to not bother with a smear test

[setpieces]

I'm supposed to have them every 12 months due to abnormal cells.

I cannot get an appointment at my GP practice. They have offered me 3 dates I simply cannot do (I'm supporting a parent having an op the week before Xmas, Xmas eve (still with parent) and 2 Jan (away with kids). It took an hour of following hopeless website and booking referrals plus a phone call (engaged) and callback to get this far.

By the time I get the test (assuming calling back at the end of next week as requested is successful) it will be 2 months after I got the letter then another 6-8 weeks for the results.

I might as well wait for the condition to worsen and refer for treatment in 4 months time.

two girls who were in my year at school had cervical cancer in their early 30s and it was picked up by a smear test. YABU being so cavalier when you already have abnormal cells

So was I... That's why I replied to you.

If she's already got abnormal cells then they will be looking at cells and she needs a proper smear

Call the gynae unit that you presumably had a lletz through and explain to them, they will sometimes get you in.

You said they offered you 3 appointments, it’s not the NHS or lack of tests that are the issue here. It’s you and your ‘may as well let it get worse, im too busy’ attitude that’s the issue.

Do they do smear tests at walk in sexual health clinics? I remember having one done there but admittedly I'm going back 20 years ago! Is it possible to be asked to be put on a cancellation list or for them to refer you to a clinic near your parents to do the test on this occasion?
I understand the frustration but I also understand the importance of having the tests especially with previous abnormal results (as I know you do as well) so I think you are going to have to look at alternatives or grit your teeth and start with the daily calls in the hope of getting an appointment that suits.

Depending on what part of the country you live in, there are well woman and access clinics that run evenings and weekends. Place to start is do a search for the local commissioning group, see if there’s anything on their website. If not try emailing or give them a ring.

When you say missed a test do you mean delayed or never went at all

For clarification on the various posts in the thread -
High risk HPV not detected means no cytology slide will be made to read, as this is low risk of abnormality.
If you are on follow up, then depending on what the follow up is for, then you may get called for several annual tests, even if the first follow up is HPV negative. Previous abnormal cells does not mean a cytology slide will be made to be read, unless the sample is High Risk HPV detected.

Out of interest, how do you know that they looked at the cells in the lab?

You are being deliberately awkward here op.

Have you got your head in the sand here?

"I don't have the time" you MAKE the time or there could BE NO MORE TIME AT ALL

I’m not going to beg you, but my friend lost her womb,ovaries, vagina, bladder and part of her bowel to cervical cancer. Thank fuck she didn’t lose her life.

why would you play with fire?

YABU and silly.

it does not take that much time to get a smear test.

Vvu my aunty died from cervical cancer at 30 after she missed her smear test. She fought till the end, but lost and left behind 2 small children.

You go to the surgery and make one in person.

Go private then

Of course YABU.

But, if you want to play with your life out of pure petulance then you crack on.

Are you actually a fucking idiot!!

Well if you've decided then nobody here is going to convince you (although they'll very much enjoy scolding you). Do what you want, it's your health.

I would be going to my gp to make an appointment in person. I have regular blood tests with a nurse. They will always look for dates that work for you if you're actually there at the desk. You could do that too.

If you're not prepared to do anything at all to make this happen then why have you posted such an attention-seeking post?

Presumably the OP is on a yearly test because of some cell changes already identified. An HPV test isn’t adequate in those circumstances.

This isn't real is it?

You could make the earlier appointments. You chose not to attend those.

Chemo will take up more of your precious time than a smear test.

"I might as well wait for the condition to worsen and refer for treatment in 4 months time."

So you are too busy to move stuff around for a smear test, but making time for cancer treatment will be ok? Your parent can't be without you for an hour while you have a smear, but will be fine without ANY help from you for months on end when you need treatment for your worsening condition. None of this makes sense!

Also do you have a sexual health clinic near you? They might have a better range of appointments.

Is this still the case after you’ve been referred for abnormal cells?