To remind you lovely ladies to have regular smear tests.

[Lucyellensmum99]

They are uncomfortable and a tad embarrasing - but mostly, thats as bad as it gets.

This is inspired by another thread actually, so apologies, but i was horrified to read that people are still not having them done reguarly.

I say this as someone who would not be here now if hadn't had mine. That i did have a problem, but because it was caught early, it was very easily treated, outpatient job. A year later? six months even, would have been a very different tale to tell (if indeed i were around to tell it).

So please ladies, anyone due a smear and putting it off, or not had one yet - please please please make the appointment.

Trizidoll - mid cycle ideally but otherwise just try to avoid during menstruation.
Plopsicle - I think the receptionist has misunderstood the instructions somewhere along the line. Have another go at booking an appointment and if you have the same problem ask to speak to the practice manager.

Oh dear!

Well, I went - thank you everyone for your support pm's.

I shook like a jelly; my teeth chattered; I had to ask for everything to be repeated before it penetrated my terror-stricken brain. I breathed slowly and deeply, just like the doctor told me.

Then I got on the couch.

Lay there shaking for a few minutes, doctor popped in and said, very gently: "You need to take your trousers and pants off."

Felt all kinds of fool and got back off the couch. Struggled with clothes. Got back on.

Two attempts later, she admitted defeat. I have to have some medication and go back. She did suggest hospital but I freaked at that point

Oh dear

Anyway, I am on a roll now. Medication bought, appointment booked, trying again next week

Tanith - that could have been my post! I haven't had a smear for 25 years although did go about 10 years ago and the Practice Nurse just couldn't do it - she tried a couple of times and I think I was just frozen and so stressed she couldn't get in there . She said she needed to use a really small speculum and they didn't have any... It was really, really painful.

But, I know I need to go so my plan is to take 2 co-codamol + 2 brufen and have a glass of wine and then float go down to the surgery and try again.

Will try and give it a go in the next month.... and good luck for your next attempt!