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#1
Feb 13, 2017, 10:00 PM
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I have been putting off seeing my GYN for some time, mostly because of that dreaded speculum. I'm fine with everything else, it's just that the speculum is so uncomfortable. It's gotten so that when it's inside, I tense up in anticipation and anxiety and it's painful. Now it's been well over a couple of years since I last saw my GYN and I also fear being reprimanded for not making my annual appointment.
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 Anonymous59898, nonightowl
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 nonightowl
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#2
Feb 14, 2017, 03:08 PM
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Hi Artchic, I really identify with this - in fact I even wrote a post on here after my last smear test (mine was overdue too).
The best thing I can advise is explaining to your GYN about this, it's not uncommon and they will at least be aware of the situation and take things at your pace. I do really sympathise though. 
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#3
Feb 14, 2017, 05:27 PM
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Do you practice breathwork? Focusing on my breathing to keep it nice, even, and full during the exam is what really helps me. You can even place your hands on your belly to keep your breathing from your belly, rather than tending to hyperventilate from your chest (which intensifies the pain).
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#4
Feb 14, 2017, 06:58 PM
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They keep inventing new kinds, you might be pleasantly surprised. I wasnt, but heres hoping your luck will be better than mine!
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#5
Feb 24, 2017, 05:31 PM
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My last wasn't so bad. And also, I think up until your early 30s you can go every other year for the PAP smear. They recently changed the recommendations on that.
Not only do I have to deal with the speculum every 6 months, because they are doing a wait and see approach with some pre-cancerous cells and three abnormal pap smears, but I've had chryo-freezing of cells and biopsies done on my cervix....Now THAT is painful. Can you ask for a valium or something before your PAP appt? My GYN prescribed me one before my chryo-freezing to help me stay calm. She literally just prescribed one dose. Maybe yours would do that for you if you explained what's up and asked? Seesaw
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 What if I fall? Oh, my dear, but what if you fly? Primary Dx: C-PTSD and Severe Chronic Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder Secondary Dx: Generalized Anxiety Disorder with mild Agoraphobia. Meds I've tried: Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor, Remeron, Elavil, Wellbutrin, Risperidone, Abilify, Prazosin, Paxil, Trazadone, Tramadol, Topomax, Xanax, Propranolol, Valium, Visteril, Vraylar, Selinor, Clonopin, Ambien Treatments I've done: CBT, DBT, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Talk therapy, psychotherapy, exercise, diet, sleeping more, sleeping less... |
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#6
Feb 24, 2017, 05:32 PM
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Quote:
__________________
What if I fall? Oh, my dear, but what if you fly? Primary Dx: C-PTSD and Severe Chronic Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder Secondary Dx: Generalized Anxiety Disorder with mild Agoraphobia. Meds I've tried: Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor, Remeron, Elavil, Wellbutrin, Risperidone, Abilify, Prazosin, Paxil, Trazadone, Tramadol, Topomax, Xanax, Propranolol, Valium, Visteril, Vraylar, Selinor, Clonopin, Ambien Treatments I've done: CBT, DBT, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Talk therapy, psychotherapy, exercise, diet, sleeping more, sleeping less... |
| nonightowl, unaluna
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#7
Feb 25, 2017, 11:51 PM
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it never ceases to amaze me why someone hasn't invented a more comfortable speculum. am wondering if they are designed by men...
 the ones I have seen are shaped like a duck bill. they should make it more rounded like a tampon. that would be way more comfortable. do tell your ob about your fears so that she hopefully will be gentle. good luck!
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