Women's health (TW)

[avant-garde]

Hello fellow forum dwellers,

I had no idea where to put this or what to call it but I think it needs a space... (so yes feel free to edit or move, but I don't think I've breached any guidelines @Ru-bee @rav3n @tyme not sure who else)

This is a place where you can talk all things specific to the female reproductive system or body...

• Periods
• Cervical Screening Tests (new name for pap smears) 
• Menopause
• Hormones
• Fertility issues

----------------------------------------------------

So here I'll go first 

I'm due for a cervical screening test and I'm booked in for about 12 hours from now...

They have these home kits but I can't be on my own after so I opted to have a female doctor do it, that and to check something else out...

I can't even handle tampons without completely being triggered... let alone anything remotely medical! 

Yeah I'm scared...

There's a library next door almost and so after I'm going to either start a new sheet on my spreadsheet for the upcoming election or work on my photobook project... as a way to settle... and probably play bubble shooter...

[Former-Member]

@avant-garde i think this is a great idea. 

I hope all goes ok for you today. I hear that you are scared and I'm glad you have thought about things you can do after for some self care. Please also know that we are here for you if you need to chat or just want some company after. Sending you lots of love and strength ❤️. 

[Snowie]

Hi @avant-garde 

I just had a cervical screening test this morning, came home and found this thread!

I have been putting it off as it triggers me too. I finally worked up the courage to get it done. My gp has been on my back about it the last few visits.

I'm lucky that my normal doctor is female so she was able to do it.

It went ok, but did bring back some flashbacks. Also held a fidget toy in my hand whilst it was being done. I managed to get home and am now curled up on the couch with a cuppa, playing some music and trying to remain calm.

I do think self care afterwards is really important. The thought of going to the library sounds like a great idea. Hopefully for you that it is a good distraction and some self care too.

If you don't see this before your test, I hope it went well. If you see it before, I'm there with you hon, holding your hand the whole way through 💗

[Ru-bee]

Thinking of you @avant-garde I hope that it goes as quickly and smoothly as it possibly can and that you have a caring doctor. 

Must've taken courage to book this in and get it done, so good on you, and @Snowie  too!

Glad to hear that you're both prioritising self-care afterwards and I hope you both have a gentle day today 💜

[avant-garde]

@Snowie it's in a couple of hours, I'm glad it's only every 5 years now, the head nurse is friendly too...

Did manage sleep, about 8 hours...

I don't focus on it, I focus through it, it's 15 minutes, I can survive 15 minutes

@Ru-bee @Former-Member 

[Former-Member]

@avant-garde I'm very thankful that i don't have to have them anymore but it was hell when i did. I really do feel for you ♥️.

I'm glad you got a good sleep. 

You got this and we are always here for you ♥️. 

@Snowie so proud of you for making your appointment and getting it done. Sending you lots of love and gentle care ❤️ 

[avant-garde]

Coffee, blood test, screening... I've got this, I'm scared but I've got this @Ru-bee 

[Ru-bee]

You've got this @avant-garde Like you said, just 15 minutes. And we're right here with you

[avant-garde]

@Ru-bee she's running late

[Ru-bee]

Here with you @avant-garde ❤️