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[CLKD]

C the Nurse Practitioner in good time to get appropriate anti-anxiety meds., I've also found 'bachs' rescue remedy mouth spray helpful.

[SaraC2773]

Ah thank you all,

It is reassuring to know it's not just me that worries about this.

In terms of private, the one I've been looking at is with Spire and the 2 consultants are based at the local hospital so NHS as well.  So I  would hope that they wouldn't just use it as an option for further tests but I do take the point.

Home cervical screening I just couldn't,  I'm sure I'd end up doing myself a nasty injury.

Thanks for the advice I will take a list of questions to the GP and keep you all posted.

[CLKD]

U shouldn't have to pay for this, you will still need to wait for an appt..


I find that I go to these appts better alone, some would like another person with them.  Also ringing the Dept B4 you go to explain how anxious you are all 4warn the Staff.  U R not alone!

No way would I even consider doing my own smear tests  .  That's cost cutting a step too far for me !

[Elliebee]

It was Spire who I used and feel I was given unnecessary tests and scans .

CLKD the home smear test involves an internal swab to check for the HPV virus. If this is positive you then have the full cervical smear. I believe they only now look for cell changes if you are positive for HPV.

[CLKD]

Spire didn't have a good background a few years ago probably due to doing un-necessary tests.

[Jules]

I don't relish mammograms just from a discomfort point of view, I'm not well endowed. But I've always gone. I've been recalled twice. The recalls come fairly quickly. The last time was last year. The thing is with the breast screening programme, I'm sure they're double checked by a senior radiologist and definitely if in doubt by a consultant radiologist. So if you're paying privately make sure the films are being double checked.

[CLKD]

Probably paying privately the Consultant would do the screening?   Certainly one did my ultra sound.

[Jules]

Probably paying privately the Consultant would do the screening?   Certainly one did my ultra sound.

Yes but it's the double checking I find reassuring. After my recent experience I want everything double checking. Of all the delay and shambles in the NHS,  I've found breast care services in my area the most efficient and competent.

[SaraC2773]

Hi all,

Just a quick update.

So I saw my GP today ( a new one) and she was lovely,  she agreed with my theory about paying privately to get the results in a day but she also wants to increase my medication slightly as she said I'm on the starting dose so a small increase might help to relieve some of the anxiety.

We had a good conversation and she was really open about the fact she suffers from anxiety and has to take medication to relieve it, she also said she frequently has melt downs and her way of coping is to get in the sea when she's struggling.  Honestly,  it was so nice to have a doctor being open about her struggles.  I said my husband can't cope with my negative thinking and doesn't get my level of anxiety but she said unless you have experienced it,  then it's very difficult to understand how intrusive and impacting anxiety is.

Anyway,  she also did a very thorough breast examine and checked all my lymph nodes under arms and up into neck,  she said everything felt perfectly normal,  no assymetryn and breast tissue felt very soft,  but she ended by saying mammorgram is better than my fingers and aims to catch things early so she would strongly advise to get it done.

I shared my biggest fear about it having spread and being untreatable but she said it would be highly likely I'd be presenting with signifant symptoms by that point.

So I am going to give my tablets a couple of weeks to hopefully kick in then book with spire -  as I have contacted them and they run three clinics every week and there's hardly any wait time.

I'll let you know any updates but just wanted to post as it was so nice to have a caring GP and also one who wasn't afraid to share her own experiences with anxiety.

[CLKD]

Well done!  No one can 'feel' anxiety ........ unless it's been experienced.  I liken it to knowing what it feels like to have a head cold, but am unable to reproduce those actual feelings.  I know that there's a dry, tickly throat; snuffles; ears popping etc. .......

Now don't go sharing your GP practice will you  'cos your GP will be overwhelmed  and do let us know how you get on!

[SaraC2773]

Thanks CLKD 

[Jules]

That's great Sara. I have a GP who shares some stuff about women's health too. It does help. I've had a lot of involvement with breast care services, I am anxious every time I have to go, sometimes it's been to the point Ive made myself ill. Glad everything is ok.