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Original poster

I'm so ashamed but very scared.... Smear tests

68 replies

aterribleworrier · 29/11/2006 12:52

I am late 20's with one DS and i hate to admit it but i've never had a smear test.
I am totally petrified of going (even after an awful labour!)my GP always mentions it and i get letter after letter but i just can't do it. The first problem is that i wouldnt go to the GP because i think i'm almost too close to them so i've found the nearest clinic that will do it, but i just dont want to go.
I think this stemmed from having an infection when i was younger and being so embarrased when the GP 'took a look'.
I know this is probably a stupid thing to say but i dont need a lecture (i get enough from my mother and DH!)but i know i should go and dont know how to get over this hurdle. I even think that there 'could' be a problem but i'm just to scared to lie there whilst they do it.
HELP!

OP posts:
choosyfloosy · 30/11/2006 10:01

aterribleworrier, maybe you have already booked an appointment, but if not and it bothers you to say thta you want a smear, why not write them a letter asking for an appointment, giving perhaps a choice of days? You don't HAVE to talk about this on the phone to someone you've never met before. Just address it to the family planning nurse or practice nurse if it's a GP practice. Then they can write back to you (you could enclose an sae if you are feeling kind!)

In our practice smears do usually require a double appointment, and I think the nurses do appreciate knowing beforehand, I have to say.

SnowisFalling · 30/11/2006 10:40

I haven't had one for about 10 years either - hate the very thought of it despite having two kids {blush]

hotandbotherd / aterribleworrier - how about we make a 'pact' and support each other through it - post when we are about to ring up, share the appointment dates and have a fab time afterwards feeling good about it all?

Original poster
aterribleworrier · 30/11/2006 13:27

i'm totally up for that snowisfalling. I cant believe the amount of support that this website can give and i now feel like i can (/should!) do it. I'm away this weekend, so when i get back i'm going to get something sorted (actually i think its the right time of the month as well - not that i know - i'm totally guessing!)
Keep this thread going - i want to make sure we are ALL going to go!
contemplates the stiff drink she'll have to have this evening

OP posts:
myermay · 30/11/2006 13:37

Message withdrawn

Original poster
aterribleworrier · 30/11/2006 13:43

myermay your totally right and putting it in that way makes me realise i MUST go... my DS needs me to be around.... i couldnt have survived without my parents!

OP posts:
fruitcake · 30/11/2006 13:46

to aterribleworrier from another terribleworrier: GO! I went to my gyn 12 yrs ago cos I saw a freckle on my pubis & thought it might be skin cancer (yes, fine, go ahead & laugh -- I did say I'm a terrible worrier!) & he ran some other tests on me. Not only did I have genital warts but also an infection (which I had transferred to dh-to-be). It could have been very serious had I not had treatment (dh too, poor guy!) but did subsequently give birth to 2 healthy babes & so far, no more abnormal cell growth. So please, please go! xxx

KimiTheChristmasCracker · 30/11/2006 13:50

PLEASE PLEASE GO
As the sister of someone battleing with cervical cancer, i can not stress how importent it is to go.

ludaloo · 30/11/2006 13:52

can you take your dh along with you?

Original poster
aterribleworrier · 30/11/2006 13:59

You know what, i was thinking that.... he would come with me (wouldnt actually come into the room, but he'd definitely get me to the clinic!)... I think i may ask him because it would really help (and i dont want to even mention it to my friends that i've NEVER been because all i get is lectures)

OP posts:
Original poster
aterribleworrier · 30/11/2006 13:59

You know what, i was thinking that.... he would come with me (wouldnt actually come into the room, but he'd definitely get me to the clinic!)... I think i may ask him because it would really help (and i dont want to even mention it to my friends that i've NEVER been because all i get is lectures)

OP posts:
meowmix · 30/11/2006 14:16

please please go - trust me the treatment for cervical cancer is far worse and far more embarrassing than a smear, and it knocks you for six in many many ways. If this is caught soon enough its entirely treatable and its statistically unlikely you'll have anything to worry about.

Research some relaxing techniques online, get DH/a friend to go with you and help you relax. Take some rescue remedy or Kalms but please please do go. The anticipation is far worse than the actual event.

And if you have daughters think of it this way - fast forward to when they're in their 20s saying they are too scared to have a smear even though it could save their lives, fertility, health. What would you tell them to do?

april74 · 30/11/2006 14:35

Please go all that haven't, I used to dread them and put them off, then about 4 years ago I finally went and had an abnomal smear, lukcily though they managed to remove all the abnormal cells and I am fine, I just thought of my son and that he needed me and that made me do it, so glad I did.

I don't like them, but like others have said the nurses talk utter crap to take your mind of it and usually she takes it out and I think, is that it? its all done.

hotandbothered · 30/11/2006 23:32

Must be fate - my reminder came in the post today! I will book it...when I can work out when mid-cycle is! It's so good to find others like me - thank you! Will post when I've had it done...

mrsnoah · 01/12/2006 00:05

Oh terrible worrier, its so much less than having a baby and you've done that already.

You are braver than you realise.

I would rather have a smear done than a filling at the Dentist.

Its so quick and over before you know it. GO !!

MumtoBen · 01/12/2006 21:55

Santa - I was terrified of my last smear test. I have previously had 2 in my life and they were quite painful and both times gave me a urine infection (for some reason). Then I had a horrific birth and have been left with internal injuries. I was due for my smear about 6 months after I gave birth which would have been impossibly painful. It was the clamp thing they use that I was dreading. I left it for another year until my internal and external scarring was less painful. I then braved it and I didn't even feel it this time!

mrsnoah · 03/12/2006 08:19

Mumtoben... thats not very helpful posting that when the poor girl's already scared to death imo.

a terribleworrier, have you booked it yet?

Tell you what, lets have a virtual party when its done !

aliceband · 03/12/2006 13:03

you could ask for medication to take beforehand, to calm you down.

santacutie · 03/12/2006 13:30

I do so sympathise as I'm terrified and dread them,but I do go (after much psyching myuself up).
Just pick the midle of your cycle and make the appointment - and think to yourself that this will soon pass,because it does - not neearly as scary as you imagine it'll be ! good luck !!

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