worried about my first post op pap

I am now 5 months post TVH,and am feeling really well.Most of my problems encountered on the way to my surgery and in the post op period have been emotional ones.I am a surviver of childhood sexual abuse and a sufferer of post traumatic stress disorder.

I initially went to my GP with heavy,irregular periods,and he wanted to do a pap smear but I was unable to go ahead.It isnt embarrassment,its more to do with the similarities the procedure has with experiences I had as a child.

Eventually a smear was carried out under sedation at the hospital.It came back unsatisfactory 3 times (all with sedation) and I ended up with a colposcopy,which showed up areas of concern and a LLETZ was done.6 monthly paps were required following this.

In the meantime the bleeding became so unpredictible and irregular.My consultant weighed up these problems,along with the problems having gynae examinations,and the fact that I have 5 children and have been sterilised and offered me a hysterectomy.

I couldnt believe it when I got my results back post op.CIN1 was found in the uterus,and I would need vault smears as I no longer have a cervix.The irony of all this is that way back at all the start of this my GP could not obtain a smear because of the effects of the sexual abuse and the PTSD.

So here I am 5 months post op.My consultant at the time said that I could leave the vault smear a year at the outside,but as a RN I know that it is meant to be 6 monthly.So do I go with my heart,and leave it a year,or my head and make an appointment shortly?

Sam

As difficult as it is for you to go through with, I think you should probably do the vault smear sooner rather than later.

If you need to be sedated, well better that than having invasive cancer right? It's better safe than sorry.

Much love
Northlights