign. Try to stay calm, the doctor has arranged some tests for you so they can work out what it is. Doesn’t mean it’s something sinister.
Im sorry your daughter is in hospital. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate.

Thanks all, I really appreciate your posts. It’s probably benign but I’m such a worrier.

Start where you are. You've seen the specialist & you've booked the smear. Torturing yourself isn't going to help, just think you are being really proactive now & hopefully that will bring you some comfort. Good luck.

Thanks Untethered
Ive ordered a home HPV test from Superdrug because I can’t wait to (hopefully) eliminate things.

Having smear tomorrow (luckily there was spot because usually it takes a few weeks) TV ultrasound and blood test next week - PMI through DHs work, so luckily that’s quick too.

Will also do home HPV test as will have quicker results than smear.

Idiot.

I’ve just gone to the dentist after five years of ignoring reminders, to find I’ve ground my teeth down so much it’ll take £1500’of work to fix them, and it is seriously worrying for the future. I’m annoyed with myself too but as a pp says we just have to start where we are and move forward. Hope it goes ok tomorrow x

Thanks for your kind wishes @bge

British dentistry is an expensive business these days, isn’t it? Hope you’re able to get things sorted… maybe gradually to spread cost? Hope you’re not in pain and can at least stop further deterioration in the meantime.

My tooth (2nd front) broke off a couple of days ago, (not painful as previously root canaled) so will prob need an implant. Will just stop smiling for a bit as might be ~ £1K 🙄