A girly issue

[BuFfY]

Hey girls.

Not quite sure how to word this.

As most of you will know as a woman we have a few medical issues/procedures we have to deal with throughout our lives. One of the main being our smear tests.
What I want to say is.. please please please go yearly! And if you have daughters or sisters or friends... make them go... especially if they are 18-24 as there is a high percentage in this age range who aren't getting smears regularly and are at a high risk of getting cervical cancer. My doctor said to me that even though it is suggested to do it every three years, it is your body and your cervix so you should look after it and get it checked yearly so patterns can be identified and things can be caught early.

I know it is a totally horrible experience but you honestly don't want to go through what I am because you left it for 3 years instead of 1. Is amazing how much can happen inside your body in such a short amount of time!

[Panther]

Tis also important to go to a Dr. who knows what they are doing. There have recently been new rules increasing the number of cells in the smear, so that they can be more accurate in diagnosis, with less 'false alarms'.

[Str8 Jacket]

The thought of having one makes me very uncomfortable. Ive already had one health scare this year. Maybe i'll get one next year.....


On a serious note, I know you're right but they really do kinda scare me!

[Str8 Jacket]

I know it is a totally horrible experience but you honestly don't want to go through what I am because you left it for 3 years instead of 1. Is amazing how much can happen inside your body in such a short amount of time!

Are you OK? BTW....

[Mystery]

Hi Buffy
Great post! I definitely second that! Regular exams and early detection can stop a minor problem turning into a major one and caught early enough can be treated effectively. I know this for a fact!

Sorry to hear that you are having to go through this, positive thoughts coming your way

[Mom]

Hey and whats a bit of discomfort/embarrasment anyway, when it could save your life. On a side note though, please also encourage your mothers and grandmothers, depends on your age a bit here, to go and get a smear done. My mother was diagnosed a few years ago with an inoperable cervical cancer the size of a grapefruit! When I asked her when she had last had a smear she said "Oh at my age you dont have to worry about that sort of thing" short answer here, she never had one!

[Grub]

You guys have it sweet, you're so lucky.

5 times more men die from Prostate Cancer than women die from Cervical Cancer ... and there's no test, free or otherwise, to detect it. Once you've got it, you're history.

[Mom]

Hey Grub not true!

There is a blood test that you guys should have around the age of 40. It detects the level of a certain hormone (P..something) that increases when there is a prostate issue. You need to have a base line test result, so that when you go to the docs for whatever in the future you can have a simple blood test to see if there is an increase. That and the finger test easy cancer to detect and to treat if caught early......no excuses guys.

[BuFfY]

Are you OK? BTW....

Not really aye!
Just have to wait for next tuesday to get more tests back from today with the specialist dude. And then we will sort out 'treatment'

Was not pleasant... at all.

[Str8 Jacket]

Not really aye!
Just have to wait for next tuesday to get more tests back from today with the specialist dude. And then we will sort out 'treatment'

Was not pleasant... at all.

Good luck chick. Its not gonna be easy but stay as positive as you can and let your mates help!

[klingon]

Sorry to hear that Buffy. Hope the tests come back in your favour - whatever they are. I just spent some time being my Sis' support person while she was in hospital for some "girly issue" stuff, and it makes you realsie how much you take your helth for granted!

Good luck, and remember to come in here for some hugs if you feel like it

[BuFfY]

Good luck chick. Its not gonna be easy but stay as positive as you can and let your mates help!

I am one of those people who hate letting people help! I went for the test on my own.. and I have now had phone calls all day!! Just got off the phone from my sis who said they are concerned cause I am coping so well (but that is only when round people!!)
Thanks for the kind words

[u4ea]

All the best Buffy....Im one of the biggest chickens out there when it comes to my bits

[Hitcher]

You guys have it sweet, you're so lucky.

5 times more men die from Prostate Cancer than women die from Cervical Cancer ... and there's no test, free or otherwise, to detect it. Once you've got it, you're history.

Bullshit. There's a simple PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. Combined with a rectal examination (shudders visibly), the detection rates are pretty good. Blokes generally don't go the the doctors anyway, so it's a moot point as whether or not making this test/examination "free" would increase detection rates. Like many cancers, prostate cancer, if detected early can be successfully treated. Take thy arse to a qualified medical practitioner!

[Panther]

Actually, cervical smears aren't that scary.
My point is you shouldn't use the discomfort of lying on your back on a table with nothing on from the waist down while a cold plastic tong like device gets pushed in you and opens you up whilst swabs prod you and the Dr. Lady smiles at you and asks if its not too uncomfortable; as an excuse for not going to get it done.