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General health

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Original poster

So, overdue smear, bleeding inbetween irregular periods, but smear phobic.

11 replies

OurLittleSecret · 16/07/2013 17:04

I know what I should do, but just can't do it.
I was sexually abused as a child, and had a very full on medically managed forceps delivery with dd1 which I guess has just compounded the problem.
My periods have been irregular since the beginning of the year, and now I have odd spells of bleeding in between.
I just can't bring myself to do it.
That said I did try and make an appt - as I have a rare toddler free morning off work ( 1st since born!) but they were fully booked :(

OP posts:

Iwaswatchingthat · 16/07/2013 17:09

If it has been a while since you had a smear then believe me they have got much less hideous. They now use a little brush which goes straight into the pot, so less chance of having to do again.

I dreaded my first post baby one, but I honestly did not feel a thing. I even asked 'Was that it?'

Make the appointment and go - explain your concerns to the nurse/GP. They will make it comfortable for you and help you to relax.

Good luck OP.

LEMisdisappointed · 16/07/2013 17:12

You really should go, it is over before you know it. No one likes going for their smear but i understand it must be really difficult for you. Is there anyone who could go with you? How old are you?

You are probably fine, but you do need to check it out - you could ask your doctor for some diazepam if you are nervous

Original poster

OurLittleSecret · 16/07/2013 17:21

Thank you both, yes dreading it in the whole first post baby way too- my poor bits aren't the same as they were!
Didn't help that they not surprisingly were fully booked, my two toddlers are always with me if I am not at work so chances are virtually non existent.
I could speak to my gp but I haven't seen her in years either and I always refuse to let myself see it as a problem even though it clearly is :(

I'm 34

OP posts:

Iwaswatchingthat · 16/07/2013 17:24

Is there a 'well woman' clinic where you could sit and wait?

Honestly I guarantee you will come back and post it was fine.

One of the only benefit of having two kids and stretched bits is that smear tests are a doddle and believe me I am a proper weed!!!

Original poster

OurLittleSecret · 16/07/2013 17:28

Oh I'm sure it will come back fine, I just know I can't go to my gp about the bleeding until it is done, cause I feel fairly sure it's the first thing they will say to be done?

OP posts:

Iwaswatchingthat · 16/07/2013 17:30

Yes he/she will check you are all up to date.

Make the GP appt and it will be done there and then.

Aniseeda · 16/07/2013 17:53

Yes, make a double appointment with the GP and she'll do it there and then.

Happened to me when I went about my awful periods and was overdue on my smear. She had to examine me anyway so didn't take her much longer and saved me stripping off twice which was a relief!

Just make sure you ask for a double appointment so she's not rushing and tell her you are anxious about it.

BelaLug0si · 20/07/2013 21:35

They won't necessarily ask you to have a smear done first because if you're having symptoms such as bleeding then generally this needs investigating. Smear tests are screening for people without symptoms. Please see the GP about the bleeding first and see what happens. They may want to do a pelvic exam, take a swab and possibly a visual of the cervix. You may be referred to gynae for further investigation.

specialsubject · 20/07/2013 22:26

please see the GP and ask for investigation. If you can, please tell the GP what you have told us - you need help and cannot let what happened put your health at risk.

the odds are it is nothing - but your child needs you. Please get help.

HumphreyCobbler · 20/07/2013 22:37

You should explain the situation fully to your GP, including your fears and the reason for them (if you can). I had/have a phobia of smear tests and have managed to have the last two by a combination of counselling and valium.

If you have a phobia it really may not be as easy as just getting on with it as people understandably suggest, but my phobia was severe and with appropriate help I have overcome it. Good luck.

Quangle · 20/07/2013 22:38

I had all these symptoms and had loads of tests first before a smear - bloods, ultrasound etc. Only finally got a smear when I got referred on to a gynae. All was clear, btw. Just my age probably

Just do it - it's never the most fun thing you'll ever do but it's also a tiny thing in the general scheme of things and much more important to take care of your health. I know you know that so go on and make the appointment!

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