Hello Cat, please do make an appointment, I don’t know what smears were like 30 years ago but clearly you’ve taken some lasting trauma from it, I’m in the same area as you (going by your name) and my experience for having a smear was completely different. I’ll explain what’s happened with me if that’s ok?

Im 36 (nearly 37) and… I’d never had a smear. I hope you know how silly I feel when I write that and read it back. Why have I never gone for one?! It’s madness. (In fairness I have had a lot going on but it’s no excuse)

The reason my first ever smear came about is because (TMI) I suddenly developed lots of symptoms at the end of October 2024 I started bleeding, but I had only had my period the week before. Then after intercourse there was blood everywhere, and I had pain. Never have before, between all of this I’d have lots of discharge, some watery some brown some clear with blood streaks in it. By December I still hadn’t mentioned it to anyone. I’d actually had a break from bleeding then Christmas Eve I just started again. It was just surreal, in tears wrapping presents knowing something’s really up with me, the next day cooking Christmas dinner bleeding knowing something’s up with me. I finally plucked up the courage and called the GP got a call back, she didn’t say anything bad about me not ever having a smear only that it’s a priority that we get that sorted. As well as bloods, STI and pregnancy check. All of which were fine apart from I was obviously anemic. I had my smear done, no one wants to have a smear let’s be clear  but I knew I needed too. I thought it was going to be more painful but it was more like an inside chaffing going in circles. There was blood on contact. 

 Now I’m terrible for waiting for things. They kept moving the goal posts for how long I’d get the results back, 4-6 weeks, then the end of march then they said the end of may. I was just in disbelief, but I finally got my smear results after 9 weeks of eternity… which confirmed I had high risk HPV and cell changes so I needed to have an urgent colposcopy at Aberdeen women’s day clinic? So just preparing myself for that on the 15th April. 

so there is likely to be some waiting but I’m under the understanding that if something is wrong somewhere the ball starts moving more quickly. 

I know it’s not quite a talking to that a mum would give but I hope it helps in some way for you. X

I am so glad to hear that you have got the all clear and yes it does help for someone who has been through it acknowledge that this process is just traumatic due to the waiting and the process. Here is my TMI I had really heavy periods and put up with it for a couple of years before I had enough and went had an exam by the GP.  Yes, it was a thought and I got the all clear but I think it was I knew the GP and she was sympathetic. 

I think it was nurse and the dismissive way she dealt with the pain she put me in, it was the attitude of what a silly girl for making such a fuss.  It was like being assaulted with hot pokers and being able to do nothing about it.  Even when I said it agony it was the attitude of eye rolling, this will take longer with this one. I know it is ridiculous to be so frightened and effectively put your life at risk because of a culture of incompetence and misogyny.  Where you said about not being good waiting is part of it, in that if I was offered an appointment tomorrow great, but waiting the fear grows.

I have phoned again and a three week wait but I have booked it.  The next thing it will be period time as they are unregular and I will need to cancel but cross fingers as I want a once and done. 

Good luck with your procedure, and let me know on here how its gone for you. I had a friend who had the cells removed and she was fine, uncomfortable but again I think they are more tuned in at the hospital as they are doing it every day.

Oh I haven’t got any all clear yet. Hoping too. But everyone kept saying it’s nothing, my symptoms will be nothing. But I have come back with high risk HPV and the cells are changing. So don’t know how bad that’s going to be until they look with binocular type things at the colposcopy on the 15th  

it’s never nice nor is it helpful when nurses or gps are like that. Dismissive, condescending, or making you feel like you’re a hinderance or over reacting. One thing I’ve learned through this whole process is be your own advocate. You know your own body, what’s normal for you and what isn’t. Some people at work just have bad days and some just aren’t made for the job, but u have had lovely nurses and gps it continues and  for you that you do too. 

Like you said the waiting is the hard part, but it is part of the part of it - that’s a mouthful ️ if you are on your unpredictable time of the month you can call up and ask the GP for a telephone appt to have some medication that can stop bleeding for a time before the day so you are able to have it done x

Just wanted to say I was thinking about you and hope your colposcopy went well. Still have my appointment on Friday thanks to youxx

About 20 years ago I had a smear from Edward scissor hands too, I have a family history so I had no choice but to keep going back, since then, when I kept going back I would tell the nurse I was very nervous and it was the most gentle of exams. I go every 3 years now and have never had a bad experience since, tell them you are nervous and they will be kind and gentle. Ps they aren’t like it was years ago - it’s over in one minute and you will wonder why you haven’t gone. Promise you will be fine, keep your appointment! 
a one minute smear could save your life. 

Ahhh that’s made my day, that you’re going. Like Cloudy said, you will be fine. 

I just wish I’d done it sooner and had a smear. Might be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.

We’ll be with you in spirit. Xx

Well I found out the reason for all the pain is i have a tilted uterus. At least I know so next time the bigger speculum and fists under derriere. I will also be taking pain killers. 

Again had I known this was a medical thing I could have advocated better for myself.  Also explains some painful periods as well. You live and learn. Up to 10 weeks for results but get in touch if I haven't heard In yes I do mean 6 months.