1 down, 1 to go...

[Dottydot]

So there are two things I haven't done since I was 18 (20 years ago ).

1. Go to the dentist - went today! Only 1 filling needed and was told by the dentist I had wonderful teeth. Didn't hurt at all and can't believe I've been terrified all these years.

1. Have a smear... I need encouraging 'it doesn't hurt at all these days' stories as the first and last smear I had hurt like hell, made me bleed and I've never been back since... Am aiming to pluck up the courage to get one done before I'm 39.

woo hoo !! and don;t you feel better!!

And I have sparkly teeth - which apparently are very strong. She said I made her feel redundant!!

And when is your smear booked for?

did she give you a sticker for being so brave?

now go and get your smear done

Hey, you will be sparkly at both ends if you go for the smear too

Seriously, it is mildly unpleasant, nothing worse, promise. Wear a panty liner just in case you bleed a little bit afterwards.

Oh come on - 1 traumatic event for this week is enough isn't it..?

To be really honest, I tried to have one done about 5 years ago - lovely practice nurse who tried for ages and couldn't get one done - I was on the ceiling with pain and she gave up...

But I like the thought of being sparkly at both ends!!

Why would it be so painful - am I just a big wuss?

have you got a Family Planning clinic near you (they sometimes do them in GP's surgeries on certain nights)?

Often the nurses who do those are very smear-practised and know what they are doing.

Or ask for the GP in your surgery who specialises in the gynae stuff.

Unskillful smear-doing-person?

I'm due a smear test too Dotty. I'll tell you what - I'll book mine tomorrow and meet you back here and you can tell me when yours is booked or If you relax it'll be okay, I promise, and just think of all the prodding and poking they'll need to do if - God forbid - you don't have the test and something happens.

I think the most painful test I've had done was when I went into suspected early labour at 26(ish) weeks. It was the whole speculum and scrap jobby, like a smear, but no lubricant and I had SPD so couldn't open my legs - ouch!!!!!!!!!!

i got my smear reminder, need to go in may !

Would it be very bad indeed if I had a glass of wine and a couple of paracetamol before I went (seriously)??

no, I imagine a lot of people do that

As long as you're not planning on driving yourself Dotty.

No it's down the road - but I may be in charge of small children afterwards! I should imagine having the smear would sober me up pretty quickly...

LOL - you'll be fine!

I'll see you back here with appointment within the next 48 hours, with appointment times and dates!

Oh my god. Possibly. Am hyperventilating at the thought of it, but will possibly give it a go tomorrow.

So did you, did you, hmm?

Dotty - I'm booked in for next Friday at 9am. And you??????

dotty I didnt even feel my last smear test. By the dentist on the other hand is something completely different........

Doc used a speculum on me when I was pg and was that heavy-handed with the bloody thing he cut me and made me bleed

I swore I wouldn't ever have another one inside me buuuuut...had a smear the other day and it was perfectly fine. All over in 2 minutes.

Just do it. It is worth it for the massive weight off your shoulders.

Dotty??????