To be annoyed at the doctors surgery.....

[StretchmarkSantaClaws]

...not answering the phone when I have spent all morning plucking up the courage to get my long overdue smear booked.

Now I have to try again later.I was shaking when I dialled the number! (I am pathetic I know, but I've never had a smear and I dread it)

I'm the same and when i finally asked the nurse about it she said i can't have one till i'm 25.

A smear is nothing to be worried about.

Slightly uncomfortable, (and I mean slight!)but just a bit embarrassing really.

But after having 2 babies, there's not a lot embarrasses me!

Try again later or tomorrow morning.

just wanted to add, I went for a smear 4 months ago and they are all new and improved!!!!!! About 90% less discomfort and 90% quicker. It was almost a pleasure having it (i said almost)

And they dont use that awful "ducks bill" anymore either.

Yes mine (2 months ago) was new and improved as well, although I did have the duck bill the doctor used a little brush instead of the wooden stick scraper thing.

Dingdong- interesred how it works without the duck bill?

interested even...

I really don't get why I am scared though! I've had 3 babies, 2 m/c and a D&C!! But I just can't bear the thought of a smear. I'm 27.

honeybehappy my sis is 24 and she had a smear at 23, she has no babies though??

I keep reading the kick up the backside thread about smears. Will ring back.

Can I request a nurse, as the letters that come through my door say it's the dr, and one dr is very nervy and shaky, and the other I wouldn't let near me with a bargepole. He was horrible to me about my m/c The female gp is never there.

The nurse normally does the smears at my surgery, I happened to see the (female) Dr last time as I couldn't go on the normal well-womal clinic day.

well -woman I mean, what is with my typing today!?

OP - don't worry - honestly nothing to be scared of.

Ooooooh, just done it, answered on the first ring dammit... 12th dec 11.45am

What about periods now though. I haven't really had one since ds was born, now 7 months, and he is weaning now and my periods will probably come back but I don't know when?? Doesn't it have to be mid-cycle??? How on earth will I work that out??

I think it only has to be when you are not having a period, so if you get one on the day you can ring up and postpone (and then go and celebrate!)

I have had smears before and am due another one but I am putting it off until the New Year because I reckon I will feel more motivated to make the appt then. So well done you for getting it done now!

Oh and btw, it is more embarrassing than painful. I have never felt any discomfort at all and I have a low pain threshold.