Anyone taken valium before a smear test?

[HumphreyCobbler]

Went for my smear today. First one since I had help by a brilliant doctor in order to overcome a terrible phobia of internal examinations. I thought I would be ok. I couldn't have been more wrong. The whole fear came flooding back and I tensed up horribly so it wasn't really possible. The nurse had to abandon the attempt It hurt afterwards due to how tense I was.

I have been offered valium in order to help relax. Has anyone ever done this?

I am a bit gutted really, I thought this problem had gone away. I had managed an internal without a speculum in the interim.

Sorry no advise, but watching with interest as my GP has also offered to do the same for me after I get flashbacks of horrible induction and delivery at even discussion of a smear.test.

I wondered how long the effects would be / would I need someone (i.e. dh) to supervise me home afterwards?

I am sorry you have this too iliketea. It is a shit fear to have.

I think you would not be able to drive afterwards.

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Not forvacsmear test, but I was given a Valium before IVF as the first time I had it insertion was difficult. It must have helped as I fell pregnant on the second IVF with Valium! So I would say why not, it will help relax you, Makecthe examination easier. Its not as if you are taking Valium daily, just a once off.

Meant to add not sure about driving, but the effect was pretty mild, like a nice stiff whiskey! But perhaps a taxi or a lift home. Good luck

thanks - glad it worked for you. V reassuring. The stress of the whole experience is keeping me awake at night

Sorry you are feeling so anxious. I was given a half the night before, and then took the other bit before the procedure. Could you ask for that. It will be ok!

I have been trying to visualise it all positively. When my last fantastic doctor did the test she relaxed me so successfully it only took three short sessions to overcome my fear. I was in a proper chair and was able to relax my neck etc. I was referred to her by my HV and we have since moved.

This last time my body seemed to be acting entirely against my brain.

Had a similar problem.

3 failed attempts later the gp wrote me a prescription for valium. Took it an hour before the smear test, felt light headed but ok. Smear test was absolutely fine, could not believe how fine it was. Felt nothing. All good.

thanks for sharing that, it is just what I needed to hear

Hello Humphrey

I have a similar problem. Ever since some very invasive and brutal examinations whilst pregnant and various surgery in that area, I cannot do smear tests. My body seems to act against me! I don't even realise I have clamped shut.

After three failed tests I was given a valium. I took it half an hour before, made sure someone was with me and able to drive me to and from the appointment

IT WAS A REVELATION! She was able to do the smear test without me cramping... there was a twinge when she took the sample but that is mainy because my cervix had to be stitched up after birth.

I recommend taking the valium. You feel quite relaxed but a little light headed as though you have had a few glasses of wine. It wears off after an hour or so and you will sleep well that night!

Oh sorry meant to say I had none of the chest suffocating panic either.

Thank you so much for sharing that. Chest suffocating panic is a brilliant description of the feeling.

I feel as if this is doable now. Thank you.

Good to hear Humphrey. I would lie awake at night panicking about smear tests and cervical cancer.

I am so glad when my doctor told me that they could give me valium.

I was thinking of how brilliant MN is. I feel so much better for all the support and understanding I have been shown on this thread. There is nowhere else I could go to find this

I have a similar problem my GP was extremely helpful and prescribed me 4 x 5mg diazapam. The GP advised me to take one the night before and one in the morning before I had my examination. This enabled me to have the examination with no problems. Hope this is helful

I hate smear tests. I had to get them regularly before for many years as I have abnormal cells before. They come and go. I tense up and it’s very uncomfortable, but they manage to do it. I always ask for the smallest speculum. The last one I got the all clear so won’t have to go for a while now, thank goodness. I never took anything before my tests, but I found distraction and talking helped. Also, knowing it would just be a few seconds. I’ve had to get biopsies before as well where they clip a bit of the skin and of my cervix - awful! But I managed by talking and distraction. It sounds like it’s a lot more difficult for you. I hope the Valium can help. I get anxiety from meds so it wouldn’t help me (at least I don’t think! I’ve never tried bc I’m too scared).