Not sure what to do!
.....We'll....I stared a few months ago noticing my periods were getting really heavy and also only going a week or so before I started bleeding again. It's getting worse but I have a real phobia of Pap smears and avoid them like the plague. I know what I should do but can't bring myself to go to the docs.
Is there any other tests I can have to make sure it's not cancer, will blood tests give the same result as a Pap smear..anyone know?
Just when you think things are getting better!
Comments
-
I think the not knowing what is going on would be worse than having a Pap test. Go and see a femal GP and get it done.
xx Viv
0 -
Hi, my daughter found that Family Planning, now called Shfpa, http://www.shfpa.org.au/
has branches in every state and they have doctors who are very very experienced at doing PAP smear tests, and do a much better job that your average GP and are really nice and understanding about it. They have many different sizes and shapes of speculum, and they warm them for you, and they are very gentle and good at doing these tests.
best wishes
0 -
Can you plan to do something nice and comforting and fun to reward yourself afterwards, like meeting a kind fun friend for a coffee afterwards, or getting your hair or nails done?
0 -
Hi, I had an accupuncturist in NZ who was a GP who went to China and trained in accupuncture and then taught other doctors etc to use accupuncture. She told me that accupuncture is excellent for heavy periods and other problems relating to women's hormones. When she first started, she saw the gynacologists she had trained with, and told them she might be able to help any patients they might be scheduling for hysterectomies just because of heavy periods. So they sent her their patients. She cured almost all of them. The doctors stopped sending them. One time I mentioned that my period was a bit late because I'd been unwell. She put in an extra needle into my foot, and it had begun by the time I went home. So as well as getting a PAP smear test, think about seeing a good well-trained female accupuncturist to see if they can cure the problem. IIt is so tiring and such a pain having heavy periods like that. And it may just be your hormone balance, and no real problem beyond that.
best wishes
0 -
Hi Jessica,
Your acupuncturist sounds amazing. How do you go about finding such a person. I live in Western Sydney.
Cheers
Sue0 -
I remember your earlier post when you were having your interview.You can do this you know,but the longer you leave it,the harder it will seem.If I were you,I would confide in either my partner or a close friend,and get them to go with you to the doctor.I don't mean to go in with you(!!) but to wait in the waiting room.I think it is just the actual making the appointment and making yourself go,
that is the hardest part.A few months ago,after I started on tamoxifen ,I had some bleeding.I went to the doctor,and I had a pelvic ultrasound.Everything was fine.I liken it to going to the dentist,if you have that fear,as lots of people do.Please just pick up the phone and take that first step.We are here to chat more if you are really struggling with this. Please keep in touch.xoxRobyn
0 -
Please Tina, make the appointment. Going to one of the family planning centers is as great idea. They are so very experienced and you can tell them about your fears.
You have been through all of the tough stuff
I know you can do this! Take a friend and then have a cuppa
Hope to see your reply saying 'I did it'
xx Silke0 -
Thanks everyone, I'll make an appointment just don't know how I'm going to go through it but suppose I need to toughen up and just get it over with. Will keep you posted xxx thanks again love to you all xx0
-
I have always considered a Pap Smear as one of the less horrible tests as the "hole" is already there! (lol) No needles, cutting or stitches required.
Especially when you compare it to some of the horrible tests & procedures to do with BC (needle / core biopsy, CT scan, dye into the lymph glands, surgery etc).
BUT! I have a phobia to needles and I have heard it all - "But it's so fast"..."just don't look"..."Just think about something else"...Ha! Impossible. And I envy those who can go and get the needle / blood test like it's just part of the day, a mild annoyance at most. For me, it's a major stressful production. I called and hung up on the radiology clinic 4 times before actually getting up the nerve to book in for my aspiration (when they thought my cancer was just a cyst). I totally get the fear.
All I can offer is to DEFINATELY go to a place that specialises in them, ie. women's health clinic / family planning, so you know it will be over and done with fast. Also, let them know if you want them to explain anything, or NOT explain it - I find if I know too much about what's going on, it freaks me out more.
Maybe let them know when you are making the booking that you're nervous / terrified, so they can be prepared. Also, have you considered maybe taking a Ativan / Valium (or even Rescue Remedy) before going in? It may help, my GP has prescribed me both if I ever need them.
Rewarding / bribing yourself might help too, and the suggestion of getting someone to take you so you don't back out is great.
Best of luck with it, thankfully it's something we don't have to do that often!
0
