To get a bit drunk for my smear test?

[nellly]

Just that really. I've name changed as I'm not proud of this.
I was sexually abused for a prolonged period as a child. Thankfully I've turned
My life around and have a great job, a lovely family and very few negative lasting effects from my childhood.

Except smear tests! I'm due my 3rd smear test next month. The previous 2 have been very difficult, I get very anxious and sometimes have flashbacks. Because I'm tense it makes the job hard for the nurse and both times I've cried. It's been painful physically and emotionally.

Would it be crazy to have a big glass of wine to try and relax? Or does anyone else have any good tips for surviving smear tests?

Ask for diazepam, seriously my mum gets it as she finds them painful.

I know someone who asked for a strong sedative she had to have someone collect her and drive her home. I'm not in the UK but might be worth asking if it's possible?

I think your best bet is to see the GP/nurse before hand and explain the reason for your anxiety. You'll most likely be given a prescription for a small sedative which will take the edge off a bit and help you relax.
Unfortunately the same situation here, I went and spoke about it, was prescribed diazepam but I can't even pluck up the courage to go for my smear, I'm too scared.
I'm also talking these fears over with my psychologist and I'll hopefully be able to have my first one soon. Have you been to councilling?

I wasn't relaxed enough for a nurse to carry out my smear test a year or so ago so she suggested rebooking another time. Did so and took a bottle of Bachs Rescue Remedy in with me; it really helped me relax.
Good luck 🤞

I have a sort of phobia type thing of dental treatment. It makes me cry and start shaking like I'm going to have a panic attack. I have nothing like your excuse. The dentist knows(has seen it), so I am now going to have the treatment I need done under light sedation.

I would definitely explain the situation to your Gp. I am sure they could arrange some form of mild sedation, as it is so important you have it done. I wish you luck,and am so sorry about your childhood abuse.

My friend at work has anxiety around smear tests so her GP prescribes diazepam to be taken before attending and she sails through them.

Thank you ladies some very reassuring stories! I had no idea that diazepam was a possibility. I think I will make a regular GP appt first and go from there.
Sorry to hear that @Faintlinesquints I hope you feel up to it soon.
I have had counselling many years ago and am lucky enough to say in all other aspects I have no lasting effects, just bloody smear tests!
Thank you all

I had one today. Was dreading it and have gone over my check date by a couple of years. Recent publicity helped me realise I need to do it and it was actually ok

There's no shame in it. Do whatever it takes.
I had 2 brandies before my last one.

Totally by accident I had a smear test while slightly drunk once. I forgot to put the appointment on my phone and I’m the day I was at the pub having a few glasses of wine over a few hours with a late lunch with friends I hadn’t seen in ages. We’d all taken a Friday afternoon off for a catch up. (Pre baby!) I suddenly remembered, luckily the doctors was within walking distance and I barely made it to the GP in time - but the wine had made me so relaxed that it was SO much easier than my previous tests. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it though, as I was unprepared and wished I had some mints. I really worried the nurse could smell white wine on my breath! She commented on how easily I relaxed for the procedure and I just pretended I thought they were no big deal even though secretly I dread having them done.

It’s quite a good idea actually

Does having had kids help? I’m due my first one after a couple of natural births. Have found previous ones very difficult.

Sorry OP, don’t meant to derail your post.

I think a little drink would be fine. Several drinks not so much!

I would worry that alcohol might make you more emotional and you might hate the not quite being in control feeling while having the smear. Diazepam is the way to go.

I am really overdue a smear and I've had cell changes in the past but I'm a similar situation - history of abuse, lots of pain and some very traumatic gynae procedures. I haven't had a smear since the last one of these which was so horrific I can't even think about it without crying.

Your GP may well be sympathetic and helpful. Or they may not, but try a few if one won't listen. At a push, order some Phenergan (promethazine) online or ask in a chemist - its used for travel sickness and nausea but it's a sedating anti-histamine and I've taken it before procedures when I've been especially terrified.

I've been saying for years that people having smear tests should be allowed tequila shots before hand.

I think a glass of wine would be fine. Well done OP for going ahead with your smear test despite your anxiety. Very brave

I would discuss with them if you Can have a little diazepam to help you relax, and think about taking someone with you that you trust.
They can maybe help distract you a little as well as help you feel safe x

I have a massive phobia of smear tests but still go and OP I did have a drink before my last one . I don’t drive anyway so that wasn’t an issue but it did make the whole thing so much easier to the point I didn’t even notice the actual test taking place . Obviously this is a extreme reaction of mine however I have reasons for my phobia of smears so to my mind the fact I went for it even with a drink in me is better than not going at all .

I'm going for my first one next week. I read the title and thought "that's a good idea!" I may reward myself with the pub after, I'm dreading it...

Yanbu. I’ve done this. Have very similar issues to you with them for similar reasons and I have a G&T beforehand. It’s the only way for me!

I have a massive smear phobia - many attempts by different GPs and nurses to no avail. At the last attempt my GP prescribed me diazepam to take before the next go and asked me to book a double appointment so she had more time, but I didn't have the courage to cash in the prescription and book it. This was probably a couple of years ago now... So I need to go back, get a fresh prescription and book - but I'm heartened by hearing about other people taking diazepam beforehand - will try to give it a go myself now and good luck nellly if you do too!

I had one today too! Funnily enough, the nurse did say (joke I assume) that she should have brought me some whisky... I don't have anything like your reasons, OP ( ), but I have a lot of medical phobias so I find a lot of relatively straightforward medical procedures and tests quite traumatic. My GP knows all about it and has been really helpful. One thing that I find has helped is that I always ask for the same nurse or phlebotomist and they know me and my anxieties and that helps me to relax a bit and not to feel so embarrassed. Could you ask to meet the nurse who will be doing it beforehand if there isn't one you know already? The doctor will probably be able to recommend one who would be good.

It's a great idea!