painful abnormal smear test

[Ticker53]

I have had an abnormal result from a smear test, I understand about the cells & how they are tested to check if they could turn to cancer. The letter states that I have to return in 3 months for another test.

I am dreading the next test & absolutely terrified about the next procedure if this test is abnormal. I am 58  & not had had intercourse for 30 yrs, I have not had periods for 8 yrs, the test was tremendously  painful  & afterwards I suffered stomach cramp & slight bleeding. I was sore for several days.The same nurse did it that took one from me 5 yrs ago, it was no where near as bad then.

Is there an alternative way to deal with this? If I endure the next test & have to go to hospital for further tests, would be able to be sedated.?

[phobicaboutpaps]

None of what you suggested would help me. I have had panic attacks during medical procedures and even once when I received light sedation.My last pap test was excruciatingly painful. It felt like a hot poker ripping my insides apart. I was thoroughly traumatized by that episode. After the doctor left the room I got the dry heaves and couldn't move for several minutes. I had panic attacks and nightmares for weeks afterwards. I had been sexually abused in my childhood and just going for the pap raised my stress levels exceedingly. All I've known is pain considering my private parts and the pap was like reliving the abuse. I could never tolerate one again as my level of trust for doctors is zero. Why can't I be sedated for the procedure? Patients having MRI's can be sedated. I've had several MRI's and they are totally painless and I wasn't sedated. On the other hand, pap tests are physically, psychologically and mentally painful for me. UNBEARABLE PAIN!!! Why can't I be sedated, why are doctors so cruel? They don't care about causing women unimaginable pain. If me getting the test is so important, why can't I be sedated? I think the doctors would rather just let me die if I have undetected cancer than do whatever it takes for me to agree to a pap. . I just wanted to add that I am postmenopausal and celibate.

[Ticker53]

Thank you so much for your reply, I have plan to see my GP next week. The nurse did use lubricant & the smalles speculum.

Please can you tell me what  an hpv test is?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would advise you that your test was probably painful because of low estrogen levels. Whether or not I would even repeat the test at all would depend upon the results of the first one, as you are likely at low risk for cervical cancer given your history. I would use the smallest speculum, and apply some lubricant prior to use.  I would definitely use a liquid-based system such as Thin Prep and add an hpv test as well.  I would encourage you to use a vaginal estrogen preparation such as Vagifem (if there was no contraindication) for several weeks prior to repeating the test, as this might make the test less painful, and might increase the likelihood of a normal result.
Hope this helps!
Dr B