Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to keep avoiding Smear ?

101 replies

RachelRagged · 02/08/2015 10:12

Morning

I keep getting reminders to have a smear test / I KNOW I should get this done but it terrifies me . .actually makes my heart pound, I shake .. and when they say relax your legs ,, they freeze . Any tips at all to control this so I can get it done with ?

PS I do the breathing they suggest , no help.

OP posts:
mrsdavidbowie · 02/08/2015 10:15

Have a stiff vodka or beta blockers.

FernGullysWoollyPully · 02/08/2015 10:16

Gin?! Grin

Sorry not helpful. Or making light of your nerves at all. Having a smear is not my most favourite thing to do of an afternoon and I think quite a lot of us feel a degree of nerves, some more severe than others. But you really should go. Repeat the mantra, It's not that bad, it's not that bad. Believe it will be over and done with quickly and breathe.

Wishful80sMontage · 02/08/2015 10:18

Honestly bite the bullet and go. I was starting to put my last one off and when I actually went it wasn't anywhere near what I'd built it up to be like.
I told the nurse I was nervous and she very reassuring with me z

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 02/08/2015 10:19

Hypnotherapy techniques? You don't have to get it done, but if you feel you want to, find the root of your concern and deal with that first.

InQuiteAPickle · 02/08/2015 10:20

Honestly, just GO! I say this as someone who had put theirs off for two years. Blush I had my last one two weeks ago, I hate them as they hurt me and I struggle to get childcare to go hence the putting it off.

It's over in seconds and that's it for another 3 years. You can do it! Flowers

mrsdavidbowie · 02/08/2015 10:20

Tell the nurse how you're feeling too. I hated them...probably because I had one when I was 9 and no one explained what was happening.
I used to hyperventilate...a couple of smears ago I told nurse how apprehensive I was and she used a different size speculum which made all the difference.
I sympathise....I recently had a biopsy, smear and polyp removal in ten minutes and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I went into shock..vomited..was off work 2 days.

Buttercup27 · 02/08/2015 10:21

Try rescue remedy. I used to get so anxious before injections I ended up passing out. A few squirts of res ue remedy on my tongue and I barely got nervous.
I haven't had to use it for a few years as my fear has now completely gone !

AuntyMag10 · 02/08/2015 10:22

I agree about telling the person about the speculum size, it makes it much more bearable if the right size is used. It's unpleasant but over so quick, just close your eyes and try think of something else.

hooliodancer · 02/08/2015 10:22

Get the doctor to prescribe valium . After years of being exactly as you describe I had a valium for my most recent one and it was a breeze!

I actually had it prescribed for going to the dentist, but I told the nurse I had taken one and she was fine with it! It wears off after an hour or so.

bittapitta · 02/08/2015 10:22

It is so so quick. Honestly. Tell the nurse how nervous you feel. An acquaintance of mine had cancer discovered after her first smear and they are lucky to have caught it so early. We're so lucky to have these tests offered routinely for free.

carrie74 · 02/08/2015 10:23

Controversially, try to think about sex just before to, ahem, get the err juices flowing (sorry, sorry, sorry). I know it's the least sexy thing around, but if you can relax beforehand it makes it a little easier.

Fwiw I find smears now a lot better than they were 15-20 years ago: plastic rather than metal speculum, and v understanding nurses. Can you make sure you have someone v experienced and explain your fears?

Also think about once it's done: a glass of wine and some chic, and a smug feeling that it's over, and how fortunate we are to have a society that allows us these checkups for free.

Original poster
RachelRagged · 02/08/2015 10:24

Thanks Everyone .

I did once go to a Doctor (different practice to now) but they had like plastic openers (or whatever the real name is) rather than metal . Much better. Perhaps Ill ask .. I think its the coldness of them and its downhill from then on, lol

But yea, I could keep telling myself it will be over soon etc.

mrsdavidbowie Im glad they caught the polyp and removed it. I think also it may well go back to when I got Thrush I think it was, was about 12. Used to have to put this thing (as an adult I realise it was a pessary type thing) there with a cold horrible gel ... Maybe that.

OP posts:
Minisoksmakehardwork · 02/08/2015 10:26

I hate them too. But I've found the easiest way to get them over and done with is to reach back and hold onto the head of the bed, tensing my upper body which allows me to relax my legs. Close eyes, breathe deeply and it's over and done with quite quickly.

Original poster
RachelRagged · 02/08/2015 10:27

Also think about once it's done: a glass of wine and some chic, and a smug feeling that it's over, and how fortunate we are to have a society that allows us these checkups for free.

Smile

True that, we should take up our free checkups really.

OP posts:
BeautifulBatman · 02/08/2015 10:27

Friends what scares you more. A smear, or cancer. I know what I'd prefer....

BeautifulBatman · 02/08/2015 10:27

Friends?? Depends!

fourtothedozen · 02/08/2015 10:27

Have you given birth OP?

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 02/08/2015 10:27

Agree with the others, just go.

I know when you tense up it feels even worse but it lasts seconds, then you're done.

Go on it's a potential life saver.

Original poster
RachelRagged · 02/08/2015 10:28

Oh ,, ty Minis ,, I will try that too , and ask for a valium then get this thing done Smile .

Thank You again everyone and have a lovely Sunday

OP posts:
mrsdavidbowie · 02/08/2015 10:29

Rachel I have to go for a hysteroscopy shortly as they found some abnormal cells.
But at least that's a general!!!

louwn · 02/08/2015 10:29

I was terrified before my first one but the fear was a lot worse than the reality. Hopefully you will find that too Flowers

Original poster
RachelRagged · 02/08/2015 10:29

Well I have had cancer. Skin cancer. Was lucky, they cut it all out but it was starting on cartilege .. I have to go hospital in the week as something has changed in colour . That will involve an injection to numb the area, a sample burnt away and then wait for results.

OP posts:
Original poster
RachelRagged · 02/08/2015 10:30

Indeed mrsdavidbowie. My DM had one of those, early 30s at the time . Endimetriosis

OP posts:
Original poster
RachelRagged · 02/08/2015 10:31

No idea why I got skin cancer . Not a sun worshipper and been on a sun bed once ,, once in my whole 48 years.

OP posts:
GloGirl · 02/08/2015 10:32

No wonder you're scared for a smear.

I'm sure the doctor will prescribe one valium to help you get through it - there's really nothing else for it but to go and do it.

Swipe left for the next trending thread