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Original poster

phobia about smear tests

30 replies

constancereader · 08/10/2007 14:42

Just wondering if anyone has successfully overcome a phobia of internal exams. I'm not talking about dislike, I mean a real phobic reaction that makes it impossible to carry out.

I haven't always been like this, I used to have them with no trouble, but various traumas I have suffered have resulted in this situation. I didn't even expect such a reaction, it came as a complete surprise when someone tried to perform an internal and I reacted in this way.

I have got an appointment with a very sympathetic doctor in a few hours in an attempt to get over this problem and I feel sick with fear. I was wondering if anyone had any heartening stories that would give me courage?!

OP posts:

Leo35 · 08/10/2007 15:22

Hi,

whilst not exactly phobic, I do have a deep seated fear of internals. I find it best to talk through the situation with GP or nurse at an appnt prior to the test.

Try asking them what they can do to help in just those small practical ways that will get you through it. Get them to consider you, and what you need, not just what Miss/Ms/Mrs Average is like. Eg. different size of speculum, lubrication/warming the speculum prior to use, booking a double appointment, asking for the most experienced doctor or nurse to do the test, asking if they can gently move the cervix correctly into view prior to taking the sample.

I have a horrible fear of smear tests, and have worked hard at getting through it.
Take care and remember that there are more women than you think who have these feelings. Best of luck this afternoon.

Original poster

constancereader · 08/10/2007 15:26

Thanks, it does make me feel better to know someone else has got through this.

I went through labour with no internals, and I do feel this contributed to my ecs.

I do have a very sympathetic doctor now who is willing to go slowly (over as many weeks as it takes).

I just feel very nervous right now!

OP posts:

swapped · 08/10/2007 15:28

CappuScreamO · 08/10/2007 15:28

is it the metal speculums?

they are horrid I used to hate them and get v stressed and clenchy

my surgery now has plastic ones which are a million times more comfy

swapped · 08/10/2007 15:31

I had a bad experience when I had a m/c at 7 weeks 2 years. Basically about 10 mins after it happened (In hospital) a doc came to do an exam - no explanation of why, no kind words, no thought to how I was feeling. I felt violated.
Its taken me 2 years before I could persuade myself to go for a smear (which I have just done). I went to the nurse at my GPs who was lovely. I was shaking like a leaf but she told me exactly what she was doing & hopefully I have now put my bad experience behind me

Walnutshell · 08/10/2007 15:34

I've put my smear off for about 18 months now and still can't face up to it. Now have fear compounded with worry that I'm not going for it.

Your phobia sounds more serious and I hope you feel better after discussion with the doctor, really good luck to you.

Original poster

constancereader · 08/10/2007 15:34

It's not the mechanics of it, it is just the whole thing. This reaction really came out of the blue. I panic as much as if someone is coming at me with a knife. It's horrific.

I can insert a speculum myself, it just when someone else tries to do it.

I used to be fine! This only appeared after I lost two babies, one at 20 weeks. I now think it was the pessary they had to insert both times that has left me with this problem.

OP posts:

Kewcumber · 08/10/2007 15:36

can't you just to insert speculum yourself if you have a supportive doctor?

Original poster

constancereader · 08/10/2007 15:37

well done swapped, you give me courage.

walnutshell, tell your gp about your fears. That's what got me referred.

OP posts:

Original poster

constancereader · 08/10/2007 15:38

i think that's what we are going to try today.

OP posts:

sKerryMum · 08/10/2007 15:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sKerryMum · 08/10/2007 15:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Kewcumber · 08/10/2007 15:40

I don't know if this will help as I know phobias aren't rational but my smear test detected changes to my cervix far more advanced than would be normal and too far for simple laser treatment. After a minor operation I'm back to normal (although annual smears for some time).

Theoretically its possible that smear test saved my life.

Kewcumber · 08/10/2007 15:41

and how about valium - I know it wouldn't be everyones choice but it might help.

colditz · 08/10/2007 15:43

When I have to have bloodtests, the nurses let me tie the tourniquet myself (am phobic) and it really does help - makes me feel so much more in control. I am sure they would let you do this if it would help.

goingfor3 · 08/10/2007 15:43

I have had quite a few internals and always found them painful until they started using plastic spectulums, I feel so much more relaxed now.

Kewcumber · 08/10/2007 15:44

colditz - are you phobic about needles or tourniqets - no reason for asking just being nosy

DottydotsofBloodOnTheFloor · 08/10/2007 15:45

How do you get hold of valium? I know I need to go for a smear but honestly can't imagine going unless I'm drunk/comatose...

SpookyDooooo · 08/10/2007 15:52

I have a terrible phobia of smear tests too, don't ask me why because i don't have a clue but i start to have a real panic attack get all hot & feel like i am going to faint

I have been given diazipan (sp)? for a past one & it does help as it relaxes you & gives you that drunk sort of feeling well i did take 5 all at once!

I would talk to your docotr, i am again late for mine & really need to go but the courage is just not there i am so scared.

kerala · 08/10/2007 15:52

Have similar thing and also about blood being taken. What helped for me was:

Not to look
To visualise being somewhere else really concentrate on taking yourself away from the situation

Original poster

constancereader · 08/10/2007 15:54

Kewcumber, that is why I am persevering with this rather than leaving it. Glad you are ok.

I think my doc has ruled out valium as she feels it is better if we address the problem rather than trying to mask it.

When my surgeon thought she might have stitched my cervix into the wound after my cs, they nearly put me under again to check. So I really need to sort this out to avoid such situations arising again.

colditz, I think that the control thing is key for me too.

Thanks all of you, I off now. You have really stopped me from panicking.

OP posts:

Kewcumber · 08/10/2007 15:56

Dottydot - if you are me you ask your nice friend who gives you some of hers

colditz · 08/10/2007 15:57

I am scared of the needle, the point at which (vom) it punctures my skin. But if I am holding the tourniquet, for SOME reason I feel like it is up to me, and I can stop the nurse doing what she wants if I should want to.

I know this is irrational, but hey, so are phobias. It makes me feel better.

Kewcumber · 08/10/2007 16:13

I suspect control is a big issue in phobia management. Re injections (look away now colditz) I always watch them put the needle in, gives some nurses the creeps! Not sure why but I think its a control thing.

Walnutshell · 08/10/2007 18:29

Hope it went well for you constance.

Spookydoooo - yep, me too, too scared to go now. Ridiculous. I'm so irritated with myself.

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