Hello,

Yes I went into hospital and had this done on Monday the 13th.

I was absolutely fine until I laid down on the table / bed to be put out and then there were a few tears. 

Partly due to fear, I hate needles and being put to sleep and partly due to embarrassment, I couldn't believe it had finally come down to this.

I am still feeling a bit of pain in my hand and wrist from where the cannula thing went in but I think the anaesthetist was quite new as she did struggle a bit to get it in.

I was kept in hospital for 2 to 3 hours after I woke up as my blood pressure was quite low.

"Stabbing" period-like cramp pains on my left hand side for the following 2 days and spotting, both of which was obviously to be expected.

Awaiting the results now.

I am SO sorry to hear what you have been through! The treatment you’ve had is appalling. I personally would complain, but I can understand if you don’t want to. You would think these days that Drs and nurses would appreciate how much distress can be caused. It reminds me of a bad experience I had over 10 years ago. I suffered with very heavy periods and after trying other unsuccessful treatments, agreed to have a Mirena coil fitted (helps with heavy periods, and can stop them altogether!). This was under general anaesthetic on a day ward. They also examined for fibroids. I woke up opposite a man, who was waving to me! I hadn’t been given any instructions about what was going to happen afterwards, and realised I had a sanitary towel placed down below. Obviously, with the man opposite, it was difficult to investigate!

The anaesthetic had a bad effect as in I was very tearful afterwards. I think that may have been down to a recent bereavement. I was completely ignored by the nursing staff, then sent home. They had failed to give me any instructions at all. I only found out after phoning them “oh, you’re the one we didn’t give the written information to.”

its very strange that your Dr mentioned about pain in the legs. I don’t YET have varicose veins, but have had problems the last couple of years with pain and horrible black marks on my legs. She didn’t say anything about possible pain with the pessaries. But I don’t think they’ve made it worse. It sounds like we have very similar problems. I have severe hip problems too! 

I am due for my next smear “attempt” on 5th Feb. Only next week! I’m trying hard not to think about it. Will of course keep you updated as to how it goes. If it’s unsuccessful, then presumably I’ll be referred to a gynaecologist. At that stage I will insist on an anaesthetic. It’s just causing too much stress!

I got my results today.

It says I have HPV, which I already know about as I have suffered from genital warts before.

They were caught from contact with my ex, due to my vaginismus we didn't even have full intercourse but I still caught the virus.

Apart from that it says that the test for abnormal cervical cells was inconclusive because there were not enough cells to get a reliable result.

This is what I was really dreading, it means I have to go through it all again!

That means a referral meeting, a pre-anaesthetic meeting and the whole day off to have a general anaesthetic and go through it all again.

I'm not sure my work are going to be so thrilled either about me having all this time off again for meetings and procedures. 

Hi,

so sorry to hear what you’ve been and are going through and that you’re going to have to go through it all again ! 

I’ve recently started experiencing unexpected unexplained discomfort in my pelvic area . I’ve had swabs taken for bacterial vaginosis and thrush which have come back clear. I have an intermittent heavy feeling in the pelvic area which is not related to my cycle . I don’t suffer with my periods thankfully. I became celibate 18 years ago after becoming a Christian . I always had a really hard time with getting smears done when I was in my twenties to the point where I would pass out . I can’t even get a pessacary up there so the chances of getting a speculum up there are negligible. That’s aside from the severe anxiety of having it done.

like yourself I unfortunately contracted genital heroes in my younger days and I’m concerned that I’m more likely to have HPV because of this .

historically the doctors I’ve seen have vetoed me having a smear under a GA. However this week a doctor has agreed that going under a GA maybe the best solution . She has said that she’s not overly concerned about the pelvic pain as it could be any number of non sinister conditions and to make another appointment if I’m still having symptoms in 1 weeks time . She has said though that long term I should have smear. 

Im now winding myself up though about going under a GA as I don’t react well to GA and I suffer from low blood pressure. Really in a quandary as to what to do . 

How long did it take from when you were referred from your doctor to have a smear done  under a GA take to get your appointment through at the hospital? 

Hoping all is improving with you 

Hi,

Thank you so much for your reply . 

Goodness me what a nightmare you’ve had . One of the many things I hate about smears is the issue of going through all of that only to have to do it again because of inconclusive results . 

I hope you’re appointment comes through quickly and this time the results are conclusive and all clear! 

I will let you know once my date comes through . 

Take care ! 

Hi Ladies.

Just found this thread following a Google search.  I too have not had a smear for many years - possibly 6.  Which is bad as I am supposed to be on yearly smears after having pre cancerous cells in 2008.  Following a successful smear back then  I had general anethetic and a large loop excision performed and have had one or two smears the years after all clear.

Fast forward to the last few years and I have horrendous pain upon trying for a smear.   It stings and burns like hells fire.   I have been again today and saw my GP who tried to use the speculum and we didn't get far.   I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and am currently under investigation for endometriosis.  I often have extreme pain from this and burst cysts occasionally.   Finally today I have had two referrals  one to gyne and one to the hospital for the smear.   This is both good news and terrifies me.   

I have been told there is such as a thing as numbing gel or gas that can be used- by friends.  I have never had children and am in a same sex relationship.   I don't even use tampons because they are so uncomfortable. I'm only 36 too so have many more to get through.

Is there hope?

Thanks all.

I am trying to reply but the drop down menu does NOT respond to ANY thing I click on. I just wanted some advice about a smear test that I am due but they hurt so much I would rather have a tooth out with OUT anasthetic, sounds mad but with my history I would rather NOT have a smear & honestly take my chances 

Hi aceanj,

As you have now posted your reply hopefully it is all working OK, but if you're experiencing any forum issues please email cancerchat@cancer.org.uk

If you'd like to discuss anything with our nurses regarding your smear test, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

All the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello, I just saw your message. I am a domestic violence survivor and rape victim and had 4 absolutely horrific painful and agonising smear tests. I found two tests you can pay for and do in your home when you are ready. One is with Gynaecheck and the other is through Superdrug. I did my at home one before Lockdown and it was stress-free, no agony, no tears or pain at all. The results are with you within a week it was a far better experience and I know my sample was negative x