The Dreaded Letter

[milly143]

Have just opened my one bit of post for the week and it was that bit of paper I dread from the Doctors saying;

"Dear Miss ******

We'd like to invite you for you cervical screening test."

I know it's very important but does any dread these things as much as me?

[Francis Asis]

I think we all hate it, but get it done anyway. The alternative doesn't bear thinking about.

[marval]

I hate having it done, but it is worth it, after all it could save your life

[karenmac60]

I have to confess I missed my last one. My surgery hired a new nursing sister who is the one that does these things - and she's a friend of my husband's who was at our wedding. I know it was a really really stupid reason for not going, given how important it is, but I'm not one of these 'all girls together' types who's comfortable in any kind of semi clad situation with friends (pals who get changed in front of you etc) and I got myself in such a state about it! I was actually just thinking earlier that I need to bite the bullet and make an appointment....

[mccfluff]

mine was about 4 years overdue, but same as onetomany lay back and thought of jade goody

one tip wear a skirt then you don;t have to get nekkid. just hitch it up :-)

[4getmenot]

Nope I'm not bothered. I guess when I eventually have a baby I'll be showing all my bits off anyway and the nurses see peoples everyday. The very first time I had it done they didnt do it properly so I was called back the next week.

[ummmm]

Doesn't bother me either. I'm more bothered about parking the car...

[karenmac60]

Last time I went, I fell off the table. Not very dignified.

[oscarina]

be glad that they have contacted you, its all over in a few minutes and you will have peace of mind to know that everything is ok!

[milly143]

Even though my last one wasn't a bad experience I just hate the thought of getting my bits out for someone else. I'm just like you in that respect Karen.

All 4 of my sisters has had to have treatment in the past following poor results so I know how important it is. Maybe get some voddy inside me before hand. That seems to be my answer to everything today.

[DTCwordfan]

You must go Karen....even if it is someone who you know.

Its the same for us men with prostates and someone you know putting his fingers up there to feel away - and that is the male equivalent of the g-spot!

[meglet]

Milly, I would recommend a couple of paracetamol beforehand which can take the edge off the uncomfortableness. It's the cranking of the cervix I don't like...

[ummmm]

My Mum had cervical cancer....

[Aprilis]

I absolutely hate it and never quite get round to making the appointment. Having swerved it for more time than is prudent, I came to my senses and had it done last week. It was over in no time and whilst not exactly a pleasant experience, it wasn't as bad as I always build it up to be in my head. I feel much better for having bitten the bullet. My results came back yesterday - nothing detected, all normal. Now I can heave a sigh of relief and not have to face another one for three years. Hooray! Better to grit your teeth and just do it milly, rather than risk cervical cancer and wish you'd done it before it was too late.

[granny grump]

Don't find it a problem- especially after all the indignities you put up with when having children - just think milly143 this letter could avoid you getting much worse news in the future. I pant (quietly) like we were taught to do in labour and it does help. Also keep talking ( between silent pants) and that helps as well

[anneasquith]

please ladies as much as this examination can be embarrasing and uncomfortable, dont ever miss your cervical screening or a mamogramme.

[woofgang]

I hate it and go anyway. Its always painful. Hate mammograms too but go anyway.

[~Wingnut~]

I went on Thurs for mine!! I was going anyway to have my coil checked and got the letter a week or so ago so rang up to ask if I could have my smear done at the same time! no problem and I didn't feel a thing! Mainly because I have a bad back and that was more painful lol
I just shrug things like that off now, I'm more embaressed when my tummy rumbles in meetings lol

[climber_chick]

I am only 25 and have had loads of smears done already, including 2 biopsies. I have been recalled to hospital twice due to abnormal cells and am awaiting the results of my biopsy again. The last time I went for my biopsy it was my friend's mum - still went through with it though because it is so important.
I think everyone should go for their smears because no matter how young we are we can still have abnormalities and at least now I am checked every 6 months and am reassured by the fact I can be treated straight away if it is to develop further.

And like ummmm says, i too are more worried about parking my car for the appointment!!