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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be angry I was refused a smear?

55 replies

UniverseSeekerUK · 02/09/2021 13:03

I have had abnormal bleeding between periods now for over two years. Prior to covid I had an ultrasound, swabs and STI checks which all came back clear. Things were left and no follow ups were done but the bleeding continued and fatigue and pains in my groin area began so I went back to the doctor a few months ago where they repeated the swabs which came back negative. As a result, they referred me to gynae but because of the long wait time they also booked me in for a smear as in January next year it would have been three years since my last one which came back low grade cell changes.
I went today for my smear but the nurse cataorically refused to do it as it hadn't been the three years since my last one. She said I would have to wait for gynae.
Am I being unreasonable to be angry and scared that she wouldn't do it or would you understand them following protocal?

OP posts:
ThePontiacBandit · 02/09/2021 13:09

I was called in by practice at the wrong time (no idea why). The nurse checked my records and said it was too early. She said if she did the smear and sent it away they would refuse to process it so there was no point in doing it…I wonder if that’s the case here? I imagine if the gynae team want one they will arrange it and it will get processed.

Palavah · 02/09/2021 13:10

I had one recently and the nurse said they are very strict about not doing them early. Definitely push on the gynae. Sorry you're going through this.

Corrag · 02/09/2021 13:11

Smear tests are not generally used for diagnostic purposes, they're a screening tool. As you are symptomatic, a gynae referral would be the usual protocol. Even if the nurse had done the smear it's likely the lab wouldn't test it as your screening isn't due yet. Not saying I agree with this approach but that's the way it is.

Preg19 · 02/09/2021 13:14

@ThePontiacBandit

I was called in by practice at the wrong time (no idea why). The nurse checked my records and said it was too early. She said if she did the smear and sent it away they would refuse to process it so there was no point in doing it…I wonder if that’s the case here? I imagine if the gynae team want one they will arrange it and it will get processed.
This is exactly what happened to me too
Original poster
UniverseSeekerUK · 02/09/2021 13:14

Thanks everyone, I didn't realize they wouldn't process it at the lab.
I think I am just so terrified its cancer its messing with my reasoning

OP posts:
blairresignationjam · 02/09/2021 13:15

They are very strict about doing them early. I was at an unrelated GP appointment who mentioned in passing that I was overdue a smear. I diligently booked one, arrived at my appointment to be met by a very stern nurse who told me off because apparently I'd had one only a year ago (yes I have a terrible memory) and that I was an awful person for wasting NHS resources. I walked out sheepishly. But honestly who goes to these for the giggles!? The system is overly ridgid.

Corrag · 02/09/2021 13:16

Could you arrange a private smear test?

Sunflower8409 · 02/09/2021 13:17

The lab won’t process the sample if taken to early so the nurse was right not to take it as it would be putting you through an unnecessary procedure. Also smears are screening and not diagnostic. If you are worried about cancer and have symptoms you need to get on to the GP to refer you through the 2 week wait pathway.

Original poster
UniverseSeekerUK · 02/09/2021 13:17

@Corrag unfortunately I don't have the funds or I definately would
@blairresignationjam that is absolutely awful!

OP posts:
JaneTheVirgin · 02/09/2021 13:19

Try not to worry, a smear isn't the right course of action for your symptoms anyway. They're designed to screen asymptomatic women, the gynae referral is the right next step. How long is the wait? If your doctor is worried about cancer you should be on the urgent referral pathway.

ThinWomansBrain · 02/09/2021 13:20

there's a research trial going on - if your area is participating, could you get tested within that?
www.england.nhs.uk/2021/02/nhs-gives-women-hpv-home-testing-kits-to-cut-cancer-deaths/

Original poster
UniverseSeekerUK · 02/09/2021 13:20

@JaneTheVirgin I had to call up a few days ago due to quite a substantial bleed that happened and then no more bleeding after and I am not on my period and she said she would chase it up but I don't think I am on the 2 week pathway

OP posts:
Noshowwithoutpunch · 02/09/2021 13:20

Can I ask what they did regarding the cell changes? Were you referred to colposcopy when that result came back and were you discharged?
Going through similar.

Original poster
UniverseSeekerUK · 02/09/2021 13:22

@Noshowwithoutpunch as I was negative for HPV they didn't do anything and said it would be just my usual three year wait till my next smear.

OP posts:
lydia7986 · 02/09/2021 13:27

Smears tests aren’t for diagnosing individuals - they’re for screening populations. And that screening is funded to occur at set time intervals.

Unfortunately, the labs refuse to process any smear tests outside of the set - the nurse is correct. They would have thrown it away without testing it.

For a diagnosis, you need to see a gynaecologist, which is why you’ve been referred.

CorianderBee · 02/09/2021 13:28

They tried to do similar to me once. I got the letter for my first aged 24 and so I booked in. When I went they refused saying I wasn't 25....

I pushed and had brought the letter telling me to book and they eventually relented but it was really weird.

Why send a letter saying how important it was for me to book ASAP if they meant wait for four months?

Noshowwithoutpunch · 02/09/2021 13:41

[quote UniverseSeekerUK]@Noshowwithoutpunch as I was negative for HPV they didn't do anything and said it would be just my usual three year wait till my next smear.[/quote]
I'd be calling again and asking if you are on that two-week pathway OP and if not why not?
You have symptoms that fit the criteria for being seen in the next two weeks.
I had bleeding between periods and in the first instance I was referred to colposcopy who then referred my to gynae for a look at my womb.

Englishgirl9 · 02/09/2021 14:08

I've recently had bleeding between periods. My GP took a look and referred me to hospital where I had a smear test and biopsy of a polyp. Waiting on results currently. My smear was not due until October.

I would suggest going back to the GP and requesting a referral back to gynae. Sometimes you have to be forceful i.e. are you saying that you are not going to do anything about my abnormal bleeding? Or demand referral, say you will keep having to take up the GPS time by coming back about this until something is sorted.

Failing that, go private and will cost a couple hundred quid and you will have results in the next month just for peace of mind.

Englishgirl9 · 02/09/2021 14:10

Just to add, I initially my GP was going to do 18 week referral to gynae and I cried and asked for cancer pathway referral as I couldn't deal with this hanging over me. I couldn't help the crying tbh, but I would have asked for the quicker referral even if I hadn't burst into tears.

ManifestDestinee · 02/09/2021 14:14

Yes, you are wrong to be angry. As pp have said, its not a smear you need at all, its a gynae referral.

PandemicAtTheDisco · 02/09/2021 14:28

My friend had discharge, pelvic pain and intense itching for about 2 years. They kept telling her it was thrush and cystitis. Her child caught threadworms so everyone got treated for that. The worms kept coming back.

She then read about threadworms migrating to other parts of the body and treated everyone with extra strength, whole body worming tablets that treat more than just the digestive tract. Her symptoms cleared up in 3 days although the worms are still a problem in her son.

Booknooks · 02/09/2021 14:31

The real issue this the time waiting to see gynae, hope an appointment comes through soon.

TheChip · 02/09/2021 14:32

Don't ask for a smear. Try asking for a urologist.

Smileyaxolotl1 · 02/09/2021 14:39

Hi - thought this might be helpful. It says what the guideline are for referral. Check the requirements for a 2week wait referral and see whether it applies to you.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/cervical-cancer-hpv/diagnosis/referral/

Dsisproblem · 02/09/2021 14:42

Yes the lab won't process if early so no point doing it. Agree with others, you don't need a smear, you need a gynae referral. I'd keep chasing.