Hello Sammeh182,

I understand that you are worried, but try not to panic. It's good to hear that your doctor has been reassuring. When you are worried that you may have cancer, it can be tempting to look for answers on an online forum or Google, but this can end up increasing anxiety rather than making you feel better. Unfortunately, this is not something that we can help you with on Cancer Chat.  I hope you are able to get the help you are looking for elsewhere.

All the best,

Moderator Anastasia

Hi

I too suffer with extreme anxiety. I'm 31, had 2 x failed smears because too stressed and painful. I have been referred to hospital for colposcopy but I don't want to go. I honestly just want to have a full exam under general anaesthetic. How did you go about getting the referral? 

Ah sweet I know exactly how you feel. So my doctor couldn't do my smear so referred me to the hospital the hospital sent me an appointment to go and I was like *** *** ***! I went and at the appointment they were like how do you feel about this? And i was like really panicky and the Dr was like that's fine we will put you to sleep and do it. So I was then sent another letter with that appointment. Just explain that you won't be able to have it done any other way it is possible so don't worry 

Hi

Thanks for replying. 

So do you think I should go to the hospital appointment on Thursday anyway? And just talk to them saying I'm too panicky and stressed to try it again. I'll no doubt cry like usual too. I get so worked up

My symptoms are similar to what you listed in your original post. Spotting, periods very heavy and painful, recurring BV. 

What was the outcome of your pelvic exam etc under GA?

Thanks xx

I had a small fibroid l,nothing sinister. I spoke to the person who did it after too and I asked from what you've seen whats the chances of it being sinister and he said very low. So I kept hold of that fact while waiting weeks for the results! If I hadn't have spoken to him I'd have been insane! Oh dont worry,I have sobbed my heart out in so many doctors offices and hospitals. Yes go on Thursday and explain its just impossible and explain why. I said look,the moment I even think about it I tense i cannot control it and trust me I would love not to. I know what its like I went from October- January in an absolute haze of upset. I convinced myself I was going to make it to Christmas. The more I googled the worse I became and the more I convinced myself I had symptoms. Its an absolute ball ache,but you've done the right thing! 

It makes you feel ridiculous doesn't it. All you hear about is how easy smear tests are and they only take 2 mins and so important... I know how important they are. I lost my Mum 10 months ago to breast cancer. I know how devastating cancer is. It isn't that I don't want to have one done, I physically can't. The pain was unbearable and I sobbed during and after. I can't put myself through that again :(

Thank you for sharing. It comforts me knowing I'm not alone. 

Oh I know,it made me feel extremely inadequite and rather wimpy,HOWEVER they don't talk about the other side of the coin. I bet there are far more like us out there however nobody is encouraged to say ah yeah I can't do that,because it is plasytered everywhere about how "easy" it is. I'm sorry for your loss,I completely understand what your saying. Trust me I refuse to put myself through it again. My body my rules,and I know there is another way for them to do it therefore I believe our circumstances to be exceptional in the sense that we CAN'T have it done the normal way so in order to test for things we need to be knocked out! Then if your anything like me your like do what you like!! Your very much not alone! Let me know how you get on. 

Yeah it isn't talked about enough is it. I'll let you know how I get on. Its on Thursday at 1pm. No doubt I'll walk in there, cry, feel stupid, and see what happens. I was diagnosed with Health Anxiety a few years ago, had CBT and everything which enables me to manage it most of the time... But because I've now had symptoms it kicks in like a red warning *CANCER CANCER CANCER*.... exhausting x 

Oh im a big health anxiety person here too. Convinced myself I have had EVERYTHING I was once sat reading something going omg Jack (my partner) I have this symtom and this symptom and this symptom and that means I HAVE.....testicular cancer....oh no...okay maybe not. Convinced myself I had cervical cancer one of the symptoms was swollen thigh. So I said to Jack omg my thigh is swollen,he was like ...... it wasn't swollen till you just read it was a symptom! I had him out with the tape measure and everything. It completely takes over your life. I have to not google if I google im doomed. I have the power to convince myself of anything! Walk in there and cry if you need to absolutely no shame in it. xx