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Women's health

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hypotherapy to get over smear phobia

8 replies

smearworry · 23/02/2021 09:10

I have another thread on here about my phobia of smear tests. I put it in AIBU because I got no responses on here. I am thinking of booking hypnotherapy to try and see if I can overcome this.

've just been for my smear (5th or 6th one in my life) and 2 EMCS at least in part due to tilted cervix. No history of any problems. No signs or symptoms of anything sinister. All previous smears have been clear but horrible experiences. I have just always hated them and been very anxious shaking etc but this time I just couldn't let her near me. Definitely got worse after 2 horrible labours and all the poking and prodding and telling me my cervix doesn't work properly. This time I was in a right state (never been like that that before) just kept putting my hands in the way clamping my legs together. Totally awful and had to leave. I have another appt in a weeks time with instructions (and prescription) for 4mg of diazepam. Will it help? I've never walked out of one before I've gone through with it. Any advice? She said if the diazapem won't work she has no idea what to do with me. Refused to discuss any other option. I had my last one at hospital and it was far better but they won't do them any more. I would pay for private if I meant I could have sedation/gas and air but apparently that is absolutely not an option. I am in South Wales.

OP posts:
RightMovesAlong · 23/02/2021 10:34

Have you thought about asking if you can control the process? Maybe ask if you can insert the speculum? Is your fear of the possible discomfort? Do you know what's behind your fear? Is it embarrassment or fear of pain? Maybe if you can tackle your thought processes it might help.

smearworry · 23/02/2021 11:00

Its the discomfort of a total stranger sticking something into me. I've had some horrible smear and childbirth experiences but I am a bit like it with the dentist sticking his hand in my mouth too but at least I can see what they are doing. I always go to the dentist. Its the total lack of control.

OP posts:
smearworry · 23/02/2021 11:02

i mean i never miss my dentist appts and up until yesterday i have endured smears.

OP posts:
smearworry · 23/02/2021 11:04

and being told to relax (like I haven't thought of that)...it makes me worse

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smearworry · 09/03/2021 12:04

Just a quick update. I took 2mg of the diazepam and went to my appointment and it was fine. Don't know if it is was the drugs. I didn't feel any different but I got my husband to drive me just in case. I was in and out in 17 minutes. Never ever before has it been so straightforward. She did have to try two different speculums and I said can I have a minute before the second one and she said no! I'm glad she did.

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MyVisionsComeFromSoup · 09/03/2021 12:12

I had my last one with diazepam at the "difficult patients" clinic at a hospital (part of my issues were with the GP not being especially understanding of my mental block and the reasons for it), but just having understanding nurses there made such a difference. PLus the diazepam Grin.

TheChineseChicken · 09/03/2021 13:01

No advice I’m afraid but just to say I hate them too. Not as extreme as your reaction. I’m sorry your nurse isn’t more sympathetic as I had mine this morning and explained I hated it and she was lovely about it.

I ask for the smallest speculum they have - not sure if that would help?

TheChineseChicken · 09/03/2021 13:01

Sorry, I missed your last post! Glad it was ok

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