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Smear test worries...

  • 12-10-2015 9:11am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13


    Had a routine smear a few days ago. The nurse said there was blood and quite a bit of discharge. I had a little bit of blood during my previous smear in 2012 which came back normal. This time it was more, but still not like niagra falls or anything. Anyway, she started quizzing me on std's and if i smoked etc. I don't smoke and have never had an std. I don't have pain during sex or irregular bleeding. Periods are 9/10 bang on time and flow is always fairly heavy. I'm with my partner five years and neither of us has cheated. I'm 32 and have been on the combined pill since my teens without a break, and no babies yet. I have always had a good bit of discharge, often have to wear panty liners throughout my cycle. I'm quite freaked out now as the nurses reaction was really worrying. I went into my gp afterwards who tried to reassure me not to worry, but I can't help it!! Anyone had similar experience? I am awaiting results in a ball of anxiety and doctor Google tells me all sorts of explanations 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰


Comments

  • Posts: 26,052 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Had a routine smear a few days ago. The nurse said there was blood and quite a bit of discharge. I had a little bit of blood during my previous smear in 2012 which came back normal. This time it was more, but still not like niagra falls or anything. Anyway, she started quizzing me on std's and if i smoked etc. I don't smoke and have never had an std. I don't have pain during sex or irregular bleeding. Periods are 9/10 bang on time and flow is always fairly heavy. I'm with my partner five years and neither of us has cheated. I'm 32 and have been on the combined pill since my teens without a break, and no babies yet. I have always had a good bit of discharge, often have to wear panty liners throughout my cycle. I'm quite freaked out now as the nurses reaction was really worrying. I went into my gp afterwards who tried to reassure me not to worry, but I can't help it!! Anyone had similar experience? I am awaiting results in a ball of anxiety and doctor Google tells me all sorts of explanations 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰


    If your GP can't reassure you, then you'll get no joy from strangers on the internet and stay away from Google.

    There's a reason we need doctors, and thats to interpret things using knowledge gained over many years. Google can only state facts, not interpret what they mean for you as an individual, as your doctor can. You're just feeding your anxiety and torturing yourself.

    Try to think of your docs reassurances, and hopefully you'll get your result quickly and stop worrying.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    Hi OP. Waiting for smear results can be scary! Naturally there's that little worry in the back of your mind. Stay away from Dr. Google!
    When I got my smear done last year, doctor said same thing that my discharge was heavy. She said I was probably ovulating. I usually have to wear panti-liners for my discharge also so it's normal to me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Shore Thing


    Thanks guys. I appreciate the replies. I just wanted to see if there were others out there who have had a similar experience. My smears have always been normal and the test itself has always been a non issue for me. This is the first time I have ever been worried as the nurses reaction to the blood/discharge was quite evident..she seemed very concerned and when she used the word std I freaked out 😱 I suppose I can do nothing but wait....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,737 ✭✭✭✭kylith


    The swab thing probably just scratched you a bit, which is what caused the bleeding; it's happened me before, and if you usually have a discharge then it's probably nothing to worry about. I'm sure it'll come back normal as ever


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭Midnight Sundance


    I wouldn't worry until you have something to worry about. Being honest it sounds like you got scratched or something during your smear. If this happened before and it was clear then try stay calm. Easier said than done I know as I've had so many irregular ones. Actually never had a regular one yet .
    Please don't lose sleep , best of luck


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Shore Thing


    Righteo so I got the letter today to ring my gp regarding my result......crapping it now!!! Fingers crossed it's not serious 😥 I'm a terrible worrier. Yikes!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,673 ✭✭✭mahamageehad


    Righteo so I got the letter today to ring my gp regarding my result......crapping it now!!! Fingers crossed it's not serious 😥 I'm a terrible worrier. Yikes!!

    Maybe the nurse wasn't very experienced and was too rough causing the bleeding? Then the bleeding might have freaked her out more. That said, it really wasn't fair of her to stress you like that.

    Regarding the doctor, I wouldn't worry about it, most likely if there was too much blood in the sample they'll have to take it again!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Shore Thing


    Finally got to speak to my GP and everything came back normal, the smear cells and the result of the high swab! All that worry for nothing. so relieved though. The letter said to contact the GP because the nurse wants me to go for a coposcopy because of the bleeding during the smear. I suppose it's better to be thorough but I think the nurse needs a bit of training in 'how not to freak your patients out'


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,802 ✭✭✭beks101


    Finally got to speak to my GP and everything came back normal, the smear cells and the result of the high swab! All that worry for nothing. so relieved though. The letter said to contact the GP because the nurse wants me to go for a coposcopy because of the bleeding during the smear. I suppose it's better to be thorough but I think the nurse needs a bit of training in 'how not to freak your patients out'

    Glad it all worked out! Mega relief I'd say.

    Like the poster above said, I'd say you got an inexperienced nurse who scraped your cervix too roughly and that caused the bleeding. Your cervix is super sensitive and can bleed on touch so being gentle is key.

    The first smear I ever got was done by a student doctor, younger than me I'd say, she scraped so hard it hurt and I bled for no joke - 21 days!!! - after. You can imagine the stress. Went to the gyno who cleared me for everything and put it down to a rough smear. I'm sure it will be the same for you. Best of luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,673 ✭✭✭mahamageehad


    Some cervixes, like some women, are just a bit more sensitive! :P

    Has the doctor put you on the list for a colposcopy or did he just say the nurse recommended it? If the smear doesn't bother you then the colposcopy will be grand too, it felt like practically the same thing to me anyways, but expect bleeding after that too.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Shore Thing


    The nurse recommended it. She noted with the sample that I bled during the test apparently...The gp took my mobile and asked a few questions over the phone and said I should receive a text for appointment. I don't mind having to get one done, the smear never bothers or hurts me. My cervix obviously just has a little strop when someone pokes at it too much 😂


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