feeling scared

[Athena1990]

Hi everyone. Im at the really really early stages. Sorry i don’t know all the acronyms yet or what they mean. If there is a glossary can anyone point me in that direction? So far ive had my blood tested while on day 3 of my period & then tested again 7 days prior to my period starting. My first blood test came back saying all my red blood cell tests (haemoglobin etc) were all on the high side but when retested came back normal. They also requested additional tests related to iron, b12 etc. All came back in normal range. All hormone levels normal. My partner is waiting for his tests to be done. He had his done with a previous partner over 10 years ago so we already know they will say he has a low sperm count & misshapen sperm. My smear test is overdue. Mainly because ive never been able to have one successfully. Ive always found it too painful so I'm really scared I'm going to struggle with the next steps. Can they put you under anaesthetic? Im so scared I'm not going to be able to handle it but its going to be my only option to have a child

[Christianbaby]

Hey!

I completely understand your fears and anxieties about starting the IVF journey. I remember feeling scared and overwhelmed myself when I began. It's totally normal to feel uncertain, especially when facing medical procedures and tests that can be uncomfortable or painful.

I used to have anxiety attacks over everything IVF-related, just like you. But as time went on and I experienced both setbacks and successes, I discovered a strength within myself that I never knew existed. And I truly believe you have that same resilience within you.

I know it's daunting, especially when facing the prospect of procedures like a smear test, which can be uncomfortable for many. While smears aren't typically done under anesthesia, it's important to remember to breathe and take things one step at a time. You're stronger than you think, and you'll find the courage to face whatever comes your way on this journey.

Sending you lots of love and strength. xxx

[Athena1990 in reply to Christianbaby]

Thank you for having belief in me! All i ever get from other people in my life is negative that i wont be able to deal with it etc

[CardiGrey]

Hi Athena. There is a link here to a pinned post about all the abbreviations which is quite helpful: healthunlocked.com/fertilit...

That will help you to learn what everything means. As Christianbaby said, it’s very daunting at the start of the journey and everything seems so out of reach. There are a lot of people on here that felt like that and they are now parents. Do you know if you have a retroverted uterus? My smears have been painful and then I found out last year I had a retroverted uterus. Smears are quite uncomfortable, but with breathing, you can get through it. Thinking of you xx

[Athena1990 in reply to CardiGrey]

Im not sure what my uterus is like. One time during a smear the nurse said she couldnt see it with the speculum she was using. No one else has ever commented. I have never been able to tolerate the pain and ive been prescribed diazepam to take prior to having the test done and still hasnt worked.

[Dormus01]

hi Athena - sorry to hear about what you are going through, it sounds tough. I had terrible vaginismus before ttc and found smear tests beyond terrifying. I got referred to an amazing sexual clinic clinic that supported through treatment for vaginismus - use of dialators, muscle relaxation techniques. The nurse got me my own speculum and when I felt ready I learnt how to insert it myself. When I felt ready to have a smear I told the nurse that I was in recovery from vaginismus and she was happy to let me insert it myself which make the experience so much less stress full. I was nervous about the internal exams and procedures around ivf but having had that treatment I managed to get through all of them pain free. You are not alone, there are places that can help you with smear tests and the like. I would advise that your tam to your gp about getting support with smears tests . Good luck with everything xx

[Fruitandflowers]

I've had a severe gynae pain condition since I was a child and I found all gynae investigations and test that should be normal absolute agony. I couldn't even use tampons. Have you had it investigated? There are treatments depending on what's causing it (including meds to rewire the nerves if that's what it is, or dilation therapy and counselling/hypnosis). But after years I found all the different diagnoses and treatments were making me more not less sensitive, scared and tense. All I would say is mine drastically improved with age, and taking paracetamol and ibuprofen (and any othe pain killer I could get them prescribe) did help a bit but there was no pattern to when it was so bad they couldn't do it or when it was bearable. On smear tests, they've never offered me any pain relief and I did delay a lot. If you have a fertility clinic speak to them and explain as it's not always compulsory everywhere. Also if you do go down the IVF route you need to be aware that there will be quite a few internal scans and egg collection can be painful, so again speak to your clinic way in advance about sedation and pain relief - you'll probably need full sedation (ie, asleep for collection, and that's pretty normal but my NHS one didn't do it and said they couldn't and I wish I'd known). Feel free to DM me if you like as I know it's pretty rare for it to be so bad. But I'm expecting baby number 2 imminently so it can be done!