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Really quite scared of smear test (was raped not that long ago)

32 replies

privateforthis · 29/09/2006 17:17

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Twiglett · 29/09/2006 17:19

can you get a friend to go with you for support

definitely speak to nurse first and if you cannot 'tell' her ask her to read the notes

ask if you can have an extended appointment

good for you to have made the appointment .. you need to go

redsky · 29/09/2006 17:25

I'm not surprised you don't want to go. But MNers have been excellent at reminding me why I should not keep putting it off.
Think a friend to go with sounds like a great idea.

WigWamBam · 29/09/2006 17:28

Taking a friend to hold your hand is a brilliant idea. And do tell the nurse, she may not have read the notes thoroughly. If you need her to stop at any point then ask her to stop, and she should respect that.

Piffle · 29/09/2006 17:37

Speak to the practice nurse, ask for a female doctor.
Try some escape mind techniques - desert islands, waterfalls, breathing power.
I have been in this exact same position and felt the exact same horror and fear of it bringing everything back.
Fortunately I was able to distance the two procedures - having a female doctor really helped FWIW
Good luck, the first one is the hardest...
xx

SSSandy · 29/09/2006 17:48

Pft, really sorry to hear about what you went through. It must all still be very fresh and I can understand that the thought of the test scares you. I'm sure the medical staff will be very understanding.

I think you have received some good advice which I'd support. I'd call or write and explain that because of your experience you're very nervous, could you have a female gynaecologist and would they stop if it was too frightening for you. Then they're pre-warned. Definitely take someone with you if you can. Possibly someone who can speak for you, like your sister or mum if you find you can't bring yourself to speak about things.

CalifornifamousFanjo · 29/09/2006 17:51

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Quootiepie · 29/09/2006 17:55

I was in a similar situation and im afraid 1/2 way through I paniced - i had the smear done at the same time as a laparoscopy in the end (fully knocked out). Sorry i cant help, but I do feel for you xxx

SSSandy · 29/09/2006 17:58

Wondering whether it be possible to get an injection first to calm you down?

privateforthis · 29/09/2006 19:02

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KES3 · 29/09/2006 19:26

My doctors practice has a chaperone service for people who want someone to be with them for support for appointments, its not ideal but if you would prefer someone was with you and you dont want to take someone you know it could be an option. I hope it goes ok for you.

WideWebWitch · 29/09/2006 19:29

The lovely Aussie dr I saw earlier this year said they were experimenting in Australia with getting women to insert the speculum themselves although she said of course a dr still has to do the scraping bit. Would that help you do you think? I do think you should explain the minute you get in, tell her you find the whole thing very difficult, make sure they know. Good luck.

CJinSussex · 29/09/2006 20:38

Well done for booking the appt. I'm sure your nurse will be lovely and understanding - mine was when I had a smear following birth damage, we didn't finish the smear so I had it done 6 months later and then it was OK.

Our surgery has changed from the steel (and v. cold) speculums to disposable plastic ones and they don't feel so intrusive, iykwim.

May the force be with you

HelloMama · 29/09/2006 20:48

hello privateforthis, i'm sorry you have had a rough time recently. what i would suggest you do is when you see the nurse you don't have to explain what has happened, just say that you may find this a bit difficult and can she just give you time to relax and take it easy. If she is experienced, she will understand what you are saying, and you shouldn't need to explain. Unfortunately too many women have been through this experience, and she should appreciate this. as someone who does perform smears, it is nice to know beforehad if someone is very nervous or frightened, as you can be extra gentle and take your time. don't forget you can always ask her to stop at anytime if it gets a bit much.

privateforthis · 30/09/2006 21:58

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privateforthis · 30/09/2006 21:59

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fattiemumma · 30/09/2006 22:11

PLEASE don't back out of this appointment. you may have seena thread recently where i posted about my own health problems which could have been so so much worse had i not had regular smear tests.

Phone and inform the practice manager of your history and ask to be seen by a female Dr or Nurse. explain that you don't necessarily wish to discuss it but you are concerned about any pain or flashbacks.

I assure that although uncomfortable they really aren't painfull....i know you have had some injuries to your crevix but thankfully there are very few nerves in that area so you shouldn't feel any pain frm teh swab being taken.

If you can ask a freind to go with yuo that would be a very good idea. it may be very traumatic for you once its all over and i doubt you will feel like driving.

It will be a rough day but you do need to keep this appointment, don't allow this man to cause you any more pain.

You are an incredibly strong woman - just look how you have coped with your last ordeal - you can do this!

HelloMama · 01/10/2006 09:26

You can insert the speculum yourself if you feel more comfortable. Research shows that the women is more likely to find the cervix easily and quickly if she inserts it herself, so feel free to ask the nurse if she minds you doing it. This goes for anyone having a smear or examination - the nurse / doctor will show you what to do. Until the speculum is opened, you can see it kind of like a very big tube / tampon thing, and if you are used to using tampons, you will know when it is in at the right place.

SSSandy · 02/10/2006 10:44

What day is your appointment?

privateforthis · 02/10/2006 11:14

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SSSandy · 02/10/2006 11:21

can you call up and ask?

manamana · 02/10/2006 13:49

Hi. Just wanted to say hi and lend my support, really sorry to hear what you've been through. I had my smear this morning after putting if off because I had reconstructive surgery and was v scared of it hurting - nothing like the emotional trauma you've been through but wanted to share a positive story in case it helped. my nurse was lovely, I told her I was worried and then burst into tears, she was v understanding and talked me through the whole process and it was fine, just a bit uncomfortable. She asked if I wanted to have someone in the room to hold my hand but I declined. I found that talking to her about other stuff while she was doing it helped. Its such a personal thing that only you know what will help you but I think if you just let the nurse know that you are very worried because of a personal reason she will be able to treat you much more delicately. I would imagine that putting the speculum in yourself will make you feel more in control of the situation - I would definitely ask if you feel able to.

throckenholt · 02/10/2006 13:54

it shouldn't be painful - I don't think. I think your pain is psychological (understandably). Just tell the nurse you had a very traumatic experience and are finding the whole smear test thing a terrifying prospect. Hopefully she will be able to reassure you, and it will all be over very quickly.

Think how wonderful you will feel once you have got through this - a real boost to your self confidence.

privateforthis · 03/10/2006 13:25

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LIZS · 03/10/2006 13:30

Well done for plucking up the courage. Hopefully that'll be it for a few years now.

BloodRedRubyRioja · 03/10/2006 13:35

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