Scared about having my smear

[SongBirdsKeepSinging]

For the last 5 years I've had a smear every year, it comes back abnormal and then I go for a colposcopy. So far I've only needed to have biopsies and have another smear in 12 months

When my smear was due last year I was pregnant. Through my pregnancy I was hospitalised because of bleeding, because of the bleeds I had to have internal examinations done to check my cervix every few days .

I've always found smear tests painful because my cervix is tilted but while I was pregnant they were having to give me gas and air because it was so painful . I had my daughter in November so I've booked my smear test for the beginning of March. I know it's so important for me to get it done but I am so scared of how much it will hurt. I'm traumatised from the internals during the pregnancy and I really don't think I will cope if it starts to hurt. Is there anything I can do or ask for to help me?

Sorry this is so long!

You poor thing. I don't have any experience of painful smear tests but I used to be anxious about them because on my very first one they discovered a cyst that I ended up having surgery to remove. It is good that you realise how important it is to get them done but is this smear a little soon? I was told to wait 6 months after having my baby but I suppose your circumstances may be different.

Can you take someone along with you to hold your hand? Is there anything you could take beforehand just to take the edge off like kalms or something?

Sorry if this isn't helpful but I didn't want to read and run.

Kalms is a really good idea thank you. The Dr's in the hospital said to have it 3 months after the birth, I thought it was a bit soon too. If it was further away I'd probably end up getting more and more anxious.

I'm going to see if dh can get the day off work. The surgery isn't far from our house but last time I really struggled to walk home. I've had 3 children you'd think I'd be ok pain wise by now haha

Hi Song, I too have the same problem with a tilted cervix and yes its painful to have a smear, and certainly dont look forward to having it done. Like you I have had repeat smears done due to abnormal cells, but all ok in the end

But I keep thinking its for my own good and be thankful that Im being looked after, and last one was with a new nurse who was very careful and really was aware of how painful it can be, she was great and I only bled a small amount, unlike other times when I have been in tears with pain and bleeding and very upset at the lack of care.

Please dont put it off, take someone with you your appointment and try and relax as much as possible (easier said than done I know)

I too have a tilted cervix. I’ve always been told to put my hands in a fist under my bottom.
There are different sized speculums and my practice nurse always uses the smallest one.
I think that kalms may help as it’s often the build up and the thought of it that gets you anxious and then you’re tense and not relaxed which is counter productive lol
I try and talk my way through the whole thing, chat chat chat about your kids, your dh, then it will give your mind something else to think about for the short time it actually takes.
And after, treat yourself you a huge slice of cake and reward yourself with the knowledge that you are taking care of your health and are a strong brave women.

Sorry to hear this. I too have a retroverted uterus. 1 practice nurse was also a midwife who used a long speculum, because the cervix is farther back when its retroverted (tilted). I've since always asked for this and never had any issues- although never found it painful before, but they ALWAYS have difficulty finding my cervix. I too have been asked to sit on my fists or on a pillow to lift the pelvis up.
Could you take someone with you, or ask your GP for a mild relaxant to take beforehand?

Thanks for your replies everyone. They used a long speculum and had my fists under my bum for internals during the pregnancy I just hadn't thought to ask for this for the smear. Dh is going to take the dy at off work, he knows how worked up I am. It needs to be done though, not worth the risk

So have you had it done then? Well done OP.

Not yet elouera, it's booked for the 11th of March