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?

I have a history of sexual abuse and freak out at smear tests. I told the nurse at my surgery one time, and they put a note on my file. They are very reassuring (and often I have someone at the head end for support) now. Talking to your doctor could be a good idea?

I've done that before, two large glasses of red wine as it relaxes your muscles. I don't the nurse and she said "great idea" as long as you walk to the surgery and aren't falling all over the place or out for the count I can't see a problem.

I had a woman in for a smear with me the other day, she had taken Valium and fell asleep in the waiting room!

As long as you’re not too pissed or zonked to consent then do what you need to do 😊

Thanks all!! To be clear I was thinking a drink of maybe two; relaxed but not wasted. I did consider the heightened emotion but I'm
Not usually an emotional drinkers so hopefully ok.

I'll approach them first and see what they can suggest. Maybe they won't mind giving me diazepam as a one off and if they aren't helpful I'll keep my wine plan as a back up

Oh love tell the nurse and your GP. Sure they will be very helpful.

Fancy you too and is there a trusted friend you could take with you?

Look at it this way do not allow those bastards who hurt you to now dictate your health as a strong women. You win not them x

Sedative never helped me with smears (or other internal exams) - the only thing that did was counselling targeted at that issue specifically, plus dilators and a speculum at home. Good luck!

I had diazepam before the dentist once (one tablet the night before, one before the appointment) and it did help somewhat

My problem is that my last really traumatic experience involved very large speculum, left open for over 40 minutes - I don't think I can even look at one again.

Maybe they could hit me over the head with a big comedy mallet? You have to laugh, I suppose!

I have a very small cervix which is also tilted so getting a smear from me is night on impossible. After many failed attempts, my lovely GP, who does some gynae work at the hospital, does mine as there's no point in anyone else trying. So maybe there's someone at your practice who is particularly good with women for whom smears are particularly difficult, either for reasons like mine or for reasons like yours? You're so brave going for one even with what you've been through, I'd like to think they'll support you in whatever way they can. Good luck op

Brandy and ibuprofen seems like quite sensible smear test prep.