Smear test

[sickofturkey]

Hi ... I'm hoping for some advice from anyone who has experienced similar...

I had a very traumatic birth 5 years ago ... Won't bore with the details but endless intense examinations, induction and then finally a c section ...

Today I went for a smear test... I explained to the nurse I was anxious and told her I had a bad birth experience which has left me terrified of anyone coming near me .. She managed to get as far as half in sterling the speculum before I was screaming and crying... I was too tense and shaking with fear ... We tried twice but I couldn't do it.

The nurse has suggested I make a doctors appointment and ask for Valium and try again once I have taken it... Has anyone taken Valium?... Is it likely this will relax me enough to let go of my fear/ anxiety ?

Has anyone ever had a smear carried out at hospital with gas and air?... I know I would be fine with gas and air but don't know if it's even possible...

Nurse had also suggested counselling. But I'm not sure if this would be of any help...

I suppose i'm just looking for stories of similar experiences and how it worked out...

I really want to rebook and have this done but I am petrified and as much as I try to relax I am so tense the nurse can barely come near me... I managed it 2 years ago ... Although I recall crying and shouting for the nurse to stop on several occasions... My anxiety/ fear must have worsened as this time I was far worse

Not smear related but I tore horrendously with dc1 and the scar tissue made sex impossible. Even 9 months on I wasn't able and I think a large part of it was mental as well. I had a gyne appointment and she recommended using the 2% medicated vagisil as it numbs the area. Maybe numbing as well as pain relief may help? Smears are important so I hope you figure it out. 😊

Just realised you had a c section so my advise might not actually help at all sorry!

I cat help with the fear but I have found a good way of helping me be less tense down there.

When on the bed, I put my arms over my hard and hold on to the head rest, flop knees out with feet touching as close to my bum as I can get. Then, instead of tensing down below/legs, I put all the tension into my arms by holding onto the headrest for dear life.

I've had one with valium it's not as good as gas and air but it did relax me just about enough to get through it. Do you have someone to go with you as you can't drive on it.

I am the same at every appointment. Last time I had read up on my and I asked if I could insert the plastic thing myself. She said yes. It went straight in and the most painless smear ever. Hoping now I've moved doctors they let me do the same this year (before I moved I asked if I could stay at old surgery health clinic to have it done and they said yes but now saying no so we will see what happens !)

Counselling would help you I think. Make an appointment with the GP. It sounds like post natal ptsd. I had it and counselling saved the day. Please, please, please try it! It's hard but when you're out the other side it's really worth it.
Taking Valium isn't a long term solution. It might also be tempting to take it in other situations that remind you of the birth.

I had a hideous birth a few months ago and have a smear due. I’m afraid for the same reasons. It doesn’t help I can’t relax because I always have to contort to strange positions and put my fists under my bum. So I have no advise OP, except to say you’re not the only one.

Advice*

My mum has valium for dental appointments, eg fillings without injections, and she says it helps enormously. It's worth a try.

I'd try the counselling too, as it sounds like it would help generally after what you went through.

Awful situation for you knowing how important the smear test is.

I was going to suggest asking if you can insert the speculum yourself meaning you have control over speed and how you feel. The nurse would obviously have to open it but this might be a better solution for you.

I would also suggest counselling.