Today i am going to chat about the taboo subject that is (PAP SMEARS) cos really loads of people are and do get embarrassed they put their hand over their mouth and mumble or just change the subject.
So today i am going to be pretty open and honest cos that's who i am !
First here is my story so you will understand this:
18 years ago i found out i was pregnant so i needed to go for a smear and this was my very first one so i asked my sister to come with me which she did. So we headed off to The Royal Women's as i had an appointment that morning .
Now one would ask some questions as i did and i found the hospital to be pretty dirty not clean ,rude staff /nurses. Then my turn came i was led into a tiny room (really i doubt you could swing a bloom in cat in it) So i asked have you been working here long and will this hurt as i am 7 weeks pregnant
The nurse just looked at me and said You will be fine this is nice and quick you'll see!
Well she wasn't joking .
I asked my sister to hold my hand . The nurse turned to me after rolling her eyes and said come on be a women you don't need your hand held or are you a baby! my response was "Um pardon"?
As i felt already pretty awkward lying on this hard table bed with my legs spread she literally shoved that cold metal long thing so far up inside i tensed all up and let out this enormous deathly scream as i was in such pain i grabbed the nurses arm and pinched her so hard she said (ouch )
I had to yank that probe out from me myself and ended up in severe pain falling off the bed and doubling over in agony crying my eyes out ~
Not before whacking it across the wall to bang on the other side. None of the staff back then had a lovely manner at all!!! Not a soul asked if i was ok?! As my sister helped my stagger back to the bus stop so we could get home.
So you see it is true i have been told a few times i really should get this done and now. it has been 18 years since i had one and just like the dentist i am so petrified (as i type this post i clinch with fear)
So i fall under the two most horrifying things of phobias now 1) Dentist 2) pap smears
I know i will be criticised / critique that i should grow up , just do it yada yada yada..........
Try being me for a change and having these horrible phobias! yes i know it could well save my life .
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST PAP SMEAR?
Jan 31, 2012
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I had my first pap smear with Mr E. holding my hand at 25 so I understand where you are coming from. I go to a female gynae who knows how worried I am. I have been going there for 9 years and until rcently she handed me tissues when I entered her office because I would cry.
ReplyDeleteI've been told that there are a lot of people out there who are worried about having them. In fact there my gynae has at least one patient who needs a general anaesthetic to have a pap smear. It's nice to know I'm not the only terrified person out there.
Dannie darlin
ReplyDeleteI have one every two years along with a mammogram. I have just turned 45. Find yourself a lovely local female gp. Ask around, talk to your friends, get them to suggest one they know and like. It is a quick painless procedure IF you relax. There is no rush and my gp takes her time and is most gentle. Do this for Chloe, show her the importance of looking after a womans health. Your gp will check your ovaries and also your breasts at the same visit. Again painless and done in a gentle and dignified manner. You CAN do it Dannie. I will be holding your hand all the way from Brissy. You can text me or call me if you get scared. Please do this. I believe most issues caught early enough can be succesfully treated. Left too long and it's another story.
Hi Dannie, I'm very much like you. My last one was about 10 years ago. My doctor - a female, and a great doctor, keeps reminding me and I've had letters from the practice to remind me. We have our smears done by the practice nurse - also female - but it doesn't change just the fact of what it is, does it?! Like you, I know I should have it done, I should just suck it up and get on with it, but when you have such a phobia there's no amount of logical thinking that helps.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
I'll get it done 'one day', I keep promising myself (and my doctor) that, but not just yet.
I'm sorry to hear about your phobia Dannie because no matter how hard you try to be logical, phobias usually win!
ReplyDeleteThat being said i'm 28 and i have a pap smear every 2nd year. It takes a whole 45 secs, i've never had any pain, and ( aside from phobias and such ) i cant wrap my head around why so many women dont want to have them. My thinking is i'd rather one minute of discomfort to waiting 10 yrs to be told i have cancer.
Its different in your circumstance though - here's hoping you can get past it soon!
Oh no! What an awful experience. I can understand why you don't want to go back. My last one was 2 years ago & I'm procrastinating making that appointment for the next one... I haven't had anything as traumatic as your experience, I just don't like them.
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