First Pap Smear in 4 Years Today...

[Calluna]

It's been 4 years since my last pap smear. It hurt... A lot... and I've been scared to have one since. I've taken the leap and made the appointment. It's this afternoon and I'm freaking out, just a little bit, but it's getting worse. I need someone to hold my hand so I dont chicken out.

[boomba]

Make sure you go hun...ask for the thin prep I think its called? Its not as bad as the old traditional way x

[Aussiegirl777]

Good on you for making the appointment! I hope you don't get too freaked out. It really shouldn't hurt too much, more a little uncomfortable and maybe a little pinchy feeling.

[M D]

I was watching The View (an American talk show with Whoopi Goldburg) just this week and they had a lady on who had been treated for Ovarian cancer. She said something that really stuck in my head. She said the best investment you can do for your children isn't a education or material things but to invest in your own health. She then proceeded to talk about getting regular checks for the appropriate things when they fall due and not letting them go.

It is so true, we are often too busy/scared/tired etc etc to invest in our own health but it is the best gift we can give our children for their future and the future of our family.

Make sure you let the Dr know how scared you are.

Let us know how you go!

[Snacks]

I agree to let the dr know you are a bit nervous. They should be sensitive to you and if they're not and/or it hurts, do tell them. (And then next time, go somewhere else!)
The thin prep is a good idea if you bleed a bit. It costs you about $30-$40 from memory but I need to have it otherwise I get called back because there was too much blood to get an accurate view of the cells. I think it is worth the money to only have the one smear!
Good luck, mate. I hope it all goes very quickly and painlessly for you.

[sloane]

good on you for making the appointment. i hope it doesn't hurt this time.

[Party-of-five]

be brave let your doctor know your your a bit nervous
hope its over and done with super fast

[diannescruffy]

You have given me inspiration, I'm well overdue for my pap smear, so please know I will be holding your hand from afar.

Regards,
Dianne

[CinderToriella]

Ah that's not very good. Sorry u have to go again .. did he say anything about why he was having troublestroubles

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[Calluna]

Just that I was very sensitive. He got the small speculum in ok, but couldn't open it enough - or really at all - to do the swab without hurting me.

He said he doesn't generally do the thin prep because it's quite exxy, so I guess he cant bulk bill that one and we dont have the money to pay for it atm.

I'm not really sure what the hossy will be able to do differently but I guess I'll find out when they call me.

[Aussiegirl777]

I'm sorry that it wasn't so straight forward for you. Hopefully you it will all be over for you soon. The thin prep is an out of pocket payment as far as I can remember.