Cerebral palsy and unsuccessful cervical smear

I'm 34 next week and I have cerebral palsy. It causes spasm in my legs and my hips are tight. I've had 3 previous successful smears- a bit challenging and I think a couple have needed someone to hold my leg but have been doable. However at my most recent even with someone holding my leg the nurse tried with a small and large speculum and said she couldn't find my cervix. Laid in bed I've been able to get my knees to drop  right back and I feel like she should've just been patient / given more time before inserting a huge and painful speculum. I usually have Botox in my legs for spasm but had none this year due to COVID. The failed smear really upset me, as I felt it was a sign of deterioration in my cp and it also brought home the impact on my intimate relationships other people have suggested diazepam to relax my muscles before or sitting in a birthing chair at the hospital. I wondered if anyone else had tips? It baffles me how my legs move enough for intimate relationships but 2 people can't do it for a smear 

  • Hello Kirsty29 and a warm welcome to Cancer Chat! 

    I hope you won't mind - I have slightly edited the title of your thread to make it more specific and I hope that you will hear from others who have had a similar experience before and that they will share their tips with you. Perhaps the fact that you couldn't have the Botox in your legs to diminish the effects of spasms played a part in this so don't necessarily read into this that it means a deterioration in your cerebral palsy. I think it would be worth discussing all this with your GP and seeing whether there is anything you can take before a smear test to reduce the effect of these spasms. At the same time, you could also bring up the fact that you worry about the impact this may have on your intimate relationships. You could ask the doctor whether these tips others have mentioned to you would be a good idea or if there is anything else they can suggest. 

    I hope that you find a way to manage this and talk to your GP about it soon so that it is easier for you to have smear tests in the future. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator