There aren’t many words with less appeal than “smear”. And it’s even less appealing when it looms out at you from an NHS letter. Smear tests are dreaded at the best of times, but never so much so as in the aftermath of a traumatic birth. I was shaking even as I checked-in to the GP waiting room. By the time the nurse was asking me to confirm my name and address, I found myself in tears.
I rushed to apologise, to explain myself, but the nurse interrupted. “You had a baby,” she said. Calmly. Soothingly. Completely matter of fact. As though that were as much of an explanation as was needed. As though there was nothing to apologise for. And it was, and there wasn’t. In those few words, I was put completely at ease and made to understand that many women find themselves in the same position.
Thanks to her empathy and kindness, I got through it. And then I took a deep breath and continued with my day.
If you, too, are anxious about an upcoming smear test, here are a few things you can do to help make it a more manageable experience:
1. Make an appointment for first thing in the morning. Not only does this serve the purpose of “getting it over with”, but also the clinic is likely to be quieter and running on time, so you aren’t left getting more and more anxious in the waiting room.
2. If it makes you feel more at ease, you can request a female practitioner. You can also request a chaperone to be in the room with you. Better still, if you are able to, bring someone with you.
3. Ask the practitioner to use a ‘teenage’ speculum. This is smaller and should make for a more comfortable experience.
4. Remember to breathe. This too shall pass.
5. Use distraction techniques. Count your breaths. Think about what you’re going to have for lunch. Make a list of your favourite books… anything to take your mind off it. A good nurse/doctor (like mine was) will do this for you, chatting away to fill the space.
6. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Let them know you are worried – it’s nothing to be ashamed of and hopefully, like my experience, the sharing will make it a more positive and supportive environment.
7. Remember that it is over very quickly!
8. Be proud of yourself just for being brave enough to be there.
While it isn’t compulsory to attend smear tests, for me, it was about not letting my PTSD get in the way of the rest of my life. And so, a small triumph after trauma. Here’s to many more...
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