PAPSMEARS-ARE YOU DUE FOR ONE? Please read....

[JenNT]

I am posting this in the general section as i don't want it to be missed but if its not right please move.

I just want to say to all you lovely ladies to have a regular pap smear.I will tell you a story very quickly,please read.

My friend had a post natal pap smear 6 years ago and it came back abnormal.The midwife told her to not worry and to come back and redo in 1 year.Well time moved on and she didn't.........now 6 years later she is having bleeding on and off,pain after intercourse and headaches. I convinced her to go to the doctors,she had a pap smear, it came back CIN 3,she had a cone biopsy done and the cancer has gone past it so now she is having exploratory surgery to see if the cancer has spread to her stomach and spine and vital organs.She will be having a hysterectomy after this is done and whatever other treatment she needs but the prospect isn't looking good for her.
Please don't be a fool like her and let papsmears lapse,it can be caught early in the pre cancerous stage from having them done reguarly.
Thanks,Jen

[Melo]

Oh my goodness, your poor friend.

I will defiantly be getting a Pap smear done at my post natal check up!

[motherlylove]

yeh i was embarassed to start with but im not due again to 08

[jess_live_die]

omg im so sorry to hear that :hugs: to ur friend and thankyou im going to go book into the doctors. thats screay.

[Trumpet]

Thanks for that as I too think it's important, I had CIN 2, 7 years ago and had an operation to have it removed and now have to have a pap smear every year, if I am even 2 weeks late annually I now get a letter from the Qld Health.

[Mother Duck]

I hate them, and yes time does go so fast - your poor friend

Thanks Jen for taking the time to remind us!

Love J

[damien's mum]

Omg, your poor friend... :hugs:

I never had one, until after i had damien, that came back fine, and i havent had once since...

I am going to be calling in the morning for one, im scared now, as i have been bleeding on and off, but just got my periods back after not having them for two and bit years as i was on the depo... And headaches....

[Lirael]

I get them every six months. 2 years is way too long, anything can happen in 2 years.
5 mins of embarrassment.being slightly uncomfortable is worth MY LIFE

[Jinglebells]

i'm sorry to hear about your friend, I have to go for my smears yearly as 4 years ago I had CIN3 cells too, its very scary, what I don't understand is why she didn't get checked out when her first one came back abnormal

[JenNT]

what I don't understand is why she didn't get checked out when her first one came back abnormal

This is no excuse to me and had i have known i would have personally gone and made her but she was living rurally and moving around alot with hubby's work and wouldn't go to a male doc as that was all that was available to her.
She is a fool and she is kicking herself now.She is 36.

Keep posting ladies,i want to see more people posting about making appointments and to keep this up in the new posts.
Thanks

[JenNT]

Omg, your poor friend... :hugs:

I never had one, until after i had damien, that came back fine, and i havent had once since...

I am going to be calling in the morning for one, im scared now, as i have been bleeding on and off, but just got my periods back after not having them for two and bit years as i was on the depo... And headaches....

Well you are only just due for one so please go DM.:hugs:

I have mine done annually:thumbsup: once every 12 months i can handle no worries

[Frazzled]

Jen, I am very sorry to hear about your friend. I had a very similar thing happen to me in October last year with CIN 3, and now face the possibility that I may never be able to have another child.

Just a question though? Are you sure her results were only CIN3? Because this isn't actually cancer yet, it is the stage before. Precancerous/ abnormal cells, cervical lesions etc.

i will keep your friend in my thoughts and prayers as this was the scariest thing to go thru for me.

[♥Heaven Sent♥]

I had an op about 2 months ago for a cin3,i had it done after i had my boy because i had bad results before i got pregnant but was told that i had to have the op when i was pregnant,i guess im lucky.
Im sorry your friend is going through this,i will def be getting one done soon.

[Veritas]

Oh yeah ladies.... keep up those pap smears....

I had a CIN2 cone biopsy at the age of 20.... so the old scrape is a yearly event for me too....

Better of letting the doc have a peek every year than having to undergo horrendous treatments!

[damien's mum]

Well you are only just due for one so please go DM.:hugs:

I have mine done annually:thumbsup: once every 12 months i can handle no worries

They told me to have one every 6 months after damien, because i had never had one for atleast a year, and then every two years, so techinally as far as my gp is concered, i am over due, im really freaking out now, im calling in the morning to see if i can get in.

But i know this might be TMI, but coz i am bleeding on and off, will they still do it, if i am bleeding, and thats even more embarrssing!?

[Frazzled]

They told me to have one every 6 months after damien, because i had never had one for atleast a year, and then every two years, so techinally as far as my gp is concered, i am over due, im really freaking out now, im calling in the morning to see if i can get in.

But i know this might be TMI, but coz i am bleeding on and off, will they still do it, if i am bleeding, and thats even more embarrssing!?


A pap smear is best done a week following your period.

[Jax Tellers Old Lady]

Im so sorry to hear about your friend thankyou so much for posting you have given me a wakeup call and im mmaking an appointment tomorrow. This thread should be a sticky.

[JenNT]

Firstly ,yes it was CIN 3 in the original pap smear,further investigation came back as cancer in the uterus.

DM, she had to wait til she wasn't bleeding for a pap smear.

B&E, yes it should be a sticky!!!Good thinking!Anyone out there who can do this please:fingerscrossed:

Thanks for all your replies and wishes for her.She has surgery mid feb so will let you know.

[damien's mum]

A pap smear is best done a week following your period.

Hm, it's hard to tell one day i can stop, and then the next theres a bit and so on and so on, sorry tmi! I just don't want to turn up there and be that day! IYKWIM

[JenNT]

Hm, it's hard to tell one day i can stop, and then the next theres a bit and so on and so on, sorry tmi! I just don't want to turn up there and be that day! IYKWIM
No excuses my dear girl........just do it! You can always change appointment.

[jazzak]

funny this thread should arise!!

after months of the doctors sending me letters telling me i was due for one i had a nurse call me the other day she booked me in today for one !! so im up to date !

I just hope everything is normal:fingerscrossed:

sorry to hear about your friend !! us girls allways seem to put everyone else first and forget about ourself!! its simple things like this that can cause alot of grief!

[damien's mum]

No excuses my dear girl........just do it! You can always change appointment.

Very True, if i am when i get there, i will just ask her what's the best thing to do... Thanks so much for starting this thread... I think it has made alot of us thing... Thanks you :hugs:

[SassyMummy]

I'm embarrassed (and kind of scared) to confess that I have never once had a pap-smear. I'm almost 21.

At first, I was just too scared to get one done (didn't want anyone poking around in there). Then I had DD, and with numerous internals whilst being induced 3 times, I got used to being poked and prodded, and it wasn't as scary as I had imagined.

At my 6 week check-up after DD was born, I didn't want one because I was still bleeding... and partly because during the course of my pregnancy, I began to discover my doctor to be rude and insensitive... I didn't want HER going anywhere near me!

Now I just have no excuse other than I'm lazy. It's something I occassionally think about, but never get around to doing. Perhaps I should.

There's a health plaza nearby that offers them for a small fee... means I won't have to see any of my regular doctors... and when I've dealt with them before they've been really good. Now, it's just a matter of getting around to doing it...

[melfunction]

My mother died from cervical cancer when I was 15. I have a pap smear every 6 months.

[Mum2Lucas]

My mum has CIN 1 and gets checked every 3 months i think. My sister and i are going to be getting that vaccine for it and i get them every 2 years.

[Bron]

I get them every 2 years without fail - although that said, I'm due for one this month, and I'm 29 weeks pregnant, so this one will need to wait a few months.

It is such a simple, quick procedure. Sure, it can be a bit uncomfortable, but I'd prefer 5 minutes of discomfort every 2 years to something much more sinisiter.

[juzzy]

yep i was due for one when i found out i was pregnant, so i will be getting one done at my 6 week check up for sure

i found out i had CIN2 and had to have surgery for it so i know what it is like and think it is all worth the 5 mins of discomfort to save your life.

[rainbowbeetle]

have just had my first one done, all came back clear...

although i do agree with what another poster said about 2 years being a long time to wait for another....

[Trumpet]

They told me to have one every 6 months after damien, because i had never had one for atleast a year, and then every two years, so techinally as far as my gp is concered, i am over due, im really freaking out now, im calling in the morning to see if i can get in.

But i know this might be TMI, but coz i am bleeding on and off, will they still do it, if i am bleeding, and thats even more embarrssing!?

I was due for mine in August but as I was pregnant they wouln't do it and since DD was born in October I have been bleeding on and off since (mostly on) and they still won't do it until I stop.

[MilkOnTap]

I feel so sorry for your friend... though like her I've had abnormal smears come back - so much so that I'm supposed to get one done every 6 months. Since losing bubs etc I haven't had any done - so my last one was in 2004 - I'm definitely overdue.

Can you have a smear while pg? Or do I need to wait til bub has been born?

[Trumpet]

Can I also just say something, most of us have all had children and after suffering the indignity of having numerous people in your room focusing on your nether regions at the birth for up to hours a simple pap smear takes 5 mins and no of us would want our children to go through life like melphant has.....

:hugs: for the op's friend and for melephant.

[jessgray]

:o i'm overdue for 1 was due in july last year but was too far along with ds2 to have 1

[bigglet]

Can you have a smear while pg? Or do I need to wait til bub has been born?

I think they wait until bubs is born and then they won't do it until after the 6 week post natal checkup.

When I was pregnant my OB said it wasn't worth getting one done because even if the results came back abnormal they couldn't do anything about it until after the baby was born.

At my 6 week checkup I had a pap smear done and the results came back abnormal so had to have another one done 3 months later.... which thankfully came back clear (although those 3 months waiting was awful!!) but they did say that if you had a pap smear done just after baby is born there is a higher chance of an abnormal reading - just due to the extra goop and bloods etc that you have shed post birth.

[spiritedfamily]

if I am even 2 weeks late annually I now get a letter from the Qld Health.

I get one of these letters too and my doctor rings me up...

[Taddy]

sorry about your friend.

i had a papsmear done yesterday.

[MilkOnTap]

I think they wait until bubs is born and then they won't do it until after the 6 week post natal checkup
Ahh - thanks for this!

At my last obs appointment he made me feel really REALLY guilty cause I hadn't had one done in 2 years; so then I began to stress about bub... Sure he is right though - it really is a bit dumb and selfish of me to just believe that those abnormal cells would 'disappear' of their own accord.

[jessgray]

my dr told me the max you can get a pap smear doen when preg is 12 weeks but most drs will not go further then 6 weeks:confused:

[Mum&bubs]

Your poor friend :hugs: I hope everything works out okay.

I got a letter from my doctor a few weeks saying that I am due for my paps smear, I was suppossed to have one done 6 weeks after giving birth to Taliyah but just never got around to it.

Your post though has made me think really long and hard about it. How easy would it be for me to go in there & get it done? It's over in 5 minutes and since having children, I've had a whole lot more embarrassing things happen to me.

Time to get off my lazy butt and do something!

[Mum&bubs]

my dr told me the max you can get a pap smear doen when preg is 12 weeks but most drs will not go further then 6 weeks:confused:

My doctor gave me one at 12 weeks, said if I had past that mark he would not have been able to give me one!

[trinitylee]

Thanks for that as I too think it's important, I had CIN 2, 7 years ago and had an operation to have it removed and now have to have a pap smear every year, if I am even 2 weeks late annually I now get a letter from the Qld Health.
Same as me..i had to have 2 opertaions...now when im due the doctors wont leave me alone with calls and letters...i think everyone should get reminders

[spiritedfamily]

although i do agree with what another poster said about 2 years being a long time to wait for another....

Every two years works out for me...because its been between pregnancy.
Unless they come back with a positive result, I think this is standard time they reccommend.

[TyBean]

I'm embarrassed (and kind of scared) to confess that I have never once had a pap-smear. I'm almost 21.

At first, I was just too scared to get one done (didn't want anyone poking around in there). Then I had DD, and with numerous internals whilst being induced 3 times, I got used to being poked and prodded, and it wasn't as scary as I had imagined.

At my 6 week check-up after DD was born, I didn't want one because I was still bleeding... and partly because during the course of my pregnancy, I began to discover my doctor to be rude and insensitive... I didn't want HER going anywhere near me!

Now I just have no excuse other than I'm lazy. It's something I occassionally think about, but never get around to doing. Perhaps I should.


This is me to a T as well!!! I am sos scared to have it done....I was still bleeding at 7 weeks so he said to pop in once I finished, well it finished two weeks later and I haven't been back yet.... a) because everyone keeps telling me it cains and hurts and b) I'm afraid they wil find something wrong....
I need to go to the docs to get a new perscription for the pill as we have misplaced mine, so now I will endeavour to be brave enough to have a pap smear done too!!

Thanks for the wake up call!! and I am very sorry to hear about your friend!!

[iluvmeboyz]

im due for my next one in march i was diagnosed with low abnormailities in march last yr and sept last yr went for another one as i got told to wait 6 months and now there still the same so i got told to wait another 6 months now the new guidelines are that they tell you to wait a yr for another one if it is low abnormalities 6 months is along wait though.

[Ana Gram]

I am sure I will get a :shame: and a telling off for this but I have only ever had one appointment on my almost 30 years and they were not able to complete the procedure. It's right up there in the top most horrible experiences of my life.

Please try and remember that for some women it is more than getting over a little discomfort or a little embarrassment.

[damien's mum]

Ok i'm in at the dr's at 11.20am tomorrow! scary

[Hokey Pokey]

I am due for one but do they do them when you are pregnant?:idea:

[jazzak]

Ok i'm in at the dr's at 11.20am tomorrow! scary

good on you !! :thumbsup:

its not that bad , a little uncomfortable but thats it!

:fingerscrossed: everything comes back clear!

[mummyof5]

My last 2 were done while I was 24 and 26 weeks pregnant respectively... done by an ob who saw me through my pregancies (because I was having HBACS), no worse than when you're not,but sucks lying on your back!!

Note to self, make Dr's appointment as las one was while pregnant with now 2 year old!

[*Country Bumpkin*]

Ok now Im worried..... I have the same symptoms......:eek: :confused: :(

I just put the bleeding down to the depo I had and thought it mucked up my periods. :(

[damien's mum]

Ok now Im worried..... I have the same symptoms......:eek: :confused: :(

I just put the bleeding down to the depo I had and thought it mucked up my periods. :(

SO DID I!!!!!!!!!!!!! And i was blaming the headaches on the heat!

How long does it normally take to get the results back?

[little mermaid]

Ok i'm in at the dr's at 11.20am tomorrow! scary

Good luck you are a very brave woman!!

[Jinglebells]

SO DID I!!!!!!!!!!!!! And i was blaming the headaches on the heat!

How long does it normally take to get the results back?

it takes about a week

[damien's mum]

Thanks danae, do u wanna come and hold my hand? Lol i'm taking my mum with me, im freaking out!

Thanks Gizmo, i wish it was like doing a preg test, and the line comes up straight away... that's a week wait!! :banghead:

[lachies_mum]

How old is too old for the vaccine? I know there is a cut off age.

I personally dont think anything of having a pap smear at all. I seriously dont know what the big deal is. Its not THAT bad- it takes two seconds and doesnt hurt. Having a baby is much more indiscreet!

[little mermaid]

I guess everyone is different.

[damien's mum]

I guess everyone is different.

Yup, very much so, by the looks of things!!

It's not a big deal for me... I can't really explain why i feel embarrssed... it just is for me?! I can't help that! But hey i am going tomorrow

[Jinglebells]

How old is too old for the vaccine? I know there is a cut off age.

I personally dont think anything of having a pap smear at all. I seriously dont know what the big deal is. Its not THAT bad- it takes two seconds and doesnt hurt. Having a baby is much more indiscreet!

same I can't figure it out either, sure its uncomfy, and anoying, but not any more than child birth lol, my sis always bleeds after hers and is really uncomfy but she still goes for hers, she does ***** and complain the whole time though lol

I would rather go through a little bit of uncomfyness than loose a part of me because i didn't get it checked and ended up getting full blowen cancer, i've already had CIN3 cells at age 22, i'm not going to risk it agan, and that was my first smear ever

anyways its better being a female and getting that done, would be worse to be a male and getting the prostate checked :eek:

[lachies_mum]

Yup, very much so, by the looks of things!!

It's not a big deal for me... I can't really explain why i feel embarrssed... it just is for me?! I can't help that! But hey i am going tomorrow

Having a pap smears not embarrassing I dont think.

Now what would be embarrassing is if you FARTED during it! :eek:

[Jinglebells]

Having a pap smears not embarrassing I dont think.

Now what would be embarrassing is if you FARTED during it! :eek:

:laughing: :laughing: :o

[Ana Gram]

I personally dont think anything of having a pap smear at all. I seriously dont know what the big deal is. Its not THAT bad- it takes two seconds and doesnt hurt. Having a baby is much more indiscreet!

Since I am not in your body and you are not in mine, there is no way to compare pain. As I said, I have had one appointment and they were unable to complete it. It caused me tremendous physical and emotional pain and was comparable to the birth of my child.

I'm glad it's not a big deal for you, but it's not the same to everyone.

[melfunction]

Ok i'm in at the dr's at 11.20am tomorrow! scary

Good for you! Don't be scared, it could be saving your life :)

[Blessed Mum]

Thankyou for sharing your friend's story..........will be making a doctor's appointment asap :o :yes:

[GraceUnhearing]

i had alot of bleeding at the end of my pregnancy and had alot of internals.
i'll be getting one done as soon as i can.
the Dr said wait 3 months after i had bub cause of the trauma my whole vaginal area went through while giving birth, better to let it heal completely first.

[JenNT]

Well you girls have certainly cheered me up with nearly all of you making appointments.
Damiens Mum- i am proud of you:yes:
Chelle-I understand how you feel, i am like that with the dentist but bad teeth won't kill you,undetected cancer cells will.PLEASE try again,I am seeing the trauma happening with my friend,I certainly don't want to see it happen again when it could be prevented.Please please try.
Ally I'll remind you once you have bub:D

Thanks everyone,keep bumping this message across:hugs:

[MummyCharmzy]

I had mine done last week and for the first time ever it came back all clear, no abnormal results :D

[MissBrightside]

How scary for your friend, I hope the outcome is a good one.
I had a pap smear done in October last year which came back abnormal. I had to go and have a cone biopsy done and they found a CIN 3. I had treatment in November and have to go back in another month for another biopsy to make sure its gone.
I just had a feeling that something wasnt right with my body and Im glad I listened to myself. Having a pap smear is hard I hate doing it but a pap smear is alot nicer than having a biopsy and treatment.

[kookaburra]

thanks for reminding everyone, it is very important to have them done. Better to put up with a few minutes of discomfort than be sorry..

[damien's mum]

Now what would be embarrassing is if you FARTED during it! :eek:

OMG, Thanks for that, i'm going to make so i'm clutchin the cheeks tomorroW!

[damien's mum]

Good for you! Don't be scared, it could be saving your life :)

I know, that's very true...

[QUOTE=JenNT;1068648]Damiens Mum- i am proud of you:yes:

I need to thank you, for making see that i really need to go and get one done... and even more so with the headaches and bleeding...

[TeamAwesome]

Thanks for the reminder... my two yearly is due late next week I think and we're in the process of moving and my DH is currently working away I'll be doing it asap once I can figure out how to work it out so I don't have to take my toddlers who won't understand with me.

ETA: I had my first one at 21, 7months after my DS was born and I'd had a 3rd degree tear so I had to wait for that to heal properly first...
TBH its more the thought of it being bad then it actually is. It's not that horrible and if you've had a baby/internal whilst pregnant or in labour, seriously trust me thats much worse!
good luck to those doing it for the first time

[Issey]

Thanks for sharing.

After I had DS, I went for my ^ week check up and asked for the pap smear only to be told 'oh we can do it another time' it had been over 2 years & previously was told I must have it after DS. :confused: It takes me alot of working up to it to ask!

I went to a womens health clinic for a 'proper' check up and a papsmear. I hate them, as we all probably do but I think it is important.

[Ana Gram]

Chelle-I understand how you feel, i am like that with the dentist but bad teeth won't kill you,undetected cancer cells will.PLEASE try again,I am seeing the trauma happening with my friend,I certainly don't want to see it happen again when it could be prevented.Please please try.


Unfortunately for me, it isn't quite as simple as going to the dentist. And trust me, the dentist is a big issue for me. Unless I can get over the emotional issue, it can't be done. The emotional issue causes a physical problem where they can't do the procedure

[reAllytee]

Unless I can get over the emotional issue, it can't be done. The emotional issue causes a physical problem where they can't do the procedure

Im exactly the same.

The smear cant be done because of the physical response .....

[TeamAwesome]

a good friend fo mine has a family history of needing a hysterectomy at a young age (26-28) she has to have papsmears every 6 months she has to have them if there is any abnormalities (fortunately none yet) they have to be acted upon. she'd rather suffer through them, she hates having them done, and know she'd get to live to see her childen grow up... I really hope people do take heed of this warning to get it done...

I understand some people have very real fears in regards to these sorts of things but none the less they are important, believe me I was extremely afraid of getting a paps smear! you have no idea! I found get to know my Dr well first definately helped me a little.

[damien's mum]

Im exactly the same.

The smear cant be done because of the physical response .....

Please don't think i'm being noesy, but i don't understand... :confused:

[Katcha]

I've only had the 1 pap smear....it was about 5 years ago. The Dr told me it might fell uncomfortable going in but the scraping & wouldn't feel. Well that was a load of ****! I felt the scraping!! It really hurt, & I bled, & then I fainted! :eek: I haven't been back since....:o

[Trumpet]

Please don't think i'm being noesy, but i don't understand... :confused:

I could be wrong but some people and I was one of them when I was young, but from sexual abuse your whole body clams up and shuts down in response when you are uncomfortable with someone touching you (This however is exactly what needs to be done when they try and insert the tong thingy).

[damien's mum]

I could be wrong but some people and I was one of them when I was young, but from sexual abuse your whole body clams up and shuts down in response when you are uncomfortable with someone touching you (This however is exactly what needs to be done when they try and insert the tong thingy).


Omg, i didn't even think about that! Sorry i didn't mean to pry!! I just didn't understand, But now i do! Thanks for that :hugs:

[jazzak]

OMG, Thanks for that, i'm going to make so i'm clutchin the cheeks tomorroW!

lol thats is my fear too !! im more scred of that happening then actually having the PS done !

[reAllytee]

Please don't think i'm being noesy, but i don't understand... :confused:

You arent being nosy its totally understandable to be curious.

Yes mine is due to being molested & raped when little my body pretty much slams shut & well i dont cope very well which usually means an anxiety attack also.

Sorta contributed to me fighting labour also ....

[damien's mum]

lol thats is my fear too !! im more scred of that happening then actually having the PS done !

I was more worried about that in childbirth! The first one and only one i have had, i didn't have much feeling down there still so i wasn't that bothered

[damien's mum]

You arent being nosy its totally understandable to be curious.

Yes mine is due to being molested & raped when little my body pretty much slams shut & well i dont cope very well which usually means an anxiety attack also.

Sorta contributed to me fighting labour also ....


Thanks, i understand now, I mean i don't understand what it is like, coz i have never been in that position.. I can't begin to think how it would be for you guys... But it could also save ur life... But it's overcoming that fear... I'm sorry :hugs:

[camcat]

I took myself off to the doc started getting papsmears from the age of 16 as I was told at school you should get one done every 2 yrs once you were sexually active. It's just been a habit for me to get them done every 2 years. My last one was due while pg so did it @ my post birth check up. I'm lucky in that I just went and got it over with the first time and because no one I knew had been getting them or even knew I was going to get it done nobody could freak me out with stories so it's never been an issue.

[reAllytee]

Thanks, i understand now, I mean i don't understand what it is like, coz i have never been in that position.. I can't begin to think how it would be for you guys... But it could also save ur life... But it's overcoming that fear... I'm sorry :hugs:

Oh i know that i have to overcome it its just very hard.
I know they are life saving etc & well worth it.

Thanks for the :hugs:

[camcat]

:laughing: I just re-read my post and it makes me sound like a bit of a *****. I may have started somewhat young but I'm a good girl really :o

[Trumpet]

:laughing: :laughing:

[iluvmeboyz]

How scary for your friend, I hope the outcome is a good one.
I had a pap smear done in October last year which came back abnormal. I had to go and have a cone biopsy done and they found a CIN 3. I had treatment in November and have to go back in another month for another biopsy to make sure its gone.
I just had a feeling that something wasnt right with my body and Im glad I listened to myself. Having a pap smear is hard I hate doing it but a pap smear is alot nicer than having a biopsy and treatment.

i also had a pap smear came back abnormal and got told to come back in 6 months time again and do another test did that and then low abnormalities again now i had to go again in march which would make it a yr how come after the abnormal one they did a cone biopsy dont you have to wait for 2 abnormal ones then get referred on ?

[damien's mum]

Oh i know that i have to overcome it its just very hard.
I know they are life saving etc & well worth it.

Thanks for the :hugs:

Yeah i know it must be hard... Npz about the hugs! Wish there was something more i could do!

[cheezelkat]

Thanks for reminding me - I wasn't given one at my postnatal checkup but am due next month.

[Merlion]

Hugs to her. My best friend has ovarian cancer but thank god she had her kids young. She had one of her ovaries removed about 2 years ago and went back last year and was given the all clear then she started getting the pain back and severe bleeding again it turns out the cancer is back. She went for a papsmear only 3 weeks before the bleeding came back and it was fine.

[damien's mum]

Ok... welll i've been.....

[melfunction]

Ok... welll i've been.....


:smiliedance: Your child will thank you for it one day :)

[Kaileysmum]

Sorry about your friend...I have them every 2yrs, Im not embarrassed when I get them as it a part of life. What I dont get is they are so very important but when you go to the doctors to get them it costs a bit by the time you pay the doctor then pathology.....I think they should be FREE.

[Mummaof2]

I agree JenNT.

Being embarrassed for all of 5mins isnt a reason to not have regular papsmears every 2yrs.

I had mine very 2yrs on the dot and still ended up with CIN3 and I was very lucky that i found out when I did cause if i had of put off my papsmear for even 1mth i would have gone past the stages of pre-cancerous cervical cancer and actually would have had cervical cancer.

My cousin in-law had cervical cancer. She had a loads of treatment and she also had her eggs frozen and now has twin boys who will be 1 in May. She still receives blood transfusions and intends on using the 7 eggs she still has frozen. She was a lucky one who has had a good outcome.

After having CIN3 i was told to have papsmears every 6mths for the first 2yrs. Its been 3yrs now since i was first diagnosed with CIN3 and i still have my papsmears every 6mths and will continue to do so. I think that 2 years is too big a gap for something so important.

[~Alicia]

I've never had one.


I had an appointment to get one done last Monday (also to get a referral for a scan on my boobs) and I cancelled at the last minute :o . now I have to wait until 2 April (oh! The day before Alexi's first birthday! :party: )

After reading about your friend I won't cancel the next one.

:fingerscrossed: It hasn't spread. :hugs:

[damien's mum]

:smiliedance: Your child will thank you for it one day :)

I know he will, thank you so much guys for giving me the courage to get it done... Although the stupid bulk billing dr was just trying to get me in and out!!! :banghead:

[JenNT]

I know he will, thank you so much guys for giving me the courage to get it done... Although the stupid bulk billing dr was just trying to get me in and out!!! :banghead:
well done!!!

Come on ladies,make those appointments:thumbsup:

[Mummaof2]

JenNT,

Maybe we could start a Sticky thread and all members could add there name, the date they last had a pap smear and how often they need to have them so we can remind them when they are next due.

[mikaylasmummy]

:hugs: for your friend.

I never thought that pap-smears were that relevent, so I have never had one but I might go and get one done next week.

Thankyou for this thread

[damien's mum]

well done!!!

Come on ladies,make those appointments:thumbsup:

Thank You.. :hugs: :hugs:

[damien's mum]

JenNT,

Maybe we could start a Sticky thread and all members could add there name, the date they last had a pap smear and how often they need to have them so we can remind them when they are next due.

Thats A GREAT IDEA!!! :thumbsup:

[Mummaof2]

JenNT,

Maybe we could start a Sticky thread and all members could add there name, the date they last had a pap smear and how often they need to have them so we can remind them when they are next due.

I have contact a Forum Moderator/Administrator in regards to starting a Sticky Thread and she is going to run it through the other Mods/Admins and Hilary and get back to me

[blessedmummy]

i had one last year..when i was getting a script for my pill.. so dont really need another one for a few years now. :yes:

[Lirael]

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=46260

anything can happen in another few years. I would rather not let that happen.

[damien's mum]

I have contact a Forum Moderator/Administrator in regards to starting a Sticky Thread and she is going to run it through the other Mods/Admins and Hilary and get back to me

:fingerscrossed: :fingerscrossed: :fingerscrossed: :fingerscrossed:

[*butterflykisses*]

Jen

I only just seen this post

I am so strong on pap amears now

my sister and cousin both now have had cervical cancer/cells both foudn out at 19 years of age (my sister had a huge mass taken out about 6 months ago)

I was over due for mine by 6 years and as soon as my 6 weeks checkup came i had mine done (all clear thank goodness)

this is so important ladies
make them appointments NOW!!!

the dr's think my sweet beautiful sister will never had kids as well now so this has taken a toll on her majorly

[Ky]

I have a smear every 12 months due to having previously had a bad result which ended up with having most of my cervix removed.

You can usually still have kids after that - I carried a nearly 6kg bub plus 6 litres of fluid and a 1.5kg placenta to 36 weeks after having this procedure done.

I go through our local women's health clinic and they make it as relaxing as possible. Only problem is you have to remember about 6 months before you are due for your next one as it takes ages to get an appointment! i was due to have one in november, but can't get in until late april now ...

[Mummaof2]

I have contact a Forum Moderator/Administrator in regards to starting a Sticky Thread and she is going to run it through the other Mods/Admins and Hilary and get back to me

Hi Mummaof2

The general consensus is 'no', sorry. Bub Hub can't take on that sort of responsibility. You're welcome to provide information, but we can't be responsible for providing a personal reminder service for members.

Perhaps just keeping that thread up to date will be enough of a reminder to members. A lot of GP's offer a reminder service as well.

Cheers
Forum Administrator

[JenNT]

Hi Mummaof2

The general consensus is 'no', sorry. Bub Hub can't take on that sort of responsibility. You're welcome to provide information, but we can't be responsible for providing a personal reminder service for members.

Perhaps just keeping that thread up to date will be enough of a reminder to members. A lot of GP's offer a reminder service as well.

Cheers
Forum Administrator


Wow.........ok then.Thanks for trying.

Update- My friend had a hysterectomy.I guess she is a very lucky girl.
If anyone reads this thread please at least post "read:yes: " to bump it back up :thumbsup: Thanks oh and don't forget to squeeze:laughing:
Cheers Jen

[♥Heaven Sent♥]

I probably will be getting another one done next month when i have the IUD put in.I had my op for my abnormal cells removed last year sometime.

[Zada]

im off for one next month, havent had one since june 04

[Mahjong]

Im due for one this month, I just to wait until AF comes back properly since going off the pill and then I'll go :)

Hope your friend will be OK.

[JenNT]

Bumping:wave:

[Leeny]

Awww how caring are you :)...Im due in a few days...I wont be getting it however :o...I'll be looking into an alternative that seekrit posted about a while ago...Must try and find out what it was...:detective:

[iluvmeboyz]

mine is not due till march next yr

[bronny-jane]

im overdue for mine.. 6 week check up for sure..
my friend had cin 3, she is only 24... she had put hers off for a few months, went and they found it...she was told that if she had gone on time, they might not of picked it up:eek: ... im not saying you should avoid them, but maybe every 2 years is too long... i'd hate to think what might have happened to her

[charlen49]

Hi Mummaof2

The general consensus is 'no', sorry. Bub Hub can't take on that sort of responsibility. You're welcome to provide information, but we can't be responsible for providing a personal reminder service for members.

Perhaps just keeping that thread up to date will be enough of a reminder to members. A lot of GP's offer a reminder service as well.

Cheers
Forum Administrator

i know nsw health sends reminder letters when u are due...which is helpful!

[FourAngelKisses]

i know nsw health sends reminder letters when u are due...which is helpful!

Do they?? I've never received one!!!
I was due for one last April, but didn't find out until August when I went to my GP for my first pregnancy checkup. But I wont be getting a PS until this week, so a year late.

[stellarella]

:hugs: :kiss:

What a sad story. Your poor friend.

I can also testify as to how how rapidly this can progress.

I had my first pap smear at 22 yeras old. It came back as abnormal, but low grade. I was supposed to go back and have a colposcopy but I didnt :o ....just 6 months later it had progressed to CINII, I got a big fright and had to have a colposcopy, biopsy and eventually cervical surgery (LLETZ) to remove the affected area. Luckily they removed it all and it was superficial dysplasia (only on the surface of my cervix).

I have had my regular checks since then and I can go back to 1 yearly pap smears now. The next one is due in a couple of months. My best friend has never been for a pap smear. It frightens me to think what might be happening inside her as we speak.

I know its a yucky thing getting a pap smear, but it is so worth it. Please, if its just a bit of fear stopping you, just move past it. I understand some women simply cant have one due to previous abuse or the like, which is understandable. But for anyone who is just a bit embarassed, please go.

[Ruby Slippers]

A couple of minutes of feeling embarrassment

vulnerable

are all worth it :thumbsup: .

[bel_aiden]

i know nsw health sends reminder letters when u are due...which is helpful!


so do queensland! :thumbsup:

[FourAngelKisses]

I'm in NSW and never got one in the last 10yrs that I've been needing smears done. :no:

How can I sign up so that I get one?

[iluvmeboyz]

I'm in NSW and never got one in the last 10yrs that I've been needing smears done. :no:

How can I sign up so that I get one?

i think on the internet uinder registration find pap smears link au and i think you can find it there

[FourAngelKisses]

ta...will have a look later.

[lotti]

They treated my abnormal cells when I was 25. I was quite impressed, got to see my cervix on video!

Definately keep up to date with Pap Smears!

[Crazy Monkey]

I'm due for one sometime in the next few months (not sure of the month, but my last was after DS was born and he has just turned 2)... It will have to wait until after this bubs is born though but will definitely be going to get it done...

My Dr is great... She talks all the way through to keep my mind off what she's doing and its over within no time... A little uncomfortable but its worth it...

Anyone know if you can get it done every year even though you haven't had a bad result???

I'm in Melbourne and I get reminders from my GP and the Pap smear register when I'm due, until I go for it...

[neeky]

I got a letter after i had my first (and only so far) done, saying that a reminder would be sent out when i was due next etc. I haven't gotten a reminder yet but I'd say i am due! I think i was about 15weeks preg when i had my first done, ds is 18mths.

I also know how important it is, and i still get embarrassed about it (especially since ive only seen my new dr once so far!) but its not going to stop me from having it done.
My mum had to have surgery when I was in the late stages of pregnancy, she had CIN3, she had to beg them to take her ovaries as well because she had already had so many troubles in the past, turns out her ovaries were in pretty bad condition as well. and it had been less than 2 years since she had her last paps smear!

I have tried so many times to convince my friend how important it is to have it done but she is too scared to do it (even after hearing about my mum), maybe if i tell her about some of you younger ladies that have had problems she will be more obliged to go. I just wish i could make her have it!

[rileysmum05]

Thank you I am about six months over due and I keep putting it off. Thank you I will be booking it in the morning and I hope everything goes o.k with your friend. I wonder how many women are now thinking to book in for there pap smear because you were kind enough to share your story of your friend???
God Bless You:thumbsup: :wizard: :wave:

[Mrs J]

Nope i just had one and it was normal :smiliedance:

[Mummaof2]

Im due for my 6 monthly pap smear next month and am a little scared as I have been having abnormal break through bleeding which is how they found out i had CIN3 3yrs ago. But im just going to keep thinking positively and :fingerscrossed: that all will be ok

[GraceUnhearing]

just had mine last week and everything was normal

:smiliedance: :smiliedance:

i'd been putting if of since DS was born

[JenNT]

Thank you I am about six months over due and I keep putting it off. Thank you I will be booking it in the morning and I hope everything goes o.k with your friend. I wonder how many women are now thinking to book in for there pap smear because you were kind enough to share your story of your friend???
God Bless You:thumbsup: :wizard: :wave:

Thank you, I hope alot do. You don't realise how serious it can get until you hear first hand, then it rocks you into action.

Good on you for making an appointment!

Pap smear Nazi:D

[Crazy Monkey]

** BUMP **
Just bringing this back to everyones attention...

[FourAngelKisses]

I had one on Wednesday (with a 3yr old present, lol). My GP said that she will send something off so that I get a reminder in the mail for my next one, which was good.

[Aquamarine]

I have my regular pap smears and breast checks by my female doctor.


I hope all goes well for your friend and things aren't as bad as they seem.

[Mummaof2]

Im booked in for Monday a few weeks earlier then what I was due as I have been bleeding on and off for the last two weeks so the doctor is a bit concerned as I have had CIN3 in the past. I may also need to have a curettage to make sure nothing abnormal is going on.

[Lil Princess]

Just a general question.

I have heard many things about this, but is it ok to have a papsmear whilst pregnant?

:confused:

[~Alicia]

Oh! I forgot to say that I finally had my first pap smear! It was a breeze! I can't believe I was worried LOL

LP it's definately ok. I was pregnant during mine :D

[FourAngelKisses]

Just a general question.

I have heard many things about this, but is it ok to have a papsmear whilst pregnant?

:confused:

My GP wont do them on pregnant women. :no:

[~Alicia]

I wonder why mine did it then :confused:

Well I hope it's ok!

[FourAngelKisses]

I think it depends on your Dr.....some will do it, some wont. I'm glad that mine didn't do it until my 8wk checkup, I would have said no anyway.

[angelickaren]

i had mine too just after the june long weeekend and they told me to wait for a while as they are backed up and ring to get my results which i did yesterday and they have told me it was not good as the dr made my bleed while doing it so they could not read it and told me to come back in 3 mths to re do it but i asked the lady why 3mths and she had know idea
so any one else had this

[prideNJoy]

Im so overdue for one, so will def have one at my 6-8 week checkup after bubs is born.
The Dr. asked me when i was about 8 weeks preg if i wanted to do a pap smear at that point and i thought about it then asked if there were any risks and she said "yes, there is always the possibility of a miscarriage" so of course i declined, she still tried to persuede me though! :mad: She also said that pap smears shouldn't be done after 12 weeks.

[leomeo]

they have told me it was not good as the dr made my bleed while doing it so they could not read it and told me to come back in 3 mths to re do it but i asked the lady why 3mths and she had know idea so any one else had this

Hi angelickaren

They like to give the cervix at least 3 months for the cells to regenerate on the cervix - any earlier would result in another unsatisfactory or a false negative, because there wouldn't be enough of the top cells to test (as they were taken in the last pap). :thumbsup:

[oleander]

I had one last week. I was slack in my younger years and had my first one when I was 26 years old. Luckily it was all good.

[JenNT]

Great to see everyone bumping this up by posting...FANTASTIC!!!!:yelclap:

[bokkie_wotwot]

Hi, just wanted to bump, I'm only 20 years old and have had abnormal results for the past 3 years. I went and saw my specialist yesterday and they want me to have sergery to cut out all the pre cancerous cells. Are you due for a pap smear??????

[RolzBubz]

Yes im due for one, just seem to be putting it off which isn't a good idea in my case as ive had CIN 2 cut out about 4yrs ago.Everything was fine after the 12month check up.Should really keep up with the pap smears as thats an experiance i dont want to have again.Any one here had the Gardasil injections after having pre cancerous cells detected.

[BazzasMum]

I had CIN2 about 7 years ago, Lletz surgery etc. Have been on 6 monthly PAPs then yearly. Only last year did I go to the Women's Health nurse. She did a thin prep and HPV DNA test. If the DNA comes back clear twice (if that was the cause of your abnormal smear) then you can go back to 2 yearly smears.

I'm due to go back in May for my second DNA test. She also said it can be done up till 36 weeks pregnant.

[RolzBubz]

Have no idea if a HPV DNA test was done have forgotton. But i had 2 6mthly checks done to make sure no more growths had turned up and then was told i could get the check ups done every year or 2 yrs. Have had the gardasil injections when they were free so im not expecting any changes i hope. Might actually pay a visit to my family gp and get it over with.

[RolzBubz]

Well i went and had my pap smear yesterday,
apparently i have bleeding not great when you see the stick bright red, gp told me that i will have to come back for my results and book in for a colposcopy. Am so dreading the results really do not want any abnormalities :no:

[harinismum]

Thanks for sharing your friends story, hope she is now doing well...
I am 30 and have never had a papsmear done!! our family GP never suggested even!!! a random doc we went to once said to get one done if i havent but we never gave much thought about it!! ill be booking one for next week but am as scared as can be thinking how the result may turn out after reading all your stories.... thanks all :-)

[2girls&1angelboy]

i was late having my pap smear done about 5 years i went for one in August this year as i was unwell and had the works done at the end of sugust i was diagnosed with stage II cervical cancer.
please get them i will be dragging my girls along if i have to