Smear test - was this normal?

[tattygirl]

Had my routine smear test this evening. It didn't go to plan. The test itself was agony - the nurse kept telling me to relax but it was so painful I ended up biting my hand to get through it. I was left to get dressed afterwards, started to feel really light headed and passed out. Eventually got myself together to drive home, walked through the door and threw up.

I don't have a problem with doctors, needles etc. Was it me or was the nurse too 'rough'? my last smear test was uncomfortable but nothing like what happened this evening.

I've got to see the doctor tomorrow. Should I mention it?

It might be where you are in your cycle, i have had tests that have been really painful, or i haven't felt anything. I think the passing out was due to the pain and feeling anxious rather than the smear itself. Mention it to the doc although im sure its nothing to worry about, and no more smears for five whole years

I think it will take me 5 years to pluck up courage to get it done again. I will mention it to the doc tomorrow; I was just shocked at how painful it was this time. At least I managed not to swear

Poor you - that's not a common experience when having a smear.

Is there any possibility you have an infection? I find that women experience more pain if they have an infection, such as thrush, BV, chlamydia etc.

Certainly mention it to the doctor if only to have it marked on your notes.

I don't think so - certainly nothing with obvious symptoms anyway. I guess 5 mins of pain is nothing compared with avoiding early detection of cancer but I did wonder if there was an underlying reason I needed to worry about.

The nurse said I needed to stop fighting her - as I 'bum shuffled' up the examination table to get away . I was quite blase about the whole process but I'm thinking panadol and a stiff drink beforehand next time.

My previous test was absolute agony - I was in discomfort for three days afterwards.

I barely felt the one I had on monday.

It was the same nurse. Admittedly I'd had a baby in between the two tests but surely that can't have made that much difference?

I thought you were supposed to have smears every three years - that's how often my doctors surgery seems to hassle me about them, anyway.

Definitely mention it to your doc.

My last smear test was a year after the birth of my second child and that was the one I worried about beforehand.

I did go prepared for discomfort this time but not what happened - the nurse asked if I'd had a virus, which I hadn't, as she thought this may have contributed to me passing out.

Oddly enough I haven't had much discomfort since apart from my knees hurting when I landed on them mid faint.

It's every 3 yrs for 25-49 and every 5 yrs for 50-65 in England**other countries may vary.

Tatty girl that does odd, getting checked over by the GP probably a good idea.

Well, just got back from the docs. He reckoned that I passed out due to cervical shock. When the cervix gets overstimulated this can happen and the body's natural reaction is to 'shut down'. It's now on my notes as any 'procedure' involving my cervix is likely to have the same result.

oh, you poor thing

I guess forwarned is forearmed. It did make sense though. I had a miscarriage a few years ago and went into cervical shock, resulting in a visit to hospital and the registrar 'removing the products' (his words) whilst I was wide awake and not under anaesthetic. I was so out of it at the time though I didn't understand the significance of what had happened and no one explained it to me after.

I think I might have a chat with the practice nurse next time as I can't envisage ever being able to relax through the procedure again .

tatty - that's awful - you poor thing...

My last smear made me bleed and I thought that was bad enough

tattygirl - it might be worth having a chat with your GP about HPV testing, then if this is neg, the HPV vaccination if its going to be difficult to attempt another one.
It did sound rather unpleasant

That's an idea Bela - I can happily handle needles and if it's an effective option I'll take it.