Hello everyone. Iv never had a smear test and I know how important it is to have one but I can't let anything near me. It hurts so much even internal examinations are extreme. I feel embarrassed at times with my pain level. I have endometriosis and number of other problems. Main one being vaginismus so this is where the smear test comes into.
I want to get it done but I can't deal with the pain at all.
Hi hun. Awwww I know how you feel my last, few internals have been horrendous. I think you should try speaking to your gp and say how much you want to get it done but the pain and the anxiety of the pain is too much maybe then you get something prescribed for the pain and something to help calm you down possibly might be worth a shot. Hope you manage to get it done hun. Xx
Yes I think I'll have to speak to my gp and see how they can help me at the surgery. I already have endometriosis so it's important I get it done because I don't want any more diagnosis of new stuff. Thank you 😊
Yes please do hun I'm sure they'll be able to help some way. Good luck and let me know how you get on please 😘
Hi again Shaz
Mine was done whilst under General Anaesthetic for a Hysteroscopy to investigate a Post Menopausal Bleed.
Now, I know you don't have a PMB, but what I am thinking is - why can't you have a General Anaesthetic for your Smear test? Worth asking? I can't see why not. You wouldn't be in hospital long, half a day? I can't see any reason that you should be refused a GA for this as it would be far too brutal for you to have this awake as it would cause so much additional pain.
All the best.
Xxxx🐥
ps
My Hysteroscopy revealed nothing, not even polypsx
Hi Mary. The thing is with GA I don't really wake up that easily so it affects my health overall. Obviously they give for surgeries and stuff when it's needed but I'm pretty sure my gp won't agree to this. I have appointment next week to discuss this with them. Let's see what they say. I haven't had gynae surgery in the past and never had a smear test either. Usually when it came through the post I would put it straight in the bin, didn't even want to know.
Hi again Shaz. I understand what you mean, asking your GP to arrange a GA for a smear might cause, in the least, a raised eyebrows reaction! But, seriously though, it would get the message across about the pain you are in.
About GA, when did you last have one? They have come along way with the meds and although back in 2013 I'd agreed the Gynae could try the Hysteroscopy in clinic. He stopped saying it was going to be too painful and I said I'd come in but would prefer a spinal. However in my pre-op appointment with his Anaesthetist I was happy to accept his opinion and have the GA. Wouldn't hesitate in having another. When under the anaesthetic for just a short time, recovery from it is quick. Just not allowed to drive for 24 hours.
I was wondering if any specialist is treating you / helping you with the vaginismus? I guess you have Googled this and read NHS choices.
Are you under a Gynaecologist at the moment or did GP diagnose the endometriosis and other problems?
Have you considered asking GP or your Gynaey for an urgent referal to the Women's Health Physiotherapist?
I understand you feeling embarrassed. Hope you are able to communicate to your GP just how much pain and suffering you are experiencing and how you are feeling. And you get the help and support you need to treat you effectively and reduce your pain.
Xx
I'm seeing a gynaecologist in London hospital my last appointment with them was April this year and last internal scan was last year in September so about a year ago. And they've given me creams and other stuff for it but not treating it more than that unfortunately because they can't do more they said so I'm helping myself in some ways. Guess you can't always rely on Drs sometimes when they fob you off you have to do things yourself.
Yes. You have to find out as much as possible about your conditions and do what you can to "accommodate " them and manage them. This I have learnt. With some diagnosis I have needed essential treatment with many I have had no medical help and wouldn't even know all my conditions if I hadn't applied for a copy of my hospital records.
Will get back to you again. Have to go now. 2.30pm appointment in Lympthoedema Clinic for fitting of my new made-to-measures 'garments' (stockings!)
Xx
Hi again
I would try not to be too anxious about not having a smear test. I never had one for many, many years following a bad experience I never reported - but should have. That doesn't mean, of course, that it's OK never to have one. I suppose, what I am saying is that you have suffered so much so please don't stress over this until your GP or Gynaecologist agrees to do it in a pain free way.
Would I be correct in thinking that you would have had the CA125 blood test?
If you have had Gynae surgery in the past, are you sure they didn't do a smear at the same time but maybe didn't mention it. Worth asking GP to check notes for this or Gynaecologist ??
X
ps
I think it was more than 20 years between my last two smears !!! Oh, shameful, I know. But it was a really bad experience I had. No excuse. But had other health issues that took decades getting diagnosed. Have Hashmoto's plus many other conditions xxx
