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Original poster

Ignoring my smear test

75 replies

Spagaletti · 18/01/2022 01:25

I know I need one. I'm about 6 months out of date. That's not too bad is it? 3 years ago I had CIN2 and treatment for it. I suppose part of me is really scared of going through it again. And what if I now have cervical cancer? I'll have the knowledge I ignored it for 6 months longer than I should have. I even know I'm being really illogical.

OP posts:
sobercuriouskind · 18/01/2022 01:31

It's not too bad OP, but book it in now. Most of what is picked up is extremely treatable and early detection saves lives.

frenchfancy81 · 18/01/2022 01:32

Not sure what you want to hear by posting this? Nobody likes them but they're so important, which you already know. Less invasive and uncomfortable than any potential treatment...get it booked.

user1473878824 · 18/01/2022 01:40

I can completely understand why you’re putting it off, but please, please don’t. Just call the GP, book it in and get it over and done with.

SkiingIsHeaven · 18/01/2022 01:44

Please don't put it off.

It is not nice but a lot better than leaving it if someone is wrong.

Think the regrets will be worse if there is something wrong and you have ignored it to the point that you are too late.

Please be safe.

MrsDrSpencerReid · 18/01/2022 01:48

6 months isn’t too bad, but get it booked. You’ll feel so much better once you’ve had it done and can stop worrying Flowers

Ponoka7 · 18/01/2022 01:54

I should have them yearly. I'm always around three years out of date. If you need a relaxant etc speak to your GP. They are really important and I should take my own advice.

namechangedtotellyou · 18/01/2022 03:37

6 months isn't bad at all.

I'm about 15 years out of date. Had a really traumatic experience on the NHS and I'm not going back.

Alondra · 18/01/2022 04:46

Not only you are being illogical, you are playing russian roulette with your health. While six months is not much out of date, the longer it goes on, the more risks you are taking when you shouldn't take any.

I had a CINIII years ago and will advise you what my gyno told me - only 1 in 6 women develop cervical cancer after a CINII or III with the majority of serious cases in women that either because of fear or because they forgot, they never followed up revisions.

You've already been treated, don't play with this just because of fear. Chances are you are ok, but some women need further treatment and you HAVE to know if you are one of them.

Please book the smear.

onemorecupofcoffeefortheroad · 18/01/2022 05:06

Yes book it - you won't regret it and thank you for reminding me I need to book mine!

SnoozeAllDay · 18/01/2022 07:02

Oh my god get it booked today!

I went for mine bang on the date and ended up with cervical cancer. I had my full womb and cervix removed in November.

My smear prior to this was completely clear.

Google Jade Goodey- she ignored hers and now she’s no longer here.

You’re playing with fire

Holly60 · 18/01/2022 07:05

Hey listen, you have no symptoms at all. This is just a screening. Phone first thing this morning, get it booked in as soon as possible (so you don’t dwell on it) then once it’s done go for a coffee and a cake with a good book. Then forget about it until the letter comes telling you it’s all fine Smile.

Deep breath and do it. You will be fine

LondonQueen · 18/01/2022 07:07

Please don't ignore it, as you know they are really very important. Once the result comes back you will be able to put your mind at rest.

EishetChayil · 18/01/2022 07:10

Tell the practitioner that you're nervous and she will be extra gentle. I was very anxious about my first smear after a traumatic birth where I was given some non-consensual procedures, and the nurse couldn't have been nicer.

megletthesecond · 18/01/2022 07:10

It's not the nicest of procedures but you know you need to do it Flowers. Ignoring it may be worse.

I had two CIN3 results and eventually ended up with a hysterectomy after dc's as there wasn't much of my cervix left to take 🙄. I never missed an appointment.

Poppitt58 · 18/01/2022 07:19

I’m the same, for different reasons though. I’m really struggling with the thought of having to wear a mask during the procedure. It’s so much of a trigger due to historical abuse. Not made easier by the fact that appointments are like gold dust.

SallyWD · 18/01/2022 07:32

I've had cancer and am still here thanks to early intervention. If I'd left it I wouldn't be here bringing up my children now. It's that simple. I'm sure you're fine OP but book the test.

Landlubber2019 · 18/01/2022 07:37

Go and get booked in, my last smear test was dealt with very sensitively as it triggers previous trauma . Just be clear with the clinician and let them support you.

It will be done in 10 mins and could save your life !

BashfulClam · 18/01/2022 07:39

Get it done! I had mine a few months ago and it was a total palaver. I couldn’t relax properly and ended up on my side with one leg in the air (it actually worked). If o can take that indignity anyone can.

MunsteadWood · 18/01/2022 07:39

I was the same and for various reasons related to a combination of anxiety and a health condition that made it physically difficult to have a smear I avoided my last one for about 10 YEARS. I finally booked it about six months ago and got myself into a complete state convinced they were going to find something awful and it'd be all my fault for leaving it so long. I didn't manage to go through with the procedure the first time but went back again a few weeks later and it was actually fine, and over really quickly. Thank goodness the results were clear. Book it now!

Onewildandpreciouslife · 18/01/2022 07:53

The best time to have a smear is when it’s due. The second best time is now!

You know you need to do this. Worrying about something is more exhausting than dealing with any issue that might show up. I know it’s not pleasant (I had vulval / vaginal cancer 3 years ago, so I get an internal exam with a speculum every 3 months) but just get it done (and talk to whoever is doing the test about your concerns)

MisgenderedSwan · 18/01/2022 08:03

I had mine done yesterday. Stressed about it for ages before hand then when I went it took approximately 30 seconds. The nurse was lovely and matter of fact. In, out and done for another 3 years. Just get it booked.

WhenwillIlearntoadult · 18/01/2022 08:10

My last one was a year overdue. (Due to me forgetting and then covid). I was worried as well but all clear in the end. The best thing you can do is get one booked, the sooner you go, the sooner you’ll know and then you won’t be worrying about not knowing!

StarlitTrees · 18/01/2022 08:22

@Poppitt58 I'm sure the nurse will have no problem with you removing your mask for the procedure.
I'm a practice nurse and if any patients look uncomfortable or stressed in any way, I tell them to remove their mask if they would like, I'm wearing mine (and I'm down the other end!) so I don't mind.
There is going to be a big drive to encourage people to go for their smears coming up so it SHOULDN'T be difficult to get an appointment.

And @spagaletti why not make an appointment to see the nurse for a chat about it and you can either then book another appointment whilst you're there for your smear, or if you're feeling comfortable, just get it done whilst you're there 😊

Bubblesandsqueak1 · 18/01/2022 08:27

Most smears are now every 5 years they changed it recently from 3

JustcameoutGC · 18/01/2022 08:31

You are a screening success story. The system worked for you and kept you safe. Get on the blower and make your appointment, keep yourself safe. X

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