Hi - you have two young children and already know you shouldn't miss something treatable because of this fear. Posting on here means you are building up steam to get this done. So we're rooting for you!!

I recently got over a different fear by promising myself something special at the end of it. The treat was personal to me. I HAD to vanquish my fear. There was no option not to do so.

Try and book that appointment today without thinking it over any more (or get a friend to do so with you standing alongside so you can give the authority to any receptionist) - have done this for a friend when they couldn't face making an important call then handed phone over to the too-scared-too friend. Also if needed get a friend to accompany you on the appointment day at least to the clinic door (not allowed to have them in waiting room given COVID) but they can wait outside to give you support afterwards. Then reward yourself and try to forget about the test. This strategy of simply doing it now without further thought may or may not work. I wish you the very best of luck. But I think you want to do this for both your sake and that of your children. So go for it! Hugs xx

Hi - thought I'd add a postscript.

Am really hoping you can somehow seize a moment and simply book that test.

But if you can't, then the person you need to tell is your GP. Why? Because they are really experienced at dealing with this kind of thing and will be able to help in some way.

Don't let your GP think that you haven't had a smear because you don't care about your health. Obviously you do care or you wouldn't have posted on here. And that is a really good thing.

So even if you can't go for the smear please tell the medical people how difficult  you are finding this and what your issues are. Wishing you well. Hugs x