Late smear test health anxiety :(

[beeswaxbonnie]

So I'm 29 years old, nearly 30.

I last had my smear test early 2017, my first ever one, all fine.

I received a letter early last year 2021 for my next test, but I was pregnant with my first son so couldn't go.

They said to wait until 3 months postpartum until booking in for another.

However I got pregnant pretty much straight away. I've just gave birth to my second son in August. So will need to wait another 3 months before I can have the smear.

I am absolutely terrified and it's all I can think about. By the time I have this smear, I will be nearly 2 years late with it. What if I've developed cancer in that time? What if it's terminal? I can't leave my 2 babies :(

I realise there's absolutely nothing I can do about it until the smear itself but this health anxiety clouds my every day, I can barely function. Don't know what the point of this thread is I just wanted to get it off my chest!

Hey Beeswaxbonnie,

I also have health anxiety and currently going through a health scare, hopefully it is nothing nasty going on....

I am 41 now and hopefully getting better at controlling it as I get older. I had abnormal cells when I had my first smear at 21 (god knows why that young) I had 4 abnormal ones and laser treatment- at the time I had no children, no google and really didn't care... I had to have smears every 6 months for 10 years so when I turned 31 I only had to have them every 3 years. They are on about changing it 5 years aren't they? I honestly think you will be fine, I know its easier said. You got one month to get the smear test- please call doctors and speak to them or a nurse about your fears so they can reassure you!. My mum did not have one for 20 years! I secretly booked it and made her go-it was clear. Lots of women miss them, at least you are not like that.

I remember being 29 and freaking out about health, then 35 and now 40 but this time its real. I know exactly how you feel when you have little ones and the fear takes over doesn't it.

If you have enough money please try Hypnotherapy It has helped me massively with dealing with stuff. It does cost a a lot but i wish I had done it years ago.

If you need a rant then rant... H A sucks! xx

Thank you for your reply, you are very kind ❤️.

Since I wrote this post, it's all booked in, so just over one month to go. Can't beleive I'm actually looking forward to such a test haha. I am so hoping it's fine and if it is and I get through it, I will definitely look at some sort of therapy for this anxiety. It really takes over your life :(

it Really does! There is a pill I take for when I’m anxious it’s called propranolol, I used it for flying and at the mo while I’m going through a health scare.

you will be fine, I remember the fear at 29 with babies. There so much on social media with cancer/death it’s just a scary world. I prefer it years ago when we didn’t know. It’s just too much info.

you will be fine, you have booked it now and while they do it they can see what’s going on. Mine always says yes it’s clear.

if you need to rant just come back on this post and I will reply xx

Hi @Jodie569

Apologies for jumping on the thread but could I ask how you found a good hypnotist?

also have health anxiety that has tipped into being problematic again. And I’m tired of moving like this!

OP - hope all goes well with your smear!

Hi Ridingladybugs, I live in the South Of England- where about do you live?. If you are not close then look for people online that have recommended someone local. I hope you find someone.

It's really helped me, although I am going through a real health scare at the moment but no where near as bad as I was years ago.

Also south - I will have a google. I’ve tried loads but nothing really helps me long term. Also undergoing a health scare and just really want to get it under control a bit more!

Sorry to hear that, Its very hard to cope when its real. I hope you are okay. If you need to chat I am here. It can be very lonely when you suffer, not many understand.

Her name is Lorraine Gleeson (Hampshire).

Thank you 🙂

I hope you get things sorted. x