Yesterday I had a smear test under general anaesthetic and wanted to document my expereinces as, prior to undergoing my treatment, I could find no positive experiences online. Thankfully, I have friends who work as doctors so I was able to gain reassurance and this post is for anyone looking for that themselves.
I'm 25 years old so this was my first time experiencing a smear test. My first attempt at the GP was nothing short of awful. I was then referred to undergo my smear at the local hospital but, again, there was no progress. I suffer from depression and, personally, I feel like this was the root cause for my unsuccessful attempts. After my failed attempt at the hospital, I was referred to undergo my smear with general anaesthetic. I felt like a failure because I had never heard of anyone having to do this but, since talking to my medical friends, I realise how normal this is. While it's great that women portray positive experiences of smears as a way to encourage others to undergo theirs, I also think we need to hear from women who don't have the quick "in-and-out" experience. If I was aware that it was equally as normal to have failed attempts, I would not have felt so discouraged.
On the day of the treatmenet, I was nervous as I had never undergone general anaesthetic before but all was well! I was admitted at 9am but didn't go into theatre until around 1/2pm. The staff, nurses and doctors were all absolutely wonderful and made me feel completely at ease! I laid down on the bed, was fitted with a canular, given an oxygen mask and then passed out. The smear took place and I did not feel a single thing. I woke up on the bed feeling super breezy, a little confused but mainly in my own happy little world from the effects of the anaesthetic. I was taken back to a room to rest for a while, have my blood pressure taken and pass urine. Once I had drank, eaten something and passed urine, I was allowed to leave.
It's been less than 24 hours since the treatment and today I'm feeling a bit achey and tired but nothing awful. I have worn a period pad since coming out of hospital as there is some blood due to the nature of the smear. Other than this, all is well!
I hope this offers some reassurance to anyone due to undergo their smear under general anaesthetic xx
