Failed smear test

[Highlandfling80]

I have just had a smear which was really painful and failed. She couldn't get cervix to play ball. I knew it was going to hurt and was probably tense. I also have a retroverted uterus.
Just wondering if others have experienced this. I did ask about drugs to soften things but she said is wasn't necessary as I was still pretty soft despite bring menopausal.
I have read that plastic speculum aren't great for retroverted uterus but not sure if this is true.
Thank you

Did she get you to make a ball of your fists and place them underneath your bottom?
I have a retroverted uterus and my cervix like to play hide and seek...but doing the above usually does the trick. Was not comfortable doing that when I had a mirena fitted though!
Did she try using a metal speculum? The plastic ones don't work for me.

Did the fist thing. Also used a longer speculum but still plastic. Also tried lying on my side. Thank you for reply.