Going for a smear today and I hate it - can anyone buck me up?!

[snowleopard]

I know it's important and doesn't take long etc. But I'm dreading it - I cannot relax, I get horrendously tense, it hurts (because I'm tense), I cry, etc. Does anyone feel the same and how do you get through it?

Just lie back and think of Dearest DH.

They don't bother me personally, but I do sympathise nonetheless.

Would it be hideous to suggest you take a couple of paracetamol/ibuprofen shortly before you turn up? Pain relief and to relax you slightly? (or a stiff drink? )

Take a couple of paracetomol about an hour before hand, will dull any pain you feel. Might not take it away completely but certainly dull it. Try to focus on the fact that you could possibly be saving your own life, it's a second of discomfort for the reassurance that you don't have something that could very well kill you or at least take away your ability to have children. Good luck, I hope it goes well, close your eyes tightly and go to a happy place (I always mentally decorate my dream house in those situations but it could just as well be sitting on an amazing beach, or planning the most spectacular party you've ever been to)

Regular breathing

In......Out.....In........Out.

You can do it. It's for your own health benefits.

(Who am I trying to convince, you or myself?)

Good luck.

I usually count and pinch my hand very hard.

Nowadays they use a soft brush rather like a wee bottle brush not that horrid hard scraper lollie stick, much more comfy

Deep breaths, it's not naice but you are doiung the right thing.

A moment of discomfort and all that

[squeeze]

Oh yes a couple of paracetamol beforehand is a Good Idea

I always choose a woman doctor to do it, I feel more comfortable and they are usually more gentle.

Painkillers is genius... off to slurp some now. Thanks.

There is a cafe round the corner from the surgery for hot choc treat. (Was there last week too for cake after DS's MMR - it is the horrendous medical experience treat cafe!)

When was the last time you went? They have better instruments now and you hardly feel it.

It's never pleasant though is it, just remember how important it is and have a fat hot chocolate afterwards.

I have managed to book the nice woman doctor who understands me. (phew>

It is partly just my fear of it that makes it so hard, but also she says I have a wonky womb that does make it more difficult (that isn't the technical term, can't remember what is...)

tilted uterus?

Well done for still going though.

I think I read this on here (or maybe dreamt it up) but if you say the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty - that's as long as it usually takes. Say it to yourself though not out loud or you'll they'll be wanting to test your head too

Have a treat lined up for later.

Think so guadalupe. I do it when they summon me so it will have been 3 years ago - new improved instruments sounds promising

Thank you all for posting, the support really does help.

Went for mine 2 weeks ago, don't have to go back unitl 2012
It took me I had put that apt off for 2yrs, so I think thats 5 years from my last, wasn't as bad as I remembered

The nurse told me shes due hers and she keeps putting it off

Jade Goody's story (and bald head) has brought me up sharp. She only has a 40% chance of survival, apparently.

Just do it!

snowleopard, I have a retroverted uterus too, which I've been told makes the angle slightly more awkward, so it's important to relax as much as possible so the doc can reach round. Enjoy your lovely hot choc afterwards

It's all done! Took two attempts but paracetamol definitely helped and hot choc was v. nice

Thanks all

Hey! Well done you, all set for another 3 years now.

What was with the hot choc? Was that to wash down the tabs or did the nurse give it to you?!!

No it was my treat afterwards in a cafe. Although it should be on the NHS, obviously

Well done. That's it for another few years at least. I hope you had whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

I just made that for dcs and have a cruel joyless green tea but I am on a diet.

Oh yuk, green tea - that is punishment not refreshment!