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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think that I should be able to get an appointment? And perhaps this is a daft system.

21 replies

pyjamaramadrama · 28/10/2013 22:46

I'm supposed to have yearly smears due to having had abnormal cells removed a few years ago.

The surgery ask that you ring up on the first day of your monthly cycle as they then count 12 days and there is a 3 day window to have the smear.

I have done this for 2 months running but haven't been able to get an appointment on any of the 3 days, despite this being over a week in advance.

I'm now overdue and the only answer is to hope that there's a cancellation or to try again next month.

OP posts:

FortyDoorsToNowhere · 28/10/2013 22:50

Could you go to family planning to have a smear done. I found it's easier than getting an appointment.

Original poster

pyjamaramadrama · 28/10/2013 23:07

I'm not sure, possibly I'll find out

OP posts:

Darkesteyes · 28/10/2013 23:47

OP thats fucking ridiculous. I also reckon the FP clinic is your best bet.
Still appaling though.

NatashaBee · 28/10/2013 23:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BackforGood · 29/10/2013 00:06

It does sound like a aft system, but, isn't it fairly predictable (within that 3 day window) when the next opportunity is going to be ?

Laurel1979 · 29/10/2013 07:56

They are saying that there are only 3 days a month when you can have your smear? That's ridiculous! I'd second going to the family planning clinic as you are being given incorrect advice by your receptionist.

Tableforfour · 29/10/2013 08:00

Utter rubbish, you can have a smear any time when you're not bleeding. Exact timing might be relevant in someone who has had lots of inadequate smears but this is much rarer since the NHS moved to liquid based cytology for processing them.

Shonajoy · 29/10/2013 08:01

That's absolutely unacceptable. I'd ring them and say you'll make a formal complaint- I have had cervical cancer and have to have very regular examinations, if someone was telling me that I'd be livid. Or better still, go into the surgery and firmly discuss this in view of people waiting.

HKat · 29/10/2013 08:11

I had an appointment for a smear last week - nothing was said about my cycle when I booked, but when I arrived the nurse said she couldn't do it as I had only finished my period two days before. Well, she could do it, but said would only have to do it again at the right time, so pointless. She said it was something to do withefact they wouldn't be able to collect the right cells, ideal time was about 10 days into cycle. But the only appointment they could give me is next week, so I'll be about 14 days in - nurse didn't seem to think that was arproblem...

HKat · 29/10/2013 08:12

I haven't had a previous abnormal one though so maybe the three day window is very specific for you because of that? Second speaking to family planning or practice nurse directly....

TEErickOrTEEreat · 29/10/2013 08:13

You can have a smear any time, even when bleeding. I have had one then and they just note it on the sample.

It is indeed a daft system and I would complain, loudly.

kali110 · 29/10/2013 08:16

If your regular could you not book few weeks in advance?
If i want an app i have to wait 2-3 weeks

fledtoscotland · 29/10/2013 08:23

Complain to practice manager or lead gp. I had to have the depo injection within a 7 day window (take out the 2 days for weekend). No nurse appointments so had to get a GP appointment as an emergency on day 7. GP wasn't impressed and complained to the practice manager who said I should have told the receptionist why I needed the appt and they would have "fitted me in".

Original poster

pyjamaramadrama · 29/10/2013 08:26

Sorry to hear that Shona.

Kali I can't book one for next month because they say to ring back when you've actually started your period, and then they count 12 days from then. So to be precise, I'm not sure if this is entirely correct information.

I will ring back this morning and see if there have been any cancellations, if not I will point out that this could go on for months & also enquire about going to a FPC.

OP posts:

Original poster

pyjamaramadrama · 29/10/2013 08:34

Well just phoned again no cancellations as of yet, definitely can't book for next month even if I pre calculate the dates, as clinics for next week are only just going on.

She did say a nurse is taking annual leave this week and usually there would be appointments but couldn't guarantee it. But when I said this could go on for months she just said "I know"

OP posts:

Original poster

pyjamaramadrama · 29/10/2013 08:38

Fled I have same problem with getting my pill. Every 6 months you have to have blood pressure, chat with the nurse to see if its going ok before they'll give pill out. Fair enough.

But it's the same situation, can never get an appointment so have often ended up a couple of weeks late getting my pill.

OP posts:

Admiraltea · 29/10/2013 08:40

I'm on yearly checks down from 6 monthly after not great result a while ago. On cerazette so have had no period for 5 years...I just ring up...no-one has ever asked me about my period I just get the first appointment that is available and usually wait 2 weeks max...
and they ask my name after I make the appointment so def nothing to do with periods or lack of.

Daft system doesn't even cover what you have...

(BTW after watching way too much Big Bang Theory maybe you have synched your menstrual cycle with a load of other women who need smears ??)

If you are very regular it could be that your 3 days are falling on the flu jab days, asthma check days or practice nurse day off..ask how many appointments are available every day for smears.
I only get Tuesdays or Thursdays as first options so with your daft system anyone with their 3 days Fr-Mon would never get seen.

Hatescolds · 29/10/2013 12:35

agree with above- advice receptionists are giving is out of date- used to be the case for the old smear collection technique- new technique works at any time in cycle. Is usually best avoided when actively bleeding only due to inadequate samples. Now that going onto HPV testing alone suspect this will be easier.

so would just book your smear at any time or visit FP clinic

teacherandguideleader · 29/10/2013 12:49

I can never get an appointment. I can't take time off work, and after work is no good as by the time I'm home, the surgery is shut. It would be so much easier if I could register where I work (like the dentist). I try to book in half term but it is always full - I guess with people getting non-urgent things sorted for their DCs (understandable).

It has got to the point I buy my pill online through Lloyds pharmacy. It annoys me that I have to pay, but £10 per month is less hassle than my doctor! I check my own blood pressure.

MinesAPintOfBlood · 29/10/2013 13:20

Ask to speak to the practise manager. Or make an appointment with a GP for when you expect your next "window" to be. You can refuse to discuss the reason with the receptionist and just tell them you want an appointment on day X or Y please. The GP should do it or get you in to see the nurse.

Musicaltheatremum · 29/10/2013 17:31

Yes, ask if they use liquid based cytology. Doesn't matter what time in your cycle then. I had to correct one of my receptionists the other day as she mustn't have been around when we changed to this or had forgotten. There are so many changes sometimes we don't know whether we are coming or going.

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