Ok, not been on here for ages but have an issue which is puzzling both myself and the nurse who has on two separate occasions now, not been able to do a smear test.
Bit of background, had a hysterectomy at the age of 28, was left with ovaries and cervix (a stump is how they described it) and was informed I would still need regular smear tests.
Approx ten to eleven years ago, I found I would bleed and have stomach ache after sex, not always mind. I went to the doctor who examined me and told me I had an eroding cervix.
Since being told that, I think I have had one smear test and there has been a ten year gap since my last one.
I finally plucked up courage to go a couple of weeks ago but after three attempts, the nurse gave up as she couldn't find my cervix and it was too painful to continue. She advised me to rebook and get some valium to help me relax.
So, it was rebooked, doctor gave me some valium and I was happy as Larry when I arrived today for take two.
This time I was alot more relaxed but after FIVE attempts, the poor nurse STILL couldn't find my cervix, she actually said "are you SURE you still have a cervix?" so I said "yes because they told me at the time of my op and I have had smear tests since the op". She then said "I can't find anything that looks remotely like a cervix".
She advised me to book a double appointment with the doctor and if she can't find it, I will need referring to gynaecology.
I said it was quite worrying and she hesitated and then said "well, try not to worry" but she couldn't think of or offer any possible reason why this has happened.
Back in 2001 they were pushing for me to have my smear but I never bothered. At the time I remember the erosion being mentioned and the doctor said that I needed to have the smear done to make sure it wasn't abnormal cells/cancer cells causing the erosion. At this time, I had had ONE smear not long after being told my cervix was eroding and it was clear so I thought no more of it.
Of course, I now regret not going for all those smear tests, am kind of worried but equally suspect it's just proving difficult to find.
Just wondering if anybody else has had the same problem and what the outcome was?
I've never had children, whether that would be relevant or not I don't know.
Anyway, if anybody can shed some light on this, share similar experiences etc, I would love to hear from you.
Thank you in advance.
Alison
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