(member)

13/10/2008 19:03

Overdue Smear Test.... advice

Hiya ladies

sorry for the personal nature of this post but I just wanted to some advice. We are going back to the UK tomorrow and my overdue smear test is one of the main reasons for the visit. I rang today to ask about making an appointment and I was informed (and I really should have known this although i didnt realise it was so rigid) that you have to be 10-14 days after your last period within your cycle and these are the only four day window that they seem to want you to have it done during. I understand this will give the most accurate results but it is totally not where i am in my cycle!
I am currently taking the pill and have one left which would mean that my period would be about to start probably next friday. I remember when I was younger sometimes starting the next packet of pills straight after without a break fooling your body into not having the period at all and wondered whether anyone thought this would create the same 'perfect conditions' for having the test done?

any advice is appreciated.

thanks
kaz
x

(member)

13/10/2008 19:17

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

I would think it would be OK, but I am sure there are others on here who know more than me!!

Do they do not do smear tests where you live?

(member)

13/10/2008 20:16

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

Sorry, i'm not sure either.
I'm due for my smear this week. dreading it.... had to have treatment last time... i really hate them....not had a period since march. Have you a well woman clinc near you they can advise or try NHS direct... Brandyqueen x

(member)

13/10/2008 20:18

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

at the risk of appearing stupid why can't you have it done where you are living or is it somewhere really way out?

(member)

13/10/2008 20:34

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

first I'd go for the appointment regardless & ask, but if they say no then I wouldn't mess with it, you need an accurate result. Like the others, wondering why you can't have it done where you live.

(member)

13/10/2008 21:30

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

Of course they will do smear tests here, they have to but I am still registered with the NHS and am reluctant to leave it yet until we are totally settled and therefore I have no medical insurance here and so it will cost to have the test done and I am not sure that i would be able to just go the docs and get it done, he would probably refer me (but not before charging me 22 euros just for 5 minutes of his time). I wanted it done back in the UK where I trust and know everything, and feel comfortable with their procedure.
I think i will just wing it and see what happens!

thanks for the help.
Kaz
x

(member)

13/10/2008 22:05

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

if you are living abroad then strictly speaking you are not registered with a GP here and therefore he can charge you for undertaking the test so you best not mention your living arrangements and the results will only be posted to a UK address (unless he is an understanding GP). If you live in Mainland Europe the well woman screening is on the whole very good and often better than in the UK as well as cheaper than in the UK according to many of my colleague nwho fly home for a whole assortment of treatments because it is cheaper even with the flights

(member)

14/10/2008 08:57

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

I wasn't aware that you needed to be tested in such a short window. The nurse at my surgery just asks when my last period was (could be days, could be months...) and that's that. Nothing on the reminder letter or mentioned when I book to imply anything other than just turn up when you can. Does anyone know if the 10-14 day rule is really necessary?

(member)

14/10/2008 09:55

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

I too, am just asked where in the cycle I am, at the smear test appointment.

Alakazsam, it may be worth a quick call to the clinic nurse at your doc's surgery. She should have the right advice for you.

(member)

14/10/2008 15:55

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

If your periods are irregular it shouldn't matter when you go for your smear. Post menopausal ladies still attend and thus cannot follow the 10-14 day rule. The important thing is to have the smear. A little embarrasment for a very short time is worth it to make sure that all is well.

(member)

14/10/2008 16:02

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

Never heard the 10-14 day rule at my doctor's either.

(member)

17/10/2008 14:00

Re: Overdue Smear Test.... advice

I've never heard of the 10-14 day rule either. Like the others I've only ever been asked when last period was.

If it worries you then just take 2 packs of pills together. Whoopee... no period for you this month!

Not sure where in Europe you live. I lived in Ireland for a bit where I had to pay for GP visits etc - thought it was fab - I'd rather pay a bit here and get a decent appointment with someone who has time to be genuinely interested in me! Also, when I lived in France I think they were pretty good but it is a bit of a distant memory now.

This country is stupid... they give free pills to me (working mid 30s and well able to pay for them)... but they won't give my Dad's partner Aricept tablets for Alzheimers cos they cost too much.... how dumb is that.

Also, I get free jabs and stuff for going abroad... again, really stupid case of wasting money - if I'm spending a grand to go on holiday, surely I can pay �30 for a jab! We waste so much money in this NHS - it would be a pretty good system if there was some logic to it!

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