Women..... Drinking and smears....

General health and lifestyle
1

I'll be brutally honest. I'm still drinking but need to have a smear.

I had cervical cancer at the age of 30, smears every six months for five years and then smears every year until 40. I then got the 'all clear' and have had my first three years without having to undergo that procedure that we all hate as women.

I have put off my smear for months now. I know I need to have one but I'm scared because the nurse might take my blood pressure. I asked my husband to book me in with the doctors late in the day so that I could have a glass of wine before I go.

I'm being honest here. I'm terrified. Has anyone else here been frightened of seeing the nurse or GP? I find it hard to go to any appointment or meeting. I work from home. I don't have to deal with people on a day to day basis.

So... ladies (sorry gentlemen on here), if you feel unable to leave the house and deal with this, what would you do??

2

I always put these things down as a necessary evil.

Also I think they're a lot less invasive and uncomfortable as we work ourselves up into thinking they are. A few moments of discomfort is worth the alternative...

My last one was three years ago - due another in October - my nurse definitely didn't take my blood pressure though, the only time my blood pressure is taken is during alcohol centre visits and when I go for a repeat prescription of the pill - and mine came back normal recently rolleyes so you may be pleasantly surprised.

Have you thought about talking to your GP, even on the phone, to voice your concerns and they might be able to help with prescribing you something to calm you down before the procedure?

3

Thanks for your reply. I think I'm more worried about what the results will be rather than the procedure itself. I've worked myself up into such a state about it that I'm thinking of cancelling again.

Do you still drink or have you stopped now? x

4

No I still drink everyday, 13 units I have it down to now - it was up to 20-25 a month ago.

I know, the waiting for the results is awful. I'm also prone to expecting the absolute worse in every situation so I work myself up even more sad

I know it's awful, but it is important you go - even if you cancel this appointment as you don't feel up to it, you can always make another. Is there anything you think would help you keep the appointment? Someone going with you for support?

5

Well, I've given it nearly a day and I haven't seen a torrent of replies from the 'sistas', so maybe a bloke replying (especially me) will shame them into replying.

A couple of proper answers and one left field answer. Obviously I have never had the 'scrape' so I can't get into that detailed psychology side of it.

One, you are aware that alcohol causes high blood pressure.

Is anyone fightened of of visiting a medical establishment? Yes, there is very little positive about going to a GP surgery or hospital, you don't go there for a pleasant time and it is full of ill, dying and old people. And you sit there for 20 minutes taking it all in getting stressed. Officially it is called white coat syndrome and affects many people.

Get a home BP monitor, they are cheap these days and GPs prefer their patients to have them, because they get truer readings without the stress factor and can be taken at various time of the day - your BP rises and falls at certain times.

Here's the left field. When I was with my first proper girlfriend, she was due a smear test, and was having a bath half an hour beforehand. I was round her house and walked into the bathroom and thought sex, there's an indea, so we did, in the bath.

Much better for you, you'll get the endorphin rush and dopamine release, like drinking, but without the calories, in fact you burn them up, so it is a win - win situation.

Now seriously, you're in the 'at risk' catergory, go and have your test. If I really suffered from anxiety (which I don't) I would probably take a few diazepam, but then you're just looking to add another addiction to your alcohol and that is the last thing you need.

6

I put my smear off for 3 years!

Only when my period came 2 weeks early did I panicked and make an appointment.I put it off for so long because I was embarrassed for the nurse to read my notes re alcohol addiction.But I bit the bullet and just got it done and everything came back normal.

As for blood pressure,you need to get it checked and treated if nessesary.

I'm having a 24 hour monitor put on on Monday

7

Even now, RHGB... you still gobsmack me with your take on things.

I am gathering my thoughts( all that "other stuff" is rather daunting in AngelLand).

Anyway, my worries have shifted to Blood Pressure.  You mentioned that alcohol causes high blood pressure. So, how come that each time I have been in hospital... 6 times in last 5 years,  my blood pressure is Low !

I thought that I had read somewhere that "A.U.D.peops." had Low Blood Pressure.

Alonangel 🎇

8

I was not aware of your Post, until this evening.  Well... I had my first Smear Test when newly pregnant with my first child.  I am nearly over it, nearly.  Internal examination was also part of the health torture.  I am nearly over that too.  I find that 3 decades passing, eases the discomfiture, a little.  

I do go for Smear Tests, when due... because I am a Health Neurotic.  I don't understand how I can drink so much... with the risks involved.

I have read that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of Cancers... hugely !  All sorts of Cancers.

Well jbgf, please just go for it.  These tests are there to save us.  Early detection is key in all sorts of medical conditions.  I get Liver Function Tests when stressed out by my drinking.  I am terrified when waiting on those results.  The last lot disappeared.  I am scared to chase them up ... or get new set done.  I know how much I have been drinking!

You will feel better by acting positively. "We Are Worth It" !

Alonangel 🎇

 

9

Alfohol increases blood pressure, increased long term drinking can lead to hypertension. It is proven and you can freely find tons of infomartion on the web confirming it.

If you have been hospitalised for alcohol consumption, it is for something serious. I know you take omeprazole which is often given for oesophageal varices, which is internal bleeing and this can lower your blood pressure dramatcally.

10

Good Evening, RHGB... I feel that greeting is a bit "James Bond" !

Thank you for your information, again.  Are you a First Cousin of Google?

Well, total truth be told... my hospital stays are not about alcohol.

When in hospital... "they" are always monitoring everything.  I totally appreciate all the medical help that I have received.  "They" monitored me re alcohol withdrawal, in the past.  NOTHING..... I felt like an idiot because I had been so honest about it. Then, I had no Withdrawal Symptoms... I  was drinking a stupid amount, daily... then nothing... all readings ok.  

This was all after my BAD ALCOHOL DISORDER , with serious Liver Damage.   I don't think I could cope like that again.  I just don't feel very well.

Oh well, ... oh sh*t,  Life is IT !

Alonangel 🎇

 

11

I have an appointment Tuesday and I feel the same way.

Sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and WOMAN up.

I started drinking due to a host of reasons one of which was social anxiety - and I was a bartender! Go figure.

Just remind yourself that MANY people have the same fear so you're not alone and they deal with people having anxiety every day.

Listen to some calming music or meditation in head phones. Maybe listen to an Abraham Hicks talk on YouTube. Eat well beforehand. Maybe see a general practitioner about your anxiety?

Are you a heavy drinker?

You got through cancer - you can get through this.

You're stronger than you think!

12

Just for future reference - you're not supposed to put anything inside you for 24 hours before the pap!

But it's a good thought process! :P