Comments on A dose of Dannie: Let's chat about the taboo thing called (Pap Smea...

Oh no! What an awful experience. I can understand ...

2012-02-01T09:44:28.930+11:00

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.

I'm sorry to hear about your phobia Dannie bec...

2012-02-01T07:17:53.781+11:00

I'm sorry to hear about your phobia Dannie because no matter how hard you try to be logical, phobias usually win!
That 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!

Hi Dannie, I'm very much like you. My last on...

2012-02-01T04:28:04.974+11:00

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.

It'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.

Dannie darlin I have one every two years along wi...

2012-01-31T23:30:31.674+11:00

Dannie darlin

I 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.

I had my first pap smear with Mr E. holding my han...

2012-01-31T23:12:27.565+11:00

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.

I'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.