A question for the ladies ....Smear Test ?

harleyquin

I was wondering how other ladies on this forum go about having a smear test done?
I am unable to get up onto a couch and as for bending my legs up....not possible with my hips, so I haven't followed up on my 3 year recall.
I did mention it to my gp as wasnt sure if it was still necessary, having been a widow for 2.5 years, and she said no one HAS to have them, but it is in our interest to do so if we are able, but no advice on how to go about it with OA of the hips, knees and lower spine!
I'm 52 by the way.

Many thanks.
Harley

dreamdaisy

What a thought-provoking thread, harleyquin. The last one I had was a nightmare thanks to pain (both internal and external) so as a result I haven't been back for years. I found them hellish at the best of times but when one is riddled with arthritis of the lower body it's even worse. I'm not sure what the answer is or how others cope with it, I know that ignoring things is not an answer but as pain dominates my life I don't want to 'volunteer' for any more. Yup, je suis une coward. DD

lily

Hi Harleyquin

I have my smear tests done quite often as i had a problem a few years back....My gp has a bed that can be lowered and she helps me get myself into position. Yes its very painful, i too have arthritis in my hips, knees and a few other places as well, Although i come out crying like a baby i do it as i want to make sure i am ok there,

My gp gets everything ready when she knows its me and i have to admit she goes out of her way to help me. All in all i think im lucky as my gp goes out of her way to help,

I take my painkillers before i go and if you time that right it does dull the pain a bit, i will admit not much,

I hope you can find a solutation to this. Good luck

Lily x

chookgate

I second the cowardice, and admit to using not being able to bend my knees an excuse to not make the appointment, BUT, I'm also with Lily, it is so important to be checked. My daughter (25) had her first test last year (thankfully she lives in Wales where they start the checks earlier than they do here in England), and scarily it was positive for pre-cancerous cells and she had to go back for more tests and treatment. She has to go back 6 monthly for a while for repeat smears, but so far (touch wood) they seem to have cauterised and cleared all the dodgy cells. But if she hadn't been tested when she was, it might have developed into cancer before it was even found.

So, I urge you all (and I'm trying to take my own advice), take a deep breath, and some pain killers, and get down to the doctor for the test.

ouchpotato

Could you maybe ask to go to the hospital for it, and have some sort of sedative? It's so important to go, I found out I had cervical cancer 18 months ago, although it was already a done deal when I found out as they had already removed all the suspicious cells and part of my cervix. It was only on examining these that they realised it had started to penetrate the cervix. Luckily they had removed enough to be on the safe side and my last smear was all clear, but I do have to have yearly check ups. I know you can have a local or general anaesthetic for treatment so perhaps they could offer something similar for the test?

emsjane

Interestingly, I had a smear test recently myself and I have arthritis in both my hips and can't open my legs very much. I told the nurse straight away and she was very understanding and said it wasn't a problem as their equipment does most of the work and so I just opened up as much as I could and she did the rest!! No pain at all. I can't stress enough how important it is to have a smear test done regularly. So my advise is to go and explain and see what they can do for you

harleyquin

Thank you ladies, for your comments.
I think it may be best to speak to the nurse at the surgery and see if they have a solution to this.
I'm sure they must have come across this problem before now.
I really appreciate your replies and you sharing your experiences.

Harley xx

dreamdaisy

I forgot to say that my last one involved me lying on my side with my knees drawn up as close to my chest as they could go (which, as it turned out, was not far enough). On reflection a pillow between my legs may have helped matters but, as I was a relative 'virgin' on the arthritic front (and the nurse had never encountered someone like me before) this test was bound to fail on all fronts. DD

JasmineTheodora

I guess this topic highlights the challenges arthritic hips creates for our love lives ladies. (apologies in advance if this is a forbidden topic).
My pysio agrees.

DebbieT

Hi,

I have Arthur in my upper/lower spine, hips & knees as well as Fibromyalgia.
Pain is avoided at all costs for me as since the FM became severe I've lived in fear of pain ... Well extra pain :?

My nurse knows me well & had everything prepared & ready to go, so I was helped onto the bed, got myself prepared & then our pre-plan took over.

I stayed in a comfortable position then as soon as we were both ready I took the 'butterfly' position & she worked very swiftly to get the sample. Wen the instruments were removed she assisted me to get my legs back to normal, that was the most painful part, then she let me take my time to ready myself!!

It was great having discussed it b4 so we both knew wot we were facing!!

The pain is 100% worth the peace of mind but id request a nurse ure familiar with & who is prepared to help make the process as easy as possible for you.

Good luck.x