Need help maintaining anxiety at gyno appointment.

I have an appointment with my gyno tomorrow and I'm getting anxious about it for two reasons, and these two reasons coincide with each other. Basically, I've been avoiding going for at least 3 years now because I somehow am super anxious about when he uses the speculum for the pap smear. That device has somehow become the source of a great amount of anxiety for me. I know it's more so me making a mountain out of a molehill, but just the thought of having that thing inside me, spreading me to an uncomfortable diameter, well, it makes me tense up thinking about it. I don't think any woman really enjoys that.

I know I need to go, if not for the pap smear, but to set up a date to get my Merina IUD replaced. I've had my current one in for at least 6-7 years now, and I know I'm way past due to get it replaced. These devices are only good for 5 years at the most.

I am thinking about using the breathing we do in my yoga classes. Just relaxing all my muscles, and focusing on breathing, acknowledging any thoughts that come up and letting them drift on by, one by one. Or going to my happy place (a nice warm sunny beach).

Any other ideas?

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[UPDATED: 4/30/2017]

LIFE IS TOO SHORT, TOO VALUABLE AND TOO PRECIOUS A THING TO WASTE!!

Okay the exam went well, but I'm still in a bit of discomfort even after all this time. I also have a headache but that could be unrelated. I'm getting my UID replaced in a few hours so I'm a bit nervous about that but it'll be something I need to get done. I had it done before and know what to expect.

I hope someone replies with a few comforting words before I go to my appointment. It would help me out a lot.

MY BLOG IS NOW CONVENIENTLY LOCATED HERE!!
[UPDATED: 4/30/2017]

LIFE IS TOO SHORT, TOO VALUABLE AND TOO PRECIOUS A THING TO WASTE!!

Artchic528,
i hope the replacement goes as well as these kinds of procedures can. i've certainly found that knowing what to expect can make it a tiny bit easier to get through. and if i feel myself becoming distressed, asking them to stop for a sec so i can regather can help too.

sending you some extra strength and all good wishes, as well as a if you'd like one.

Thanks. I'm at the gyno now and am not looking forward to the procedure.

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[UPDATED: 4/30/2017]

LIFE IS TOO SHORT, TOO VALUABLE AND TOO PRECIOUS A THING TO WASTE!!

Well, the procedure went okay, I guess. It hurt like no tomorrow and I cried out a few times in pain, but its all over now and I'm good to go for 5 more years.

I'm still sore as can be from the procedure, and just want to curl up into a tiny ball and make the world disappear until I feel better.

I'm just feeling blah right now. Not my usual bubbly self. Maybe soaking in a hot bath will ease the cramp like pain.

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[UPDATED: 4/30/2017]

LIFE IS TOO SHORT, TOO VALUABLE AND TOO PRECIOUS A THING TO WASTE!!

i'm sorry it was painful, and pleased for you that overall it went okay. well done for getting through it.

some soothing self-care sounds like an excellent plan. hope it helps settle things down.

Thanks Gemini. After my appointment, I felt like someone punched me in the pelvis all day yesterday. Now I feel a lot better.

Being a woman isn't really all that fair, to be honest. All a dude has to do is slap on a latex condom, while we go through painful procedures like I did. Good thing I endured all this in the name of love, though. I can say I did it for a noble cause.

Also, on a completely random note, I found that I get this extreme aversion to cheese with an IUD. The smell alone repulses me. Odd thing to have, eh?

MY BLOG IS NOW CONVENIENTLY LOCATED HERE!!
[UPDATED: 4/30/2017]

LIFE IS TOO SHORT, TOO VALUABLE AND TOO PRECIOUS A THING TO WASTE!!

I know how you feel. The exam is kinda painful for me as well. Glad you were able to do it.