Smear test/coil

[Meg888]

I know this sounds really childish but I'm overdue a smear test by around 3 yrs. I also have a coil fitted which should have come out around 2 yrs ago. (I now have the implant in my arm) When I got the coil put in, the pain was horrendous and it has made me very nervous about having it taken out & of getting a smear. I had the coil fitted at a diff doc - and my new docs do know about it as she talked about taking it out, but refused to do the smear at the same time so it will mean making two appts one with the doc for the coil & the other with the nurse for the ST. It makes feel ill just thinking about it, I know it sounds stupid but I actually feel frightened of having either of them done - I just keep shoving it to the back of my mind, and I have not spoke about it with anyone. I know they've got to be done, I just can't seem to work up the courage to make an appt??

[andy-hughes]

If your doctor is a woman, you are guarenteed a built-in level of empathy which a male doctor cannot provide.

Be absolutely honest about how frightened you are, and ask if you can have a mild tranquilsier prescribed for the day to take the edge of your fear.

It will probably be a lot less traumatic than you fear, but you need to get over your anxiety in order to get these proceedures completed, so make a 'chat' appointment with your GP and tell her how you feel. i am sure she will have dealt with this issue many times before, and able to sympathise, and reassure you in advance.

[ummmm]

Meg...getting the coil out is nothing like having it put in. Honestly. It'll take a couple of seconds and doesn't hurt at all.

[erin-x]

Just bite the bullet and make the appointment. I kept putting of my first ST and if I ignored them again it was going to be 3 years before they contacted me again. Would you not like to have the peace of mind when you get your results... It'll only take 5 mins...

Just don't freak yourself out about it xx

[mccfluff]

i hate it as well, don;t think many women like the experience, but you are making it much worse in your head

I left it 6 years because the previous nurse was really nasty and hurt me, my doc persuaded me to go again and the whole jade goody thing was happening at the time which had more impact to be honest. one bit of advice i was given which worked was to wear a skirt as you only have to take you knickers of then and its silly but you don;t feel so naked or exposed.

good luck

[ummmm]

You can also skip the doctors and go to the family planning clinic. Where I live the family planning clinic is staffed completely by women. It's a much more relaxed atmosphere.

[pips1]

I was about to suggest that too ummmm, my local Family Planning Centre is brill. There are worse things than smear tests you know, years ago I had to have laser treatment to remove pre-cancerous cells and my legs were in stirrups and 13 junior doctors round my bed as it was a teaching hospital. Saved me though and I went on to have 2 healthy children. Good luck!

[Meg888]

Thanks folks, some great advice as per. I'm going to have a chat with my doc as Andy has advised, and see what she says. I'd much rather have both procedures done in one appt. If it was anywhere else on my body I wouldn't be bothered, but when I got the coil fitted it was like my insides had ruptured, and really put me off!

[cathfromsaron]

explain how you feel and get one tranquiliser prescribed for that day? (my friend has one for each way when she flies)

you know you must deal with this!

sending empathy ...

[~Wingnut~]

Honestly Meg having it removed is nothing like having it put in. If I remember correctly they ask you to cough and hey presto it's out!! I had one removed and a new mirena coil put in straight away, it's made my mind up that in 4 years when it's due to come out that I won't be having another one put in. Mr Wingnut can go get the snip!!! ;o)

It's not a pleasant thing to have to go through but def neccessary so your doing the right thing by going and having a chat with your Doctor. It will be fine :o)