Almost 4 years ago I had my first smear test, I wasn't worried about going and booked it as soon as I received a reminder. I wasn't a virgin, although my sexual experience was limited and I hadn't been in a relationship for a few years prior to having my smear.
Unfortunately it was the worst experience of my life, it was painful at the time and although I bled slightly I didn't think much of it. Around an hour later I suffered severe bleeding, no amount of padding would stop it and it continued for hours, I went back to the doctors who then sent me to A&E via an ambulance, to this day I have never really had an explanation as to what happened or why. I haven't been in a relationship since, the thought of anything coming near that area now, makes me anxious. I am now almost a year overdue for my second smear test, I discussed my fears with a nurse who I began to feel comfortable with and maybe even trust enough to do it, only to return for an appointment a few weeks ago and she had left. Any confidence I had gained about going has now gone and I feel as though I am back at square one.
I have also discussed this with my own doctor who has said he could prescribe me something as a one off to calm me down a little beforehand as even talking about it makes my whole body tremble.
I guess I am just in need of some advice, because there seems to be no explanation I can not be sure this won't happen again, I am absolutely terrified. I am not naïve to cancer and I understand the importance of having regular smears but physically I do not know if I can go through with it.
Has this happened to anyone else? please help!