Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 22-28 January 2012

fannyanna

Shashwoo wrote: »

Back in 2000 I went for my 1st smear, I was told to go back in 6 months and after that smear again was told to go back in 6 months. Upon these results I was given an appointment to go to the hospital and was told I had cancerous cells and would have them taken care of.

Since then I have been going back every 6 month (well supposed to, stupidly sometimes it has slipped my mind for a year or so) and my last one was due last June but again (Please don't judge) I have yet to go. I will go and get it done but I have my reasons for putting it off.

No one is going to judge you.

I can understand why people would want to put it off.

First of all it's not exactly the most dignified procedure to go through. That alone is why I kept putting off going for my initial smear. I was very, very anxious about that. And even though of late I've had to have loads of internal examinations I still get extremely anxious.

For me the fear factor was also another reason why I delayed things. I was convinced that I was going to have abnormalities and was quite happy keeping my head stuck in the sand. Unfortunately it did turn out that I had abnormalities and whilst I know I'm going to be really, really worried again when my 6 month check up comes around I know that I'll go to that appointment.

Don't feel bad for hesitating to go back. It's understandable. You might find it helpful to talk (to whoever you'd feel comfortable talking to) about what it is that's keeping you from going. It might be reassuring to know that others have the same fears.

x

fannyanna

caeler wrote: »

I've convinced the faciliaties team at my office to display this poster in relation to Cervical Cancer Prevention Week: http://www.jostrust.org.uk/Poster_-_Cervical_screening.pdf
Feel free to do the same if you can!

I'm actually quite surprised that it's only 20% of women that don't attend appointments. I thought the figure would be higher.

CBH88

I have literally just booked myself in for a smear next week. I live in Wales, so I had one at 20. I am now 23 and they have sent me numerous letters 'inviting' me back (like it's a party or something!). I hated having my first one done, but I am so grateful we get smears before the age of 25 that I will grin and bear it and hope the experience is better than last time.

alwaysbrassic

Gosh this is a subject that gets my emotions going. I was diagnosed with CIN3 early last year, and had a lletz treatment (the doctor described the amount of cervix removed as extensive - not what you want to hear!).

I spent the next 6 months waiting for my follow up convinced that it wasn't all gone, and that i would develop cancer. Luckily, another colposcopy and smear test in November revealed no abnormal cells and no signs of the virus so I have been discharged onto 3 yearly smears again. I may need further treatment as the colposcopy showed scarring of the cervix which bleeds easily, but after what I faced last year that will be nothing.

The treatment and the embarrassment is by no means the worst bit, its the knot of fear in your stomach as you imagine the worst.

I feel like last year passed by in a fog of uncertainty and worry. When my daughter is older, I shall arm her with the facts and allow her to feel comfortable enough about her body that she can go for any such tests without embarrassment, as time and time again it has been shown to be a life saver, although hopefully by this time the number of people suffering will be dramatically reduced.

spicyprawn

I've finally managed to book mine in, been trying since august ! Still it isn't until the end of February. Bit anxious but don't really know why tbh, I have had internals before, have 2 dds, not embarrassed as they see it all the time. The pain (can anyone explain what sort of pain?) I can deal with, or is it just more of an uncomfort?

claire16c

spicyprawn wrote: »

I've finally managed to book mine in, been trying since august ! Still it isn't until the end of February. Bit anxious but don't really know why tbh, I have had internals before, have 2 dds, not embarrassed as they see it all the time. The pain (can anyone explain what sort of pain?) I can deal with, or is it just more of an uncomfort?

If youve had 2 children I honestly dont think you need to be anxious! Ive never had kids but I have had a smear test, and its not painful at all. I was more embarassed than anything else and you dont have that problem. And once its done youll wonder why you were worried. Yes I would say more uncomfortable than anything else for maybe a couple of seconds They just put the speculum in ( if youve had an internal before maybe youve already had this done anyway? ) and use a little brush thingy to collect the cells - which I can only describe as a minute tickly feeling). And thats it.

Mine took a while longer as I had cervial erosion and blood kept getting in the way but she managed to get a sample thank goodness. So I was there for longer than most people will be!

spicyprawn

claire16c wrote: »

If youve had 2 children I honestly dont think you need to be anxious! Ive never had kids but I have had a smear test, and its not painful at all. I was more embarassed than anything else and you dont have that problem. And once its done youll wonder why you were worried. Yes I would say more uncomfortable than anything else for maybe a couple of seconds They just put the speculum in ( if youve had an internal before maybe youve already had this done anyway? ) and use a little brush thingy to collect the cells - which I can only describe as a minute tickly feeling). And thats it.

Mine took a while longer as I had cervial erosion and blood kept getting in the way but she managed to get a sample thank goodness. So I was there for longer than most people will be!

Thank you, you have put my mind at ease I have had the speculum which is uncomfortable too but not unbearable so I think I will be fine and like you say, afterwards I will wonder what all the fuss is about hehe

Is it advised to have a pad in, incase of spotting?
Thanks again

ziggles50

spicyprawn wrote: »

Thank you, you have put my mind at ease I have had the speculum which is uncomfortable too but not unbearable so I think I will be fine and like you say, afterwards I will wonder what all the fuss is about hehe

Is it advised to have a pad in, incase of spotting?
Thanks again

At mine they offer you a pad- in case of 'oozing'- yuck- i always want to say i don't ooze lady that's gross!

claire16c

spicyprawn wrote: »

Thank you, you have put my mind at ease I have had the speculum which is uncomfortable too but not unbearable so I think I will be fine and like you say, afterwards I will wonder what all the fuss is about hehe

Is it advised to have a pad in, incase of spotting?
Thanks again

Oh well definitely dont worry about it then as youve basically had it done before then - just minus the actual taking of the sample - which you can barely feel anyway! Glad Ive put your mind at ease - I was really worried before having it done, but I can tell you getting the letter to say youve got the all clear is really good.

I didnt, as I went home straight after the docs and I live 2 min drive away so I figured Id be home soon, but I didnt need one anyway -and like said i had bleeding from the cervix so I dont think you would need it anyway, if I didnt with that.

You could always take one in a bag with you and pop in the loo at the docs if you were worried though or you did need one, as obviously everyone is different

If anything - it wont likely be because of spotting it will be the lube stuff they put on the speculum!

euronorris

KxMx wrote: »

I certainly think in this day in age the smear test age is too old and have already had words with my MP about it lol.

They decided that anyone under 30, was too young to worry about here in the Netherlands!!!

Bit annoying, as my I had my last smear at 26 (all clear), and am due (by UK standards) for another now, but I have to wait for my 30th in November before I even get asked here.

But, I am wondering if I should ask the doc about doing it a bit earlier than scheduled as my eldest sister has just undergone treatment for abnormal cells that they found in her most recent smear. Still waiting for results there. I can't remember the correct name of the procedure. I just know that she had to take a week off work as she couldn't do any lifting afterwards and she works as a childminder.

Maybe I should send an email to the surgery and ask them. See what they say. It's not pleasant, but I'd rather have a smear than have cancer.