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Scared of Upcoming smear test and my symptoms

Girly22
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Hello, 

You may have to bear with this long rambly post, I have posted in this chat previously when I had a cancer scare that lasted around two years until a few months  ago (something else) luckily that turned out to be to do with the contraceptive pill I was on and I was fine and the support was amazing from this chat and really helped me during a terrifying time. I had a problem for two or more years and spent two years researching symptoms and going in and out of doctors asking for tests to put my mind at ease. At the same time as I was having that issue, I was having another issue on and off, I decided not to worry about it and put it down to the pill as the symptoms were on and off and I was so busy worrying about my other issue that I ignored the symptoms entirely and now I worry it is too late and I should have got the symptoms checked out, I worry now it is too late.

I was convinced the symptoms were pill related due to them coming and going and me being on about three different pills in three years due to my body not getting on with the pills I was on. It is only recently that I had some symptoms that were different and I find them to be concerning, I then took to the internet (which I know isnt good for someone with major health anxiety and I should know better after my last health scare) and the internet was my worst enemy, the more I tried to find something that would put my mind at ease, the more my symptoms matched up with cervical cancer and I have been driving myself insane thinking of that. I convinced myself it is advanced also and I have had it for years as the Internet tells you that you dont get symptoms in the early stages.

Sorry if TMI but these are the symptoms that havent been constant until recently but on and off for the past 2+ years. 

Brown Discharge (recently with a foul odour)- before and after my period

Discomfort during and after Sex and irritation 

Needing to go to the toilet constantly, needing to go about three times in an hour after just one drink and struggling to hold in the urine, waking up to a pad full of urine in the morning because I didnt go to the toilet during the night, almost like I have lost control of my bladder 

White discharge with a foul odour- every now and again- increased lately (fishy smell)

Spotting outside of period and blood when I wipe and blood in urine that smells strongly

Last couple of weeks pain in hip and groin

Constant fatigue especially in the last couple of weeks 

I finally plucked up the courage to go to the doctors today and I felt it to be quite a stressful appointment, in my opinnion the doctor didnt seem to have much understanding (Might of been a trainee) as after each symptom was described he ran out of the room to confirm with his female doctor colleague and he would feed back what the collegue says thinks. When I did a Urine sample he pulled abit of a face and said there was a lot of blood and infection in there, when I said is it concerning he said "Abit yes", the minute he said that my health anxiety flared up, he listed of STIs and BV as things he thought it could be and said he will book me in for further tests, he reccomended that the smear test I have booked in August (When I turn 25) be brought foward to sooner, I know this is probably just precaution just to rule it out but i have really bad health anxiety and when he said that it was like in my mind he told me I had Cancer and I forgot all the other things he said and just latched on to that and ever since I have been thinking it must be that.

I didnt feel like I got the answers I needed from the appointment, so I have spent the evening driving myself insane, googling my symptoms and constantly crying as I have convinced myself when the tests come back they will say that I need to be checked out for something Sinister. I know getting myself into a state is no good but whilst I am waiting for the tests to be done, I know I am going to send myself on a downward spirall. I just needed somewhere to let out all my worries, my mum and boyfriend were amazing last time I had a health scare, but this time their patience is wearing thin, I think they are thinking not this again and they are right, its not fair for me to pester them again when they have only just finished supporting me through my last health scare and they were amazing so I know I have to do this on my own this time until I know what is what. I am trying to pull myself together but I am not sleeping or eating and I am a mess. I am so scared for futher tests and the results of these.

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice or has been through a similar situation? Any advice is greatly appreciated and sorry for the rambly message 

 

  • Offline

    Hello Girly22, 

    I am so pleased to hear that this forum brought you a lot of comfort when you had that cancer scare two years ago and I am glad that it all turned out to be linked to the contraceptive pill you were on. Sometimes we scare ourselves like this and there is a simple explanation. I can imagine you were relieved at the time. 

    Don't worry it's better late than never and the important thing is that you are now getting these other symptoms checked out. But you are absolutely right when you say that the internet can be our worst enemy and we can easily get convinced that we have cancer when really only the doctors and experts will be able to evaluate your symptoms and give you a proper diagnosis. So I know it's hard and we're all guilty of doing it but stay well away from the famously unreliable Dr Google. 

    You did the right thing in getting these symptoms checked and it's good that they are being thorough and doing these tests. The fact that they have brought forward the smear test doesn't mean at all that they are suspecting cancer but it is a useful way to have a closer look at your cervix and check whether there are abnormal cells which are not necessarily cancer and can be easily treated. 

    I know it's really hard but it's important for your own sanity that you keep well away from Google as this will only serve to fuel your anxiety. Try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be and it won't be long now until you get some definite answers. Waiting is the hardest thing in a situation like this as many of our members will know only too well and there are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thank you so much for your message. It has helped ease my mind. Your right only the doctors and experts can give me the answers and I need to stay away from google or im just going to make myself sick with worry and convince myself I have something before I have even got my results. I was going to call in sick at work because the amount I was worrying I was doing I didn't think I was in the right state of mind to work, but I decided against it and have been at work and found that going to work and keeping busy has been the best thing while I wait. Being busy has done me the world of good and has meant I've stayed away from DR google.  Thank you for the supportive message.  As hard as it is, all I can do is wait. I will be sure to update once I get my results 

    thank you xx

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